Q 1: What is the meaning of the following Hadith which was reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): Charity extinguishes the wrath of Allah and saves from an evil death. ? Who narrated this Hadith? Is it Sahih (authentic) or not? Would you please explain it? What is meant by an "evil death"? Is the person who neglects offering Salah included in this or is his sin much greater? A: Sadaqah (voluntary charity), which is given for the Sake of Allah, is a reason for His becoming pleased with His slave. Since pleasure is the opposite of anger, then Sadaqah extinguishes the Wrath of Allah, (Part No. 3; Page No. 231

A: Sadaqah (voluntary charity), which is given for the Sake of Allah, is a reason for His becoming pleased with His slave. Since pleasure is the opposite of anger, then Sadaqah extinguishes the Wrath of Allah, (Part No. 3; Page No. 231) like water puts out fire."Evil death" means to die while disobeying Allah, Allah forbid! This is because an "Evil death" is a punishment from Allah and shows His Anger. Therefore, if those who neglect offering Salah (Prayer) do not repent, they will be included in this threat. According to the soundest of the two opinions of scholars, anyone who abandons Salah is a Kafir (disbeliever). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Verily, between a person and Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and Kufr (disbelief) is the negligence of Salah. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih) He (peace be upon him) also said: The covenant that distinguishes between us and them (the disbelievers) is Salah. Anyone who abandons it is a Kafir (disbeliever). (Related by Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y and Ibn Majah with a Sahih [authentic] Isnad) A person can ward off an evil death by paying Sadaqah out of lawful means sincerely for Allah's Sake, performing the obligatory acts, and avoiding the prohibitions. These will only be fulfilled by the Guidance of Allah to the person to follow the right path and obey Him until he meets Allah while He is pleased with him, In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). Sadaqah removes affliction as it expiates the sins that incurs Allah's Anger and Punishment.As for the Hadith that is mentioned in the question, it is recorded by Al-Tirmidhy in Al-Jami` Al-Sahih, vol. 3, p. 52, Hadith no. 664, Kitab Al-Zakah (Book of Zakah) with the wording: Charity extinguishes the Wrath of Allah and saves from an evil death. Al-Tirmidhy ranked this Hadith as Hasan Gharib (a good Hadith that is strange to come from this chain of narration). (Part No. 3; Page No. 232) It is recorded by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, vol. 8, p. 104, Hadith no. 3309. It is also recorded by Al-Tabarany in Al-Mu`jam Al-Kabir, Hadith no. 8014 and 1018. He classified the Isnad (chain of narrators) as good. He also recorded it in Al-Mu`jam Al-Awsat nos. 943 and 3450 and in Al-Mu`jam Al-Saghir, vol. 1, p. 255. Al-Baghawy stated this Hadith in Sharh Al-Sunnah, vol. 5, p. 133, Hadith no. 1634. Al-Haythamy also recorded it in Majma` Al-Zawa'id, vol. 3, p. 115. He classified the Isnad (chain of narrators) as good. Al-Mundhiry, examining its chain of narrators, said in Al-Targhib wa Al-Tarhib, vol. 2, p. 31, on the authority of Mu`awiyah ibn Haydah and said that its chain includes Sadaqah ibn `Abdullah Al-Samin who is acceptable in the supporting reports. It is recorded by Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak and by Ibn Abu Al-Dunya in Qada' Al-Hawa'ij.This Hadith was narrated in different ways with the same wording either in full or in brief from `Abdullah ibn Ja`far, Abu Sa`id Al-Khudry, `Abdullah ibn `Abbas, `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud, Abu Umamah, Anas ibn Malik, and Mu`awiyah ibn Haydah. According to the analysts of Hadith, some of these narrations are not free from weakness. However, the report has various supporting reports that strengthen and affirm its reliability, so it is at least a Hasan Hadith (good Hadith).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.