Providing for the Family to Improve the Quality of Their Lives

“Once a man said to abu Ja’far (a.s.), ‘I have a certain amount of property in the mountains from which I receive three thousand dirham profit every year. I spend two thousand dirham for my family and one thousand dirham for charity every year.’ Abu Ja’far (a.s.), then said, ‘If the two thousand is enough for all of their needs for the year, you have been considerate for yourself, had good opportunity to have the right guidance. You have executed a plan for yourself in your lifetime which is like what one plans in his will.’”

“Abu al-Hassan (a.s.), has said, ‘A man should better the quality of life of his family so that they may not wish for his death.’ He then recited this from the Holy Quran, “They give food, because of their love for Him, to a destitute, orphan and captive.” (76:8) Captive (in this verse) is a reference to one’s family; thus, he should improve the quality of their lives when his financial conditions improve.’ He then said, ‘So and so received favors from Allah, but he held it back from his family and instead kept it with so and so. Allah then took it away from him.’ Mu’ammar has said, ‘So and so was present at that time.’”

“I heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), say, ‘A providing hand is better than an asking hand, and you should begin providing for your family.’”

“Al-Rida (a.s.), has said, ‘A wealthy person should improve the quality of life of his family.’”

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.), would go out early every morning to earn a living. If people asked, ‘Where are you going, O great grandson of the Holy Prophet?’ He replied, ‘I want to give charity to my family.’ People then asked, ‘Is it charity?’ He then replied, ‘One who earns in lawful way; his earnings are Allah’s charity for him.’”