All perfect praise be to Allah; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad.
Many narrations were reported after the Prophet(PBUH) in this regard. Some of these were reported in the book entitled [Sho`ab Al-Eemaan] by Al-Baihakhi who stated that the Prophet (PBUH) said {what means}: “ Give voluntary charity so as to be favored with Allah`s provisions. “ He added in another narration {what means}: “ Voluntary charity wards off affliction. “ Moreover, many sound narrations on the virtue of giving charity have been reported.
In addition, the general rules of Sharia encourage giving voluntary charity, and show its great reward in the Hereafter as well as worldly life, such as being a factor in recovering diseases and warding off affliction as stated in the above narration, and there is no harm in associating this voluntary charity with the aforesaid intentions.
Al-Imam Al-Menawi elaborated on the Hadith: { Treat your patients with charity } by saying: “ Medicine is of two types: physical and spiritual. The Prophet (PBUH) has referred to the first type above, and has referred to the second type by recommending treating patients with charity. However, he has pointed out that affliction isn`t only warded off by charity, but also by helping people in distress. In fact, this has been tried by some of the righteous people who found that spiritual therapy could do what medications couldn`t. “ {Faid Al-Khadeer3/515}.
Accordingly, there is no harm in giving charity for a worldly benefit, but it is recommended that a Muslim seeks his reward in the Hereafter. Allah says: {what means} “Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.” {Al-A`la/17}. Therefore, he/she should give the charity and entrust Almighty Allah with the reward. And Allah knows best.
