Section on Sincerity and Correctness
The Rank of Sincerity in Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

Section—Every good deed must fulfil two conditions: first, that it be done solely for the sake of Allah’s Face, and second, that it conform to the Sacred Law. This applies to words and deeds alike—whether wholesome speech or righteous action, whether matters of knowledge or acts of worship.

For this reason it is authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ:

“The first three for whom Hell-fire will be ignited are: a man who learned knowledge, taught it, and recited the Quran and taught it so that people would say, ‘He is a scholar and a reciter’; a man who fought and strove so that people would say, ‘He is brave and daring’; and a man who gave charity so that people would say, ‘He is generous and open-handed.’”

These three, who sought ostentation and reputation, stand opposite the three highest ranks after the prophets—namely, the ever-truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. Whoever learns the knowledge with which Allah sent His messengers and teaches it purely for Allah’s sake is an ever-truthful one. Whoever fights so that the word of Allah may be supreme and is killed is a martyr. Whoever gives charity seeking thereby the Face of Allah is righteous.

Accordingly, the one who squandered his wealth will ask to return at the moment of death, as Ibn ʿAbbas said: “Whoever is granted wealth yet neither performs Hajj with it nor pays zakah will ask to be returned when death arrives.” He then recited Allah’s words:

“Spend from what We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, why did You not grant me respite for a short while, so that I might give charity and be among the righteous?’” ⦗Al-Munafiqun:10⦘

(Surah Al-Munafiqun: Ayah 15) . .