from His servants and receives their charities.” The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire, and envy consumes good deeds as fire consumes firewood.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said:

“A man’s failings concerning his family, wealth, and children are expiated by prayer, fasting, charity, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong.”

Kaʿb ibn Mālik said, “Part of my repentance is to give up my wealth in charity.” The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, replied, “Keep some of your wealth; that is better for you.”

However, he may not be compelled to give charity, nor is he obliged to give away his clothing or anything else. Nor may anyone demand his repentance with the intention of appropriating his wealth, especially if he is subjected to undue pressure and accused of a sin he has not committed. This would remain lying, injustice, and the wrongful consumption of wealth.

The charity he gives need not be spent on food for them to eat. Rather, the choice is his to direct it wherever it will be most beneficial and most in keeping with obedience to Allah and His Messenger. What should be done is to identify the person most deserving of that charity and give it to him. As for making the preparation of food and the hosting of a meal part of repentance, this is an innovation. People continually repented during the time of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his Companions without this innovation.