for a voluntary Hajj and the like, while leaving the obligatory matters undone. Such conduct runs counter to the Sacred Law and to sound judgment; it is folly in reason and deviation in religion.

A Muslim must therefore begin with whatever duties are strictly binding upon him, and only thereafter pursue voluntary acts—provided he is neither wasteful nor tight-fisted, lest he stray from the path of moderation. Concerning the servants of the Most Merciful, Allah says: “And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but keep to a balanced way between the two” (Q 25:67).

That is, they practice neither parsimony nor excess, but true balance. The verse does not merely say “between the two,” but rather “between the two, a balanced course,” for at times the better course may be to give more, to give less, or to remain precisely in the middle.

In short, all of these ahadith show that a person is obliged to support those whose maintenance rests upon him, and that spending on them is better than giving to others.

These reports also contain a stern warning for anyone who neglects the sustenance of those under his control, whether human or animal. A man may own slaves, or livestock such as camels, cattle, or sheep; he is sinful if he deprives any of them—human or otherwise—of the food they require. The Prophet said, “It is enough sin for a person that he withholds sustenance from those he controls.” In another wording, found outside Sahih Muslim: “It is enough sin for a person to neglect those he is bound to feed.” This makes clear the obligation to care for everyone whom Allah has charged you to support.