Is it permissible to temporarily reduce the amount of charity to accumulate money with the intention of marriage, and is hoarding money for this purpose permissible?
It is permissible to decrease or increase voluntary charity (sadaqah at-tatawwu'). However, it is advisable not to decrease it, because the most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are continuous, and because charity does not diminish wealth; it might even avert affliction. As for giving charity to one poor person or more, it varies according to what is beneficial, and both are permissible. Saving money with the intention of marriage is permissible, provided its Zakat is paid if it reaches the nisab (minimum threshold). Any wealth upon which Zakat is paid is not considered a hidden treasure (kanz). Spending money on oneself for the sake of self-sufficiency (istʿfāf) is a charity that takes precedence over giving charity to others. Zakat on this money must be paid at the end of each lunar year if it reaches the nisab.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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