Question Summary:
(1) Authenticity of a historical fact in the era of ‘Umar ‘Abdul ‘Azīz. (2) Sunnah method of spending.

Question Detail:

 
Q1. i heard that,thier was a time in the era of umar ibn abd al azeez, people were rich and no one was eligible to recieve zakat fund.if its correct how did it happen?
Q2. i would like to know what is the shariah ruling or sunnath of spending ones income.can i spend as i like or is their is any proposion to be spent for personal purpose,to the family, to the ummath and so on...

Answer :

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
1. Yes, ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Azīz (rahimahullah) had established society so well that it was difficult for one to locate a poor person to whom one’s wealth could be given. This was done so by enforcing justice and ensuring that an individual was given his/her right.[1]
2. Shar‘īah advises that a person spend his wealth in the following order:
Compulsory (Fardh) spending – Maintaining one’s wife and dependents, performing Hajj and discharging Zakat.
Obligatory (Wājib) spending - Sadaqatul Fitr.
Voluntary (Mustahab) spending – Contributing to the poor and needy, social welfare, etc.
Permissible (Mubāh) spending – Enjoying the bounties of Allāh Ta‘āla. However, the underlying principle is to ensure that one is not extravagant and wasteful. Consider the following verse:
 ولا تسرفوا إنه لا يحب المسرفين
Translation:  And do not be extravagant. Surely, He does not like the extravagant. (7:31)
Lastly, one should always ensure that wealth is not spent in avenues which are harām and impermissible such as interest, purchasing of harām, gambling, etc.
And Allah Ta‘āla Knows Best
Fahad Abdul Wahab
Student Darul Iftaa
USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai                                                                                                                                                                                                                
www.Daruliftaa.net