Though hoarding of wealth is one of the exhibitions of world worship but Qura’n describes it specifically as one of the causes for burning in Hell. In verses 34 and 35 of Surah Tauba the Book says:

“Announce a painful torment for those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend them in the way of God. 35. The fire of Hell will be heated on that Day and their foreheads, flanks and backs will be branded with it. “This is the treasure that you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste what you hoarded.” (1)

There are many points in this verse which will be discussed in the proper place but we would like to draw your attention to two points:

Firstly, gathering or hoarding money to this extent is called “Kanz” and this issue has been the center of debates among the commentators for a long time. They have accepted quite a few points found in the books of the Shias and Sunnis and one is that the wealth for which Zakat has been given cannot be considered as “ Kanz”.(2)

It is possible that in extra-ordinary circumstances when it is decided that the protection of the Islamic society demands it then the government can limit the savings and hoardings of wealth ( This is found in a hadith from Hazrat Ali) and it is also possible that in special circumstances the government may announce that all hoarded wealth should be spent for the defense or protection of the Islamic country ( As has been said about the decree that the Mahdi will issue) but none of these is a must. The real law about the hoarding of wealth has been defined above.

 Secondly why does the Qura’n say that their foreheads, flanks and backs will be branded? This may be because of the way they tread the destitute and needy people. Their foreheads used to wrinkle at their sight and then they tried to neglect them by turning their faces away so their foreheads, flanks and backs will be branded they way the ignored and insulted the needy.

1. This meaning can be found in verses 2 to 6 of Surah Hamza, verses 2 and 3 of Surah Masad and verses 28 to 31 of Surah Haqqah.

2. For more details see Tafsir Namuna verse 35 of Surah Tauba.