What is the ruling on giving charity (Sadaqah) generally?

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Giving charity is recommended (*mustahabb*) at all times. This is supported by the statement of Allah the Exalted: "Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan which He will multiply for him manifold?" (Quran 2:245). Furthermore, the command to give charity is mentioned in numerous verses, encouraging and inciting it. Evidence states that whoever gives charity equal to the value of a date from honest earning, Allah only accepts what is good, and Allah accepts it with His right hand, then nurtures it for its giver, just as one of you nurtures his foal, until it becomes like a mountain. This narration is agreed upon (Muttafaqun Alayh).