Which is superior: secret charity or public charity?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Secret charity is superior to public charity. This is based on the saying of Allah the Exalted: "If you disclose your charitable effects, then how excellent it is; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and will expiate for you some of your misdeeds." (Quran 2:271). Additionally, a narration mentions that seven types of people will be shaded by Allah under His Throne on the Day when there is no shade except His shade, among whom is a man who gave charity and concealed it so much that his left hand did not know what his right hand spent. This is agreed upon.
Supporting text
It is also narrated that secret charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord.