In Islamic finance, prioritizing between paying off debt and giving to charity involves balancing financial responsibilities with charitable intentions. Here’s a guideline to help in making this decision:

1. Debt Repayment: Islam places a strong emphasis on fulfilling financial obligations and repaying debts. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of clearing one’s debts, as unpaid debt can lead to serious consequences in both this life and the Hereafter. Therefore, paying off debt should generally be prioritized.
2. Charity: Charity (sadaqah) is highly valued in Islam and is encouraged to be given regularly. However, charity should not come at the expense of failing to meet essential financial obligations.
3. Guiding Factors:
   • Urgency and Amount of Debt: If the debt is significant and immediate (e.g., impacting basic needs or leading to severe consequences), it should take precedence.
   • Debt Type: Consider the nature of the debt. For instance, debts involving interest (riba) are particularly problematic and should be prioritized for repayment if possible.
   • Charity Needs: Evaluate the urgency and impact of the charitable cause. If it’s a situation where immediate assistance is crucial, weigh this against your debt obligations.
4. Financial Stability: Ensure that by paying off debt, you don’t compromise your own financial stability or the well-being of your dependents.

In summary, while both debt repayment and charity are important, fulfilling financial obligations generally takes precedence over voluntary charity. Strive to balance both by ensuring debts are managed responsibly while also contributing to charity within your means.