Generosity, the trait of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and more generous in Ramadan than wind sent forth. What sets generosity apart from giving.
Outline
- 1
More than rules require
Zakat is the floor. Generosity is what stands above it. The Prophet ﷺ never said no to anyone who asked him for anything (Bukhari 6034). When he had nothing, he promised it from the next reaping.
- 2
Generosity does not reduce wealth
The Prophet ﷺ said: sadaqah does not decrease wealth (Muslim 2588). Numerically perhaps, but in barakah it grows. The accountants do not see it; the generous do.
- 3
Quiet giving
Allah says: if you give charity openly, it is good. If you hide it and give it to the poor, that is better for you (Baqarah 2:271). The left hand should not know what the right gives (Bukhari 660).
Closing line
Identify one person you can give to this week without anyone else knowing. Do it before Jumu'ah next.
Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ called a man's long prayer and short khutbah a sign of his understanding (Sahih Muslim 869). Aim for fifteen to twenty minutes. Two sections separated by a brief sitting is the Sunnah pattern.