The excellence of generosity

Generosity is a virtuous trait that every Muslim should strive to
attain. As for the believer who closely adheres to the teachings of
Islam, kindness and giving from what he has become part ofhis good
character.
Generosity is the opposite of stinginess, as stinginess is a disease
of the heart. The Muslim should avoid this bad quality, for it is a
source of corruption. The Muslim's faith and righteous deeds purify
his heart, so his hands should be outstretched, giving to those who
are in need.
A generous man will share what he has with others, thinking about
other people as he thinks of himself. He benefits by helping others
and solving their problems. He makes people happy and prevents them
from doing wrong, which is often a direct result of poverty. This is a
great service to society, and thereare some people who spend theirlife
in this service, establishing valuable foundations which remain after
them such as hospitals, libraries etc.
Whatever is given for Allaah's Sake will never decrease one's wealth
in the slightest; rather, it will bless, purify and increase it, as
the Prophet said: "Charity does not decrease wealth." [Muslim]
Whatever is given in charity will be recorded with The One Who has
full knowledge of all things. Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means):
"...And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you,
and you will not bewronged.'' [Quran 2: 272]
The Prophet directed the Muslims' attention to this higher
understanding of generosity when he asked 'Aaishah what was left of
the sheep they had slaughtered. She told him : 'Nothing but the
shoulder." He said, 'Everything except the shoulder is saved' ."
[At-Tirmithi]
Whatever is spent will return multiplied and Allaah will increase it
in this world and in the next. Allaah Says (what means): "The example
of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allaah is like a seed
[of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred
grains. And Allaah multiplies [His reward]for whom He wills. And
Allaah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." [Quran 2: 261]
And (what means): "… But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] – He
will compensate it; and He is the best of providers." [Quran 34: 39]
Since noble characteristics are acquired in different ways, the Muslim
works to develop virtuoustraits according to Islamic guidelines.
Allaah Says (what means): " And spend [in the way of Allaah] from what
We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says,
'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give
charity and be amongthe righteous.' " [Quran 63: 10]
Generosity is not expressed exclusively with wealth and money, but
also with our time, good deeds, actions and kindnessto all people.
Allaah Says (what means): " Never will you attain the good [reward]
until you spend [in the way of Allaah] from that which you love.. ."
[Quran 3: 92]
Allaah, Almighty Says (what means): " Indeed, mankind was created
anxious : w hen evil touches him, impatient, a nd when good touches
him, withholding [of it]..." [Quran 70: 19-21]
The Messenger of Allaah said: "Protect yourself from the Hell-fire
even by giving a piece of a date as charity.'' [Al-Bukhaari and
Muslim]
This narration shows that a person can be generous and win the
pleasure of Allaah even by spending a small quantity of wealth.
Jaabir reported that the Messenger of Allaah never said `no' to anyone
who asked him for something. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
This narration illustrates the generosity of the Prophet . If somebody
asked him for something, he would never say `no' to him. He would
also, on occasions, resort to borrowing to meet the want of a needy
person.
The Prophet said: "Everyday two angels descend and one of them says,
`O Allaah! Compensate(more) to the person who gives (in charity)';
while the other one says, `O Allaah! Destroy the one who withholds
(charity, etc).' " [Al-Bukhaari]
The Prophet also said: "Allaah,the Exalted, Says, `Spend, O son
ofAadam, you will also be spent upon.'' [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
According to the narration, one who spends in the way of Allaah, will
be duly paid. It means that Allaah will enhance the provision of such
a man and grant him the best recompense.
In another narration, the Prophet said: "There are forty kinds of
virtue, the highest of which is to gift a (milch) she-goat. He who
practices any of these virtues, expecting its reward (from Allaah) and
believing in the truth of the promise made for it, will enter Jannah
(Paradise).'' [Al-Bukhaari]
A person giving charity should not render it vain by reminders ofhis
generosity or by injury. The giver should be cheerful when asked and
when giving. He should spend without being stingy or irresponsible.
Whether giving in abundance from his riches, or a small amount of his
meager means, one should give with complete satisfaction, a cheerful
face and nice speech.
The Muslim who truly understands the teachings of his religion never
looks down upon any charity, no matter how small it may be. He strives
to do as much as he is able, while he is firm in his conviction that
Allaah will reward his good deeds, no matter how small, as Allaah Says
(what means): "On no soul does Allaah place a burden greater that it
can bear …" [Quran 2: 286]
He also responds to the words of the Prophet : "Protect yourselves
from the Fire even if it is with half a date." [Al-Bukhaari]
Islam teaches the Muslims to be constructive, beneficial members of
their societies; always helping those who are deprived and destitute
to the best of their abilities. Every good deed is described as an act
of charity, as the Prophet said: "Every Muslim must give charity."
They said, "O Messenger of Allaah, what if he cannot do that?" He,
said, "Then let him help one who is in desperate need." He, said, "
Then let him do good, and refrain from doing evil, and that will be an
act of charity on his part." [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]