Generosity

Among the many good qualities of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, is generosity. Being the most generous man to ever walk this earth, has potrayed how the standards of morals and virtues that we muslims should follow.

We should understand that everything we possess in this world is not ours. Everything belongs and originates from Allah. Our worldly possessions are merely just a loan from Him. With that, it only makes sense that whatever is given from Allah, is to be shared with others. My mother used to remind me in malay, “Apa yang kita dapat bukan semuanya untuk kita.” Which basically means, whatever we recieve, is not all for ourselves. For whatever bounties Allah has granted you, comes along with the test or opportunity for you to be generous.

When we talk about generosity, the first thing that comes to most of our minds, especially in our economical era, is wealth. Now is it wrong if I tell you I want to be very rich? Many would say to me to stop chasing too much of the dunya and some would remind me that I can’t bring all those money into my grave. MasyaAllah, they do have a point. However many people fail to see that dunya can be an investment for the akhirah, with the sincere right niat in the path of Allah.

I would suggest, my fellow muslims, be rich and provide. So that the poor can eat. The homeless can sleep. The orphans can smile. So that at least there is a muslim holding on to the economy for goodness. For the ummah. Just like how rich sahabah’s such as Khadijah, Abu bakr, Umar, Uthman and the others (R.A) supported the ummah economically.

Adding on, its amazing how Allah ordained us muslims to perform zakat. It is as if of an obligatory charity designed by God to provide for the needy. He expects us to share generously.

Dont worry, whatever is given for Allah’s sake will never decrease one’s wealth but rather, it will be blessed or even increased, as the Prophet S.A.W said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Muslim]

“And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.” (Quran 2:272)

Not only that but we can find in the Quran, Allah will replace whatever that is given away generously with the sincere intention on gaining His pleasure, as Allah knows what is in the hearts of men. He knows what we desire and what we want, and has the power to provide you with your wishes InshaaAllah.

“Truly, my Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and also restricts it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in God’s Cause), He will replace it.  And He is the Best of providers.” (Quran 34:39)

So as I have similarly said above, generosity can be viewed not only as an investment for the future, but as for the akhirah as well. I mean its like building your pavement to paradise with every generous act, for each act comes with great reward. However, the hardest part of generosity, yet also, the most rewardful act of generosity, is being able to give freely the things we need and love most. This is where our sincerity is tested. May Allah make us sincere generous people.

Last but not least, regardless of how small it is, never look down upon any charity. It isn’t only wealth but generosity can be expressed in many other forms such as simple acts of good deeds and kindness. Strive for your best as much as you can and be firm that Allah will reward you for your charity. It can be as simple as a smile 🙂