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(I begin) In the Name of Allah, the All-Kind (or All-Beneficent), the All-Merciful (or All-Compassionate)
Imam (as) in this saying, points to a subtle and instructive reality:
السَّخَاءُ مَا كَانَ ابْتِدَاءً، فَأَمَّا مَا كَانَ عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ فَحَيَاءٌ وَتَذَمُّمٌ
“True generosity is spontaneous. Giving when solicited is merely to avoid shame and blame.”
What Is True Generosity?
True Generosity (sakhāwah) is described as an inner state and a noble virtue that inspires a person to give of their wealth, when they sense a need of a person, without any expectation of return.
It is when a person, upon realizing the need of an honourable and discreet individual, quietly takes steps to alleviate the hardship without making them ask.
The Qur’an exalts the noble character of those who maintain their dignity, even when they themselves are in need. But even more elevated is the quality of those whose hearts are so attuned that they sense the unspoken needs of others and extend help without waiting to be asked:
يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُمْ بِسِيمَاهُمْ لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا ۗ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ {273}
“...The unaware suppose them to be well-off because of their reserve. You recognize them by their mark; they do not ask the people importunately. And whatever wealth you may spend, Allah indeed knows it. (Surah al-Baqarah 2:273)
What About Giving After Being Asked?
While this is commendable too, there is a difference. According to this principle of Saying 53, when a person makes a request and thereby places their own dignity at stake, the giver is, in effect, offering something in return for that person's honour. Furthermore, when giving occurs only after a request, the motive may simply be to avoid criticism, either from the asker or from others who witness the situation. Thus, the gift may become a way to protect one’s reputation and cannot be considered unconditional. That said, giving in response to a request remains praiseworthy, but giving without being asked belongs to an entirely higher realm of virtue.
A Story of Prophetic Insight
We conclude with a powerful narration from Kitab al-Kafi, recorded from Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام):
A group of people from Yemen came to visit the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله). Among them was a man who spoke to the Prophet in a harsh and disrespectful manner, to the point that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله) became visibly upset. His forehead beaded with sweat from anger, his face changed, and he averted his gaze.
At that very moment, Jibra’il (the angel Gabriel) descended and said:
“Your Lord sends His peace upon you and says: This man is generous; he constantly feeds others.”
The Prophet’s anger immediately subsided. He lifted his head and said:
“If Jibra’il had not informed me from Allah, the Exalted, that you are a generous man who continuously provides food, I would have expelled you so that you would become a lesson for others.”
The man then asked: “Does your Lord love generosity?”
The Prophet replied: “Yes.”
Hearing this, the man declared his faith:
He recited the shahādatayn (testimony of faith), became Muslim, and added: “By the Lord who has sent you with truth, I have never withheld my wealth from anyone.”
Final Reflection
True generosity flows quietly and freely. It does not wait for a request or seek praise in return. It mirrors the Divine attribute of giving without limit and without expectation.
As we reflect on this wisdom of Imam Ali (عليه السلام), may we be inspired to cultivate such a spirit - giving from the heart, being alert to a need without being asked, and without needing to be seen. Ameen