Becoming generous means adopting the attributes of God

«السَّخَاءُ مَا کَانَ ابْتِدَاءً؛ [فَإِذَا] فَأَمَّا مَا کَانَ عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ، فَحَیَاءٌ وَ تَذَمُّمٌ.»

"Generosity is to give without being asked. But what is given upon request is either due to shame or to avoid blame." (Wisdom no. 53)

Explanation:

Truly, what a beautiful definition of generosity Imam Ali, peace be upon him, has provided.

Without this definition, many of us might consider ourselves to be among the generous. While at times, we give, out of embarrassment or a sense of shame toward someone who has asked for our help, or because others may be observing the situation, we fear that our indifference toward that poor person might subject us to criticism or accusations. Therefore, we give.

In reality, becoming generous means adopting the attributes of God. In the supplication of the month of Rajab, we address God, saying:

«یا مَنْ یُعْطی مَنْ لَمْ یَسْئَلْهُ‌ ومَنْ لَمْ یَعْرِفْهُ تَحَنُّناً مِنْهُ وَرَحْمَة.»

"O One who gives to those who neither ask You nor know You, out of compassion and mercy."

The value and status of generosity are so high that a sinful yet generous individual is dearer to God than a miserly worshipper. As Imam al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, says:

«شَابٌّ سَخِیٌّ مُرَهَّقٌ فِی اَلذُّنُوبِ أَحَبُّ إِلَی اَللَّهِ مِنْ شَیْخٍ عَابِدٍ بَخِیلٍ.»

"A young sinner who is generous is more beloved to God than an old worshipper who is miserly." (Osul al-Kafi, v. 4, p. 41)

(It should be noted, however, that such narrations are meant to compare two states and highlight the immense value of one quality in the sight of God, rather than to provide unconditional endorsement of one side.)

Imam al-Kadhim, peace be upon him, warns those who lack the spirit of generosity with a serious caution:

«إِیَّاکَ أَنْ تَمْنَعَ فِی طَاعَةِ اَللَّهِ فَتُنْفِقُ مِثْلَیْهِ فِی مَعْصِیَةِ اَللَّهِ.»

"Do not withhold spending in the way of God, for you will inevitably spend twice as much in disobedience to God." (Tuhaf al-Oqul, v. 1, p. 408)

Thus, if someone is stingy in the path of God, according to divine Sunnah (rule) , they will end up spending doubly in the path of disobedience to God — which is total loss.

Finally, there is a very subtle and thought-provoking point regarding generosity and giving, which Imam Ali, peace be upon him, highlights. This point reshapes our understanding of provision (rizq). He states:

«لَمْ یُرْزَقِ اَلْمَالَ مَنْ لَمْ یُنْفِقْهُ.»

"Whoever does not spend their wealth, that wealth was not (truly) their provision; (rather, it becomes a burden upon them.)" (Ghurar al-Hikam, v. 1, p. 563)

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The International Service of "Hawzah News Agency"