Some people from the Ansar asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (to give them something) and he gave to everyone
of them, who asked him, until all that he had was finished. When everything was finished and he had
spent all that was in his hand, he said to them, '"(Know) that if I have any wealth, I will not withhold it
from you (to keep for somebody else); And (know) that he who refrains from begging others (or doing
prohibited deeds), Allah will make him contented and not in need of others; and he who remains
patient, Allah will bestow patience upon him, and he who is satisfied with what he has, Allah will
make him self-sufficient. And there is no gift better and vast (you may be given) than patience."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Sa`id:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrates his generosity when approached by the Ansar, giving to each person until he had nothing left. He then shares profound wisdom about self-sufficiency, patience, and contentment. This highlights the importance of generosity while also teaching that true wealth lies in patience and self-restraint.
Modern Application
This principle is relevant today as it encourages individuals to help others while also fostering a sense of contentment and patience within themselves. It reminds us that true fulfillment often comes from within, rather than from material possessions.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Hospitality in Islam because it illustrates the Prophet's generosity and the importance of caring for others in the community.
If only they had been satisfied with what Allah and His Messenger gave them and said, "Sufficient for us is Allah; Allah will give us of His bounty, and [so will] His Messenger; indeed, we are desirous toward Allah," [it would have been better for them].
Here you are - those invited to spend in the cause of Allah - but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allah is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.
Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted - let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it. Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease.
[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
This hadith is #6231 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Sa`id:.