58:12Al-Mujaadila

“When (the following) was revealed: ‘O you who believe! When you consult the Messenger in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation.’ The Prophet said to me: ‘What do you think? A dinar?’ I said: ‘They will not be able to.’ He said: ‘Then half a Dinar?’ I said: ‘They will not be able.’ He said: ‘Then how much?’ I said ‘A barely corn.’ He said: ‘You made it too little.’” He said: “So the Ayah was revealed: ‘Are you afraid of spending in charity before your private consultation?’ He said: “It was about my case for which Allah lightened the burden upon this Ummah.”

Messenger of Allah, which charity is the best? Upon this he said: That you should give charity (in a state when you are) healthy and close-fisted, one haunted by the fear of poverty, hoping to become rich (charity in such a state of health and mind is the best). And you must not defer (charity to such a length) that you are about to die and would he saying: This is for so and so, and this is for so and so. Lo, it has already come into (the possession of so and so).

Messenger of Allah, which charity is the greatest in reward? (The Prophet said): By your father, beware, you should give charity (in a state when you are) healthy and close-fisted, haunted by the fear of poverty, and still hoping to live (as rich). And you must not defer charity (to the time) when you are about to die, and would then say:" This is for so and so, and this for so and so." It has already become the possession of so and so.

"The Messenger of Allah said: "The best kind of charity is that which is given when you are rich, and the upper hand is better than the lower hand, and start with those for whom you are responsible."'

"The Messenger of Allah said: "The best of charity is that which is given when you are self-sufficient, and start with those for whom you are responsible."'