The Holy Quraan states: “…. they give preference to others above themselves, even though they were in poverty, and those that are saved from the stinginess of themselves, they are successful.” (59:09)
The possessions of a person are granted to him by Allaah as a test. while he has the right to enjoy these blessings he has to also share his belongings with those who are not as fortunate as him.
When a Muslim sees another person who is suffering he shares the pain of that person and opens his heart by generously sharing his possessions. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,” The entire creation is the family of Allaah and the most beloved of creation to Allaah are those who do good to his (Allaah’s) family.
A Story of A Sahabi رضی اللہ عنہ
A sahabi رضی اللہ عنہ came to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and complained of hunger and distress. Just then Prophet ﷺ had nothing in hand, or in his home to feed him. He asked the sahabah رضی اللہ عنہ would anybody entertain him as a guest tonight on my behalf? One of the Ansaar said: O Prophet of Allaah, I will do that.’ The Ansari took the person to his house and instructed his wife: ‘Look here, this man is a guest of Rasoolullah ﷺ. We will entertain him as best as we can, and won’t spare anything in doing so.’ The wife replied:’ By Allaah! I have got no food in the house, except a very little- something just enough for the children. The Ansari said:’ You lull the children to sleep without feeding them while I sit with the guest over the meager meal. When we start eating, put out the lamp pretending to set it right so that the guest may not become aware of my not sharing the meal with him.’
The scheme worked well, and the whole family, including the children, stayed hungry to enable the guest to eat to his fill. It was over this incident that Allaah revealed the verse:
“They prefer others above themselves, even though poverty become their lot.