An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
10. Giving For The Cause of God
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accept charity from one whose kinsfolk go in want
because he spends on others instead of on them.”
According to another account, the Prophet said that
God would not look with favour upon such a
person on the Day of Resurrection.
(AL-TABARANI)
A BELIEVER HAD BEST EARN HIS OWN
LIVING
Anas ibn Malik recounts how a Muslim from the
Helpers once came begging to the Prophet. The
latter asked him what possessions he had at
home. “Just a simple sheet in which I wrap
myself and a cup out of which I drink,” replied
the Helper. The Prophet told him to bring the cup
and, when he had done so, the Prophet asked
those present to put a price on it. One person
offered one dirham, then another, raising the
price to two dirhams, bought the cup. The
Prophet gave the Helper the two dirhams, telling
him to spend one on his household, and to buy
an axe blade with the other and to bring it to him.
When he did so, the Prophet himself fitted a
handle to the blade, telling the Helper to go and
