The Generosity of Prophet Muhammad

As the final messenger, the Prophet possessed qualities that his followers should emulate. Among his many virtues were generosity and kindness.

It is narrated from Jabir bin Abdullah that the Prophet was never asked for something by anyone and replied no (HR Muslim).

Ibnul Jauzi stated in Al-Wafa, The Perfection of the Prophet Muhammad’s Character, that several examples of the Prophet’s generosity and kindness are recorded in a number of hadiths. First, from Ibn Abbas, who said, ‘The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people. His generosity was especially evident during the month of Ramadan, when he met the angel Gabriel. Every night during Ramadan, he met the angel Gabriel to recite the Quran before him. Truly, the kindness of the Messenger of Allah was more pleasant to experience than a gentle breeze,’ (HR Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad).

In another narration by Muslim, Anas recounted, ‘The Messenger of Allah was never asked for something for the sake of Islam except that he gave it. On one occasion, a man came begging to the Prophet. He instructed his companions to give the man a large amount of wealth from the zakat fund. Carrying that wealth, the man then returned to his people. He said, O my people, embrace Islam! Muhammad has given abundant wealth, a gift given by one who does not fear poverty.’

Jubair bin Muth’im recounted that when the Messenger of Allah was returning with his soldiers from the Battle of Hunain, they were wearing head coverings. Suddenly, Bedouin Arabs crowded around him asking for things until he was pulled aside towards a Samurah tree. The tree immediately snatched his shawl.

Seeing this, the Messenger of Allah stopped for a moment and said, ‘Return my shawl! Do you fear that I would be miserly towards you? If I possessed abundant gold and jewels, I would certainly distribute them to you, for I am not miserly, a liar, or a coward,’ (HR Bukhari and Ahmad).