The Peak of the Prophet's Generosity: Feeling Ashamed for Being Unable to Give

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a perfect role model, exemplifying many noble traits, including generosity. The Prophet possessed a giving nature. One day, a woman came to present him with a garment. “O Messenger of Allah, I wish to give you this garment,” the woman said. The Prophet accepted the gift. On that day, he was indeed in need of clothing, and he wore the gift from the woman. Some time later, one of his companions arrived. This man noticed that the Prophet had just received a gift. “O Messenger of Allah, how fine this garment is. Would you be willing to give it to me?” “Yes,” replied the Prophet, who immediately gave the garment to him. After the Prophet left, the other companions admonished the man who had asked for the garment. “You knew that the Messenger of Allah needed it. Do you not know that he would never refuse someone who asks him for something?” In another story narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet’s generous nature is further revealed. He was never reluctant to give, even when he was in very limited circumstances. Once, the Prophet was sitting near his house when a small child came to him. “O Messenger of Allah, my mother begs you to give her a robe,” the child said. “Wait until such an item is available, then you may come again,” the Prophet replied. The child returned home and conveyed the Prophet’s message to his mother. “Go back to the Messenger of Allah. Tell him that mother is asking for the robe he is currently wearing,” the mother instructed. So the child came back to the Prophet and delivered his mother’s message. Upon hearing this, the Prophet went into his house, took off the robe he was wearing, and gave it away.