4. One day, Imam Shaafi’i رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه came out of the bathroom. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه had a lot of wealth. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه gave the entire wealth to the bath keeper. (Ar-Rauz-ul-Faiq wa-Zikr-us-Saaliheen, pp. 208)

Dear Islamic sisters! Generosity and miserliness (stinginess) are both opposite to each other. The literal meaning of miserliness is to be stingy. Moreover, not spending wealth where it is mandatory is called miserliness. (Al-Hadiqah-tun-Nadiyah, vol. 2, pp. 27)

Whereas Hujjat-ul-Islam, Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه mentions the definition of generosity in Ihya-ul-Uloom in the following words: ‘The path between extravagance (overspending) and miserliness, and affluence and poverty is referred to as generosity.’ (Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 780)

Definition of generous and miser [stingy]

Hakeem-ul-Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه states that generally in Arabic proverb, Sakhi [generous] refers to the one who himself eats and feeds others. Jawwaad [superior category of sakhi] refers to the one who feeds others and does not eat himself. That’s why, Allah Almighty is not referred to as Sakhi (rather, He عَزَّوَجَلَّ will be called Jawwaad). (Miraat-ul-Manajeeh, vol. 1, pp. 221)

Dear Islamic sisters, miserliness and generosity both are related to wealth, one is very bad while the other one is a very good attribute.

There is no doubt in the fact that wealth has not stayed and nor will it remain with anyone forever. Therefore, if Allah Almighty has blessed any fortunate person with this blessing, then she should appreciate it and refrain from being ungrateful in this regard. One shall not gather the perishable wealth more than her need. Rather, she should spend it every now and then in the path of Allah Almighty and adorn herself with the beautiful trait of generosity. Remember! The one who adopts miserliness instead of generosity does not attain the satisfaction and peace of heart. Such a person does not treat relatives nicely. She considers spending on noble causes to be extravagance (overspending). Even if she does take part (financially) in any