was so passionate about giving charity, that at times he رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ would sacrifice his own requirements for his Muslim brothers. Let’s listen to an account of Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ and his charitable giving.

Matchless generosity

A man once presented himself in the court of Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ and began to complain of his destitution and poverty. Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ said to him: Sit down for a little while; we will receive our allowance soon. As soon as the allowance arrives, we will send you on your way. A short time had passed, when Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah        رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ sent five bags containing one thousand dinars (i.e. gold coins) each. The envoy said: Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ sends his apologies for sending such a small amount of money, please accept it and distribute it amongst the needy. Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ gave all of that money away to that poor man and apologised to the man for the delay. (Kashf-ul-Mahjoob, p. 77)

O devotees of Imam Husayn! We learn two things from the aforementioned account:

   ۔1First of all, we learn that Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was habitual in giving charity and in aiding the destitute, the needy, and the underprivileged. Just as we heard, he رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ immediately gave all of the money to that poor and needy man. But sadly, today we are stingy and negligent in the matter of charity; if a needy person does come to us, we complain of our lack of income and livelihood and we avoid helping them by making up a lie. Even if we do help someone, we end up falling into the love of fame and showing off by taking photos and uploading them onto social media, with the desire that people will praise us.

Remember! Although giving charity does result in an apparent decrease in a person’s wealth, the reality is that it is blessings upon blessings:

Giving charity does not decrease one’s wealth