intention and, the reward of them both (this person and the person mentioned first) is equal.

3.   A person blessed with wealth but not knowledge. He resultantly spends his money without thinking, and does not fear his Lord, does not treat his relatives well, nor recognise the rights of Allah regarding it. This person is of the lowliest category.

4.   A person not blessed with wealth or knowledge. Such a person says, “If I had wealth, I would spend it like so-and-so (like the third person).”  He will attain return for his intention and the sin of them both (the third and the fourth person) is equal.^[1]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب             صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! As you have just heard, those who spend from their wealth in the way of Allah, and those who desire to do so despite not having financial capacity, are both considered people of the highest calibre by the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم himself.

May we also be included amongst those fortunate people who follow in the footsteps of our pious predecessors and give charity with great enthusiasm.

Our pious predecessors used to have deep-rooted passion for giving charity. If a needy person came to them, they would not let them leave until they had been given something. Absolutely nobody would leave their company empty handed. This passion for charity was so profound that on many occasions, they themselves had nothing left in their possession. Everything they owned would be given away. Their belief and trust in Allah had reached such a level of perfection that they would even give away necessary items of daily life, let alone anything extra. Let