" Generosity of Muhammad SAW":
The Prophet Muhammad SAW was the most generous of the people. He always met the needs of people around him as if he was living for the others. He won most of the hearts with his munificence. If something was demanded from him, he would give it if he had, and if he did not have it he would promise to provide it.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW was the most generous of people, especially in Ramadan. Ibn Abbas said: The prophet Muhammad SAW was the most generous of all the people and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Jibrael met him. All who knew him would describe as exceedingly generous.
Why are Muslims so generous:
Zakat is the obligatory charity that every eligible Muslim must give annually, calculated as a fixed percentage ( usually 2.5%) of their wealth. This act of giving purifies the wealth of the individual, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the kesa fortunate.
Hadith relates to generosity:
Abu Hurarya said: " The Messenger of Allah, May Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked, " which people are the most generous?" He replied the most generous of them in the sight of Allah are those with the most taqwa. They said that is not what we are asking about. He said, the mkay generous of people was.
Kindness of the Prophet Muhammad SAW:
Examples of compassion:
Treated the weak, poor, women, orphans, and animals with care never scolded anyone around him.
Teachings on kindness:
Advocates treating relatives, neighbors and dependents well, emphasizing interdependence in society.
Special care for women:
Condemned mistreatment and emphasized their rights.
Who was famous for his generosity in Islam:
One of the values highly esteemed in Islam is generosity. Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions are exemplars in sharing their fortune with those in need. Among the prophet's companions renowned for his generosity is Abdurrahman bin Auf.
Types of generosity:
Categories of generosity acts: material generosity, generosity of homage, and generosity of the Dharma. 1. This is a description of the three forms of generosity: giving material things, giving the Dharma, and giving protection from fear.
Generosity of Muslims:
Among these, Islam is a shining example of generosity and selfishness. It emphasizes the value of charity as a fundamental pillar of faith. Charity is an integral part of the Islamic faith because it is based on the lessons of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Why is generosity important:
Not only that but generosity is shown to be directly beneficial to our health and to others. From reduced stress to an improved sense of purpose, to even supposedly increasing a person's lifespan, being generous is a highly important quality.
True generosity:
Generosity also involves giving to others not simply anything in abundance but rather giving those things that are good for others. Generosity always intends to enhance the true well-being of those to whom it gives.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW generosity:
No person could ever equal Muhammad SAW in generosity. Whatever he received he gave away to others and felt more pleasure than those who received the gift. He never turned anyone away empty handed from his house and always gave preference to the needy over his own needs. His charity was of various kinds. Sometimes he gave a gift; sometimes he borrowed something and rapid it generosity; sometimes he bought a thing and paid more than the price to the seller, and sometimes he gave charity. He accepted gifts from other people but always gave more gifts in return for them.
Muhammad SAW never said no to any request from anyone in his life. He used to say that he was only a distributor and a treasurer and that Allah SWT was the bestowed of everything. Once a man came to him and saw his herd of goats stretching over a vast area. He requested help and Muhammad SAW gave him the whole herd of goats. He went back to his people and told them to accept Islam, for Muhammad SAW was so generous that there was no fear of poverty. Another man asked him for help when he had nothing to give, so he told the man to borrow on hua behalf and he would repay the loan. Umar who was present, asked Muhammad SAW whether Allah SWT had not burdened him more than he could bear. The Prophet Muhammad SAW kept quiet. However, a man was present there who offered to help. Muhammad SAW smiled with great joy at his offer.
Muhammad SAW was so generous that he always gave something to anyone who asked him for help, but if he has nothing, he promised help later on. Sometimes it so happened that Muhammad SAW purchased an article for himself then gave it as a gift to the seller. Once he bought a camel from "Hazrat Umar" and straightaway gave it as a gift to Umar's son Abdullah. Once he bought something from Jabir and gave it back to him as a gift.
Sometimes Allah SWT blesses the food that the prophet Muhammad SAW shares so that it multiplied to fees many. During one battle, there were 130 companions with the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He bought one goat, slaughtered it and ordered it's liver to be roasted. When it was ready he distributed it among all the companions and kept a share for those who were not present.
Whenever he received anything, he did not sit in peace until it was finished. Umm Salmah, the prophet's wife reported that on day Allah's messenger came home looking disturbed. She asked him what the matter was. He replied that the seven dinars he had received the day before had remained on the bed bed until evening and had not been distributed. He did not rest until they were given away
Abu Share reported that one evening he was walking with Allah's messenger when he said, "Abu Share, if the mountain of Uhud were turned into gold for me, I would not like three nights to pass and one dinar still be left with me, excepting what I would leave for paying my debts." He would never rest u til all the cash in the house was completely finished. Once the Prophet Muhammad SAW went home in a hurry after the prayer ana then immediately came out again. The people were surprised, but he told that he had remembered during the prayer that there was some gold in his house. He thought that he might forget and the gold night remain there all night. He went back home to ask that it might immediately be given in Charity.
He always paid the debs of the dead and issued instructions to the effect that if anyone died leaving any debt, he should be informed of it so that he could pay it off.
Whenever Muhammad SAW met any miserly person, he advised him to be more generous and charitable. Ibn Abbas said that he heard Allah's messenger say, " the believers is not the one who eats when his neighbor beside him is hungry, " Abu Hurarya reported Allah's messenger as saying, " The believer is simple and generous but the wicked person is deceitful and ignoble." In short Muhammad SAW was so generous and charitable that he never kept anything surplus for himself but have all to those who came to him for help.
Prophet Muhammad SAW did not deny anything to anyone who asked him:
An example of great generosity ja that Prophet Muhammad SAW used to give mu h more at times when it is preferred to do many good deeds, like during the month if Ramadan. Abdullah ibn Abbas said:
" The Prophet Muhammad SAW was the most generous of all the people, and he was as generous as he could be in Ramadan....the Messenger of Allah Muhammad SAW was more generous than the fast wind."
One day a lady gave messenger of Allah SWT a woven cloak. She said, " O prophet Muhammad SAW this if for you to wear." Messenger of Allah SWT took it, as he direly needed it, and put it on. One of his companions saw it on the Prophet Muhammad SAW, so he said " Oh messenger of Allah SWT, how nice that is! Give it to me." The Messenger of Allah SWT immediately fulfilled the man's request and gave it to him, although he greatly needed it and the man knew this!!
When Messenger of Allah SWT stood up to lead the companion in prayer, they said to the man,
" The man was wrong ( concerning what he did) The Prophet Muhammad SAW took it as he really needed it. Then the man asked for it, and he knew the Prophet does not turn anyone away empty handed " And this is what the Messenger of Allah Muhammad SAW was known for. Consequently, the man said, "I hoped to receive blessings from it as the Prophet Muhammad SAW had worn it; and I hope I will be shrouded in it when I die!
Hazrat Ayesha describe the Prophet Muhammad SAW saying, " His manners were those in the Quran Kareem." And he was one of those who Allah described as:
And prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy.
There are many different ways one can be generous. Being generous with money is just one way.
Proofs of the Messenger of Allah's generosity are more than one van count. Those near and far have born witness to this. The following is an example of what they stated:
He gives like one does not fear poverty:
Truly, the Messenger of Allah SWT reaches the highway and most honorable level from among those who are generous; he used to be very lavish when he gave. An Arab expressed this when he went to the Messenger of Allah SWT and saw a herd of sheep that filled a whole valley. Being avaricious of the Messenger of Allah's generosity , he asked the Messenger of Allah SWT gave them all to him. The man turned to his people with the good news, saying,
My people, enter Islam as Muhammad SAW gives like one who does not fear poverty.
Hazrat Ana's narrated that messenger of Allah SWT said,
" A man may enter Islam only for worldly benefits, but after he has entered Islam it would become more beloved to him than the world everything in it."
Such incident's left a great impact on the Arabs who used to come to the Messenger of Allah SWT just to return with sheep or camels, and dinars and dirhams and his response quickly made them willing to accept Islam and become steadfast in it. In such a way, the Messenger of Allah's generosity was a reason for many people entering Islam, as he used to give like one who did not fear poverty.... Truly the messenger of Allah reached the most perfect level any human can reach with regards loving to be generous. The Messenger of Allah SWT used to give like one who did not think he might become poor or did not fear poverty as he was sure that Allah's blessings on mankind are great, and the Messenger of Allah truly believed that he is the one who provides as he is the Lord of abounding grave.
The most generous person when giving to others:
Ali ibn Abu Talib described the messenger of Allah SWT saying,
The Messenger of Allah SWT was the most generous person when giving to others, the most honorable one to live with, and whoever mixed with him and so came to know him, loves him "
Jabir ibn Abdullah said about him,
" The Prophet Muhammad SAW was not asked for anyhow at all and tell which he replied by saying No ".
Money is distributed in the mosque:
One of the indicates the generosity of the messenger of Allah SWT is related in the Hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW received money from Bahrain . So he said, " Spread it out in the masque" . It was the largest amount of money the messenger of Allah SWT had ever received. The Messenger of Allah then left to pray and did not look at the money. There was no one he saw but he gave him from the money and the messenger of Allah Muhammad SAW did not stand up until there was no dirham left.
The piet was truthful when he said, you see him jubilant when you go to meet him,
As thought you will actually give him what you intend to ask from him!
The Messenger of Allah encouraged his companions to be generous:
The messenger of Allah SWT always encourages his companions to spend and be generous. Concerning this, the Messenger of Allah SWT told his companions and those after them from his nation, teachings them good manner's.
There is no day that rises on a slave but there are two angels that come to him. One of them says, Oh Allah, recompense those who spend ( in Allah way) and the other one says oh Allah ruin who do not spend.
The Prophet noble manners the messenger of Allah SWT said,
" Whoever believes in Allah and the last day, should be generous to his guests bt giving them their reward. The companion said, 'And what is his reward, oh Messenger of Allah ? He replied a day and it's night and three days with ordinary good . If he stays longer what he is provided is considered a charitable gift.
The life of messenger of Allah is like a mirror that reflects hospitality and generosity.
The life of Muhammad SAW is like a mirror in front of us that reflects towards us a wise mind, hospitality and generosity and all other essential humane manners.
Money is divided even if it equaled the amount of trees on the plain of Tihamah:
The Messenger of Allah SWT often gave gifts to soften the hearts of the new Muslims. In the battle of hunain, he gave Ayaneh ibn Haseen, Al Aqra ibn Habits, Abbas ibn Mirdas, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb and Safwan ibn Ummaya each one of them, a large number of camels. When the Messenger of Allah SWT retuned from this battle some Arabs followed him to ask him so the Messenger of Allah said,
Are you sacred I will be miserly! If there were spoils equal to the number of these trees,
I would have divided them among you, and you will not have found me to be miserly, cowardly or a liar
The Messenger of Allah SWT did not keep this wealth to himself, but he distributed it among his companions. The messenger of Allah knew very well that wealth was only a means and not the main aim, so he used to use it to soften the hearts of the leaders of Makkah and the different Arab tribes. In such a way his generosity was one of the reasons Islam became strong in the people's hearts. As a result of his great generosity and modesty, he never said, "No at all to anyone who asked ; and no one who asked was ever disappointed.
Indeed, we are in need these days of the praiseworthy characteristics generosity in our dealings with others. By Allah ,the poet was wise when he said,
If you are good to people, you can win their hearts
Good actions make the one who you treat well like your slave who does anything you want
State two incidents other then what has been mentioned that indicates the messenger of Allah's generosity his generosity was not limited to wealth alone. In fact, the messenger of Allah was generous with knowledge in how he taught the people, and with his influential position when interceding for others. He was also generous by using kind words and smiling at the people, and generous when dealing with them. And there were many other situations in which his generosity was clear.
How can wo follow the prophet's example:
- Know very well that wealth is a means and not an aim in itself. Therefore, keep this in mind when thinking of how to become close to Allah.
- Follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and be hospitable and generous with the people. The first people you should be generous with are your close relatives.
- Make use of times during which it is encouraged to do good deeds and acts of worship, ana be as generous as a fast wind, giving much charity in order to become closer to Allah as the messenger of Allah SWT used to do.
- Be generous with money, helping people and with knowledge and seek refuge from Allah from being Miserly just as the messenger of Allah SWT used to seek refuge from it. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, O Allah I seek refuge from you from being Miserly.
- Remember that the stores of everything is with Allah, and he does not reduce any wealth through charity. He gives generously and honours the people according to how generous they themselves are.
The Prophet's generosity:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW was known for his generosity, benevolence, magnanimity and liberality. These attributes have slightly different meanings:
1. Benevolence:
Scholars say that is to spend cheerfully in what is important and useful. They also call it courage and the opposite of baseness.
2. Liberality:
This is to forgo what one is owes by others cheerfully. It is the opposite of ill nature.
3. Magnanimity:
Magnanimity is to spend easily and to avoid the acquisitions of what is not praised. It is the opposite of tightfistedness.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW had no equal in those noble qualities and ni own exceeded him in them. The Prophet Muhammad SAW was the most generous of people especially in Ramadan. Ibn Abbas said:
" The Prophet Muhammad SAW was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Jibrael met him ."
All who knew him would describe as exceedingly generous.
Some amounts of from the sirah:
Ibn al- Munkadir heard Jabir ibn Abdullah said, " the Messenger of Allah SWT was not asked for anything to which he said, No"
Ana's said, " A man asked him for something and he gave him all the sheep between two mountains. The man returned to his people and said, Become Muslim. Muhammad SAW gives the gift of a man who does not fear poverty ."
A man came and asked him for something. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, " I do not have anything, but buy something on my account and when I get some money, I will pay for it". Umar said to him, " Allah has not obliged you to do what you are not able to do!" The Prophet Muhammad SAW disliked that, so a man of the Ansar said, " Messenger of Allah SWT! Spend and do no fear diminution from the master id the throne!" The Prophet Muhammad SAW smiled and the pleasure could be seen in his face. He said, " I am commanded to this."
It is mentioned that Mu'awwidh ibn Afraid said, " I brought the Prophet Muhammad SAW a plate of fresh dates and cucumber, and he gave me a handful of jewelry and gold." Ana's said, the Messenger if Allah, mah Allah bless him and grant him peace did not store up anything for the next day."
Most generous Sahaba:
Manu stories are told of And Al- Ragman's personal generosity. He once furnished Muhammad's SAW army with 1500 camels. He bequeathed 400 dinars to the survivors if Badr and a large legacy to the windows of Muhammad SAW.
Story of generosity in Islam:
Hazrat Muhammad SAW was so generous that he always gave something to anyone who asked him for help, but if he had nothing, he promised help later on. Sometimes it so happened that Muhammad purchased an article for himself, then gave it as a gift to the seller.
The Boundless Generosity of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
In the city of Madinah, after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had established a peaceful and just community, people of all walks of life would come to him—some seeking guidance, others in need of help.
One day, a man came to the Prophet ﷺ asking for charity. The Prophet had nothing at that moment to give, but rather than turning the man away, he told him:
“Go to such-and-such person and tell him that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ says to give you something.”
The man went and returned with what he needed. This was not a rare event. The Prophet ﷺ would give without fear of poverty. He gave like someone who had nothing to lose—because he trusted fully in Allah's provision.
Once, a man came to him asking for help, and the Prophet ﷺ gave him an entire herd of sheep—so many that they filled a valley. The man was astonished and returned to his people saying:
“O my people, embrace Islam! For Muhammad gives like a man who does not fear poverty.”
Another time, a woman gifted the Prophet ﷺ a beautiful cloak. He accepted it with gratitude, but soon after, a companion saw the cloak and admired it. The Prophet ﷺ immediately gifted it to him. Though others said, “Why did you ask for it when the Prophet needed it?”, the man replied, “I only wanted it to use as my shroud after death.” And so it was—he was buried in it.
He ﷺ would often give even when he had little. On many nights, his home would have no food, and yet if a guest came, he would send them to one of the companions with these words:
“Who will host this guest for me tonight?”
And someone always would.
Perhaps the most touching example was after the Battle of Hunayn. The Muslims had won, and the Prophet ﷺ distributed huge amounts of wealth to those whose hearts needed softening—sometimes giving one man 100 camels. The Ansar, the residents of Madinah who had supported him when no one else did, began to wonder why they were given so little.
The Prophet ﷺ gathered them and said:
“O Ansar, are you upset because I gave some worldly goods to others to soften their hearts, and left you with nothing? Would you not be pleased that people return home with sheep and camels, and you return home with the Messenger of Allah?”
The Ansar were moved to tears, and replied:
“We are pleased with the Messenger of Allah as our share.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived simply, never hoarded wealth, and gave as if the treasures of the world were in his hands—though he often went hungry. His generosity was not just in wealth, but in time, attention, and love. He gave not from abundance, but from faith.
Which Prophet was rich:
The financial security Muhammad SAW enjoyed from Hazrat Khadija Tul Kubra, his wealthy wife, gave him plenty of free time to spend in solitude in the cave of Hira.
Generosity examples about Sahabas:
Certainly! Here is a well-known and inspiring example of generosity among the Sahabah (companions) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
The Generosity of Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA)
Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA) was one of the ten companions promised Paradise (Ashara Mubash-sharah) and one of the wealthiest companions of the Prophet ﷺ. But his wealth never kept him from giving generously for the sake of Allah.
The Incident of the Caravan
One day in Madinah, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA) returned from a trade journey with a huge caravan—700 camels loaded with food, goods, and supplies. The city buzzed with news of the massive wealth that had just entered Madinah.
When Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, heard about the caravan, she remarked:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'Abdur Rahman ibn Awf will enter Paradise crawling.'"
This meant that despite his high status, his wealth could potentially delay him due to the accountability it brings.
When someone told Abdur Rahman what Aisha (RA) said, he immediately stood up and said:
"If I will enter Paradise crawling because of my wealth, then I will lighten my load."
Without hesitation, he gave away the entire caravan—everything on it and the camels themselves—in charity.
Reflection
This was not a small act. It was an entire fortune. But for Abdur Rahman (RA), the reward of Allah and the words of the Prophet ﷺ mattered more than material gain. His generosity was not just spontaneous—it was a way of life. He regularly financed armies, supported the poor, and gave in secret.
Another Example — The Brotherhood of the Ansar
When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah (Hijrah), he established a bond of brotherhood (Mu'ākhāt) between the Muhajirun (emigrants from Makkah) and the Ansar (helpers of Madinah).
One Ansari, Sa’d ibn Rabi’ (RA), offered to share half his wealth and even one of his two homes with his brother in Islam, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA). He said:
“I am among the wealthiest of the Ansar. Take half of my wealth. And if you wish, I will divorce one of my wives and after her ‘iddah, you may marry her.”
Abdur Rahman (RA) replied with equal humility and dignity:
“May Allah bless your wealth and family. Just show me the way to the market.”
Both companions showed generosity—one by offering, and the other by trusting in Allah and working hard to stand on his own.
Conclusion:
Hazrat Muhammad SAW was renowned for his extraordinary generosity, consistently prioritizing the needs of other above his own. He was known as the most generous of people, readily giving away anything he possessed to those in need, even his own clothing if necessary. This selflessness and willingness to share extended to all aspects of his life, solidifying his reputation for compassion and munificence.
His generosity was not limited to material possessions; it also encompassed his time, attention and willingness to help other in any way he could. He would often go without to ensure others were cared for, and hua ensure others were cared for, and his actions demonstrated a deep seated commitment to serving humanity. His generosity was a core aspect of his character, further emphasizing his role as a leader and example for others.