Selected Sayings of The Holy Prophet of Islam — Page 31
40. Ayesha, God be pleased with her, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "A generous person is close to Allah, close to the people and close to Paradise but far away from Hell. As opposed to this, a miser is far away from Allah, from the people and from Paradise, but close to Hell. An ignorant person who is generous is dearer to Allah than a worshipping miser. " (Qushariyyah) 41. Abu Hurairah, God be pleased with him, narrates that a person inquired of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, "0 Messenger of Allah, which act of charity has the greatest reward?" The Messenger of Allah answered, 'That you give charity when you are in good health, when you yourself stand in need, and when you are afraid of poverty and desire to become wealthy-if, even then, you are not neglectful. Not that you tarry until your life is ebbing out, and then you say this much for him and that much for him. " (Mishkat) 31