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Giving is one of His greatest gifts,
generosity is one of His attributes,
and bounty is among His greatest traits. Who could ever be greater than Him in generosity and giving?!
One of the beautiful names of Allah is “Al-Mu‘ti”.
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is authentically reported to have said: “When Allah wills good for someone, He gives him proper understanding of the religion. Indeed, I am only a distributer, and Allah gives.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
Our Lord, Exalted be He, is the One Who actually gives to all creatures. No one can withhold what He gives or give what He withholds.
His giving encompasses all that exists. It has no limits or bounds. This is the perfect generosity and bounty.
When our Lord gives, that is benevolence from Him and reform for us; and if He withholds, that stems from His wisdom.
He gives and withholds. These are His favors, and He mercifully gives whomever He wishes and wisely withholds from whomever He wishes.
And His withholding is just and fair.
1. General giving in worldly life:
It encompasses all people, believers and disbelievers, as Allah Almighty sets aright their worldly affairs. In the Qur’an, He says: {We give both – the latter and the former – from the bounty of your Lord, and Your Lord’s bounty is not restricted.} [Surat al-Isrā’: 20]
2. Special giving in worldly life and in the Hereafter:
It encompasses the prophets, the messengers, and righteous people. Allah Almighty provides them in this life with lawful sustenance, good children, faith, piety, certitude, and clear guidance. These are the best gifts in worldly life. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty gives worldly opulence to those He loves and those He does not love; but He only gives the religion to those He loves.” [Narrated by Al-Hākim in Al-Mustadrak; Classified as Sahīh (authentic) by Al-Dhahabi]
And in the Hereafter, He gives them the greatest gift in His Paradise, which is more magnificent and perfect than all else. Allah Almighty says: {A reward and a generous gift from your Lord.} [Surat an-Naba’: 36]
The greatest gift in Paradise will be the pleasure of the Lord of all the worlds and looking at His noble Face.
Our Lord is Generous and Giving and He loves those who give generously. That is why generous givers occupy such high status among people. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Hands are of three types: Allah’s Hand is the upper one; the hand of the giver is next to it; and the beggar’s hand is the lowest. So, give what is surplus, and do not submit yourself to the demand of your soul.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
Generous people will be greatly rewarded by the King of all kings. {...And spend [in Allah’s cause] out of what He has entrusted you with. For those among you who believe and spend, there will be a great reward.} [Surat al-Hadīd: 7]
Allah Almighty promised His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to give him until he becomes satisfied: {And your Lord will certainly give you so much that you will be well pleased.} [Surat ad-Duha: 5]
Among the things Allah Almighty will give His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in the Hereafter is the Kawthar River: {We have surely given you [O Prophet] the Kawthar.} [Surat al-Kawthar: 1] About the Kawthar, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is a river which my Lord has promised me. It has abundance of good and upon it there is a basin to which my Ummah will come on the Day of Judgment. Its vessels are as numerous as the stars.” [Narrated by Muslim]
As Allah Almighty looks at you and sees that you rely upon Him and consider Him to be your refuge, presenting all your needs to Him alone, He will give you better than what you ask for and honor you beyond what you wish.
Glory be to the One Who grants wishes lying within the heart yet not uttered by the tongue!
Glory be to Him! He guarantees the provision for all the worlds and nothing escapes His knowledge.
O Allah, bestow Your favors upon us and give us generously and do not deprive us and turn us down empty-handed, O Lord of the worlds!