On Charity

“To separate oneself from a little portion of what one thinks is one’s own brings manifold rewards in the hereafter. Allah promises:

Who is he who will give to Allah a beautiful gift? For Allah will increase it manifold to his credit, and he will have besides a liberal reward. (Sura Hadid, 11)

and

Truly he finds salvation who purifies (his soul). (Sura Shams, 9)

Charity, the ‘beautiful gift,’ is a good deed, a portion of what you have received, both material and spiritual. Give it, for Allah’s sake, to Allah’s servants. Even though manifold rewards are promised, do not do it for the return. Give all gifts and charity accompanied by care, love, and compassion and not as a favour, expecting thanks, making the recipient feel under obligation, indebted or grateful. For Allah says:

O you who believe, make not your charity worthless by reminders of your generosity, and by causing vexation . . . (Sura Baqara, 264)

Do not ask not expect any worldly benefit for your good deeds. Do them for Allah’s sake. Allah says,

By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, in truth Allah knows it well. (Sura Al‘Imran, 92)”

– The Secret of Secrets, Ch. 16