Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 919 [Read full issue]
Generosity and Piety
Righteous deeds of all kinds bring us closer to Allah, but this is especially true of our acts of kindness to others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
There was a merchant who used to extend credit to people. If he found one of his customers to be in straightened means, he would say to his assistants: "Forgive them their debt, perhaps Allah will forgive us." Allah did forgive him. [Bukhari, Muslim]
Allah has made the hearts of those who are honest sensitive to what is kind and to what is generous, so that the heart becomes itself a guide to what Allah wants from us.
This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Piety is what the heart feels comfortable with, while sin is what disquiets the heart and makes it hesitate, even if people say that it is alright." [Musnad, Al-Darimi]
A pure, honest heart is like a mirror, except that what it reflects is truth through the light of knowledge and understanding. A corrupted heart, by contrast, gets nothing from good advice or instruction, because it is unreceptive. Allah loves the benevolent heart, and likewise He loves the pious actions that such a heart inspires its possessor to perform.
Compiled From:
"Allah is al-Barr" - Salman al-Oadah