Tradition

أَلأيدِى ثَلاثَةٌ: سائَلَةٌ و مُمْسِكَةٌ وَ مُنْفِقَةٌ و خَيْرُ الأَيْدِىْ مُنْفِقَةٌ

The Prophet (S) is narrated to have said: “There are three kinds of hands- the hand which takes, the hand which remains, and the hand which gives. And the best of hands are the hands that give.”1

Brief Commentary

Islam has always encouraged its followers to do their best and work hard in life. This has extended not only to the physical and material, but the spiritual and emotional as well. In addition, it has taught them to be independent as much as possible and not seek things from other people when they can work and earn it themselves. Not only has the religion asked that they not seek things from others but it has recommended that they put themselves in a position where they are the ones who are giving back. This tradition establishes this concept that the best of hands are those that give to others, and not those that are always taking.

• 1. Tuhaf al-’Uqul, p. 32.