On Generosity - The Prophet's Way

From the blogpost of theconsciousmuslim:

Generosity

In many narrations the Prophet (ﷺ) is described as being the most generous. The word used in ḥadīth literature usually to describe his generosity is jūd, another word for generous is sakāʾ but this to my knowledge is never used to describe the Prophet (ﷺ). When you look them up they both are defined as ‘generous’ or ‘open handedness’ but an in-depth analysis reveals a marked difference. Jūd is to be generous when not asked, whereas sakāʾ means the person is generous but only when asked.

He (ﷺ) was the most generous, with some saying he (ﷺ) was more generous than the rain. Interestingly in etymology the English word ‘generous’ stems from the French word ‘généreux’ and the Latin word ‘generosus’ both when translated mean “of noble birth.” Tying in so well with the Messenger of God (ﷺ)

It is important to note that in the harsh deserts of Arabia, generosity was a virtuous act that was lost among many. (The concrete jungles we currently reside in can be just as harsh) The definition for ‘generous’ in English in my opinion is lacking, in that it does not do the act itself justice. When made without ostentation, without causing harm, without belittling others, without rebuke, without prompting and most importantly without expectation of reward - then generosity is from the heart making it not just more meaningful, but Prophetic. 

Amazement & Wonder

The following are notes i took in a talk by Sheikh Hisham Kabbani in 2010.

Be humble at all times: " One who knows himself, knows about his Creator (through His Signs)."

On Isra Miraj: (Ascension of the Prophet s.a.w through the heavens)
Currently if we try to go above the what is the entire atmosphere, we need a space shuttle that is properly equipped. If not, it will explode and we will not survive.
But the prophet (s.a.w) could perform this remarkable journey without any aid or technological miracle. 

"To Bear Witness" - How conscious are we in believing this or carrying out this act?

Electrons cannot be separated from the mass of the matter. Similarly, the soul cannot be separated from the body. All electrons are in balance, so if we cannot balance within ourselves, we would not be stable on the outside.

Islam teaches us to think. It wants us to compete in matters of faith so that one will do more. 

Judgement Day is not a created concept. The Quran is not a created concept. These are ancient words of Allah, stored on a 'tablet' available even before the world we live in, came into existence. 

When we reach a level of knowing ourselves, we will realise love for Allah and the Prophet and all that comes from them.  

Our relationship to the world and to Allah

A lovely quote that I need to remind myself on:  

Patience with family is love, 

Patience with others is respect, 

Patience with self is confidence, and 

Patience with GOD is faith.

Our relationship to Allah:

"If you make demands on Him, you doubt Him. 

If you seek Him, you are absent from Him.

If you seek other-than-Him, you are shameless before Him.

If you make demands on other-than-Him, you are distant from Him."

~ Shaykh Ibn Ataillah