Giving Charity After an Appeal From a Recipient

“Abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that once, ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), decided to give five Awsaq (a certain amount of) dates from al-Bughaybighah (a place in al-Madinah) to a man who had hoped to benefit from the…

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that charity is that which is given before an appeal by the recipient. Giving charity after an appeal by the recipient is compensation for using the dignity of his face when he appealed…

“Once I was in the presence of abu al-Hassan al-Rida (a.s.), and I was speaking to him before a large gathering that wanted to ask him about lawful and unlawful matters. At such time, a tall man of fair complexion came…

“Once, I was speaking to ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), and said, ‘O ’Amir al-Mu’minin, I need something.’ He said, ‘Do you think I can help you?’ I replied, ‘Yes, O ’Amir al-Mu’minin.’ He said, ‘May Allah grant you good…

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that the best means and recourse of approaching me for help is the appeal of a man who has received help from me once, then asks for help again. My hands have done a good deed for him…