increased his spending during this month. However, the stronger view is that it is more virtuous during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, due to the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days.” They said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes forth with his life and his wealth and returns with none of them.” (1)

This is general in scope, as indicated by their saying, “Not even jihad?” and his reply, “Not even jihad.”

If it is said: Does this not conflict with the fact that the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, was at his most generous in Ramadan?

The answer is that the hadith concerning the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is a statement, whereas the hadith concerning the Prophet’s generosity in Ramadan describes an action; and a statement takes precedence over an action.

Or it may be said that his generosity in Ramadan was a form of generosity particular to the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, since one wording of the hadith states: “He was at his most generous in Ramadan, when Gabriel would meet him and review the Quran with him.” Thus, this generosity was particular to that circumstance—and Allah knows best.

As for place, charity in the Meccan and Medinan sanctuaries is more virtuous than elsewhere, due to the nobility of the location.

As for circumstances, the author said: “Times of need are more virtuous.” Times of need are of two types: ongoing and temporary.

Among the ongoing times of need is the winter season, for the poor are more in need during it