His shade,’ and among them he mentioned ‘a man who gives charity and conceals it so completely that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent.’ Numerous reports stress this point. Secret charity is superior, for Allah says, “If you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is better for you” (Quran 2:271), and because it is farther removed from ostentation—unless making it public clearly serves a greater benefit by motivating others to follow suit.

The giver should part with it gladly and never remind the recipient of the favor. Allah says, “O you who believe, do not nullify your charities with reminders of generosity and hurt” (Quran 2:264).

Charity offered while one is in good health is better. When the Prophet ﷺ was asked, “Which charity is best?” he replied, “That you give while you are healthy and tight-fisted, hoping for wealth and fearing poverty.”

Charity in the two Sacred Precincts—Mecca and Medina—is superior, as Allah commands: “Then eat from them and feed the afflicted poor” (Quran 22:28).

Charity in Ramadan is likewise preferable. Ibn ʿAbbās said, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was never more generous than in Ramadan, when Gabriel would meet him…”