And for this reason Allah Most High said, describing the Ansār: “And those who were settled in the Home and in faith before them”—that is, before the Emigrants—“and find no resentment in their hearts for what they have been given” (Sūrat al-Hashr, 9). That is, they feel no envy over what their brothers among the Emigrants have been given. “And give preference to them over themselves, even though they are in need” (Sūrat al-Hashr, 9).

Then He said: “And whoever is protected from the covetousness of his own soul—it is they who will be successful” (Sūrat al-Taghābun, 16).

ʿAbd al-Rahmān ibn ʿAwf was seen circumambulating the House, saying: “My Lord, protect me from the covetousness of my own soul. My Lord, protect me from the covetousness of my own soul. My Lord, protect me from the covetousness of my own soul.” When asked about this, he said: “If I am protected from the covetousness of my own soul, then I am protected from stinginess, injustice and severing ties of kinship”—or words to that effect.

Thus this covetousness, which is the soul’s intense greed, leads to stinginess by withholding