and paralyzing cowardice.” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Who is your leader, O Banū Salima?” They replied, “Al-Jadd ibn Qays, although we consider him miserly.” He said, “What disease is more grievous than miserliness?” In another narration: “A leader cannot be miserly. Rather, your leader is the fair-complexioned, curly-haired Bishr ibn al-Barāʾ ibn Maʿrūr.”

Likewise, an authentic report records that Jābir ibn ʿAbd Allāh said to Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with them both, “Either give to me or be miserly toward me.” He replied, “You say, ‘Or be miserly toward me’? What disease is more grievous than miserliness?” Thus, he counted miserliness among the gravest diseases.