Chapter: The Prohibition of Reminding Others of One’s Gift and the Like

Allah the Exalted says, “O you who believe, do not void your charities by reminding others of your generosity and by causing hurt” (al-Baqarah 2:264). He also says, “Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders of generosity or with harm …” (al-Baqarah 2:262).

1588 – Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Three types of people will not be spoken to by Allah on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He look at them, nor will He purify them, and for them is a painful punishment.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) repeated this three times. Abu Dharr exclaimed, “They are ruined and lost! Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “The one who lets his garment trail below his ankles, the one who reminds others of what he has given, and the trader who markets his goods by means of a false oath.” Narrated by Muslim. In another wording Muslim records: “The one who lets his izār hang below the ankles,” meaning the person whose lower garment or clothing hangs below the ankles out of pride.

[Commentary]

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—entitles this section: “The prohibition of boasting about gifts, charity, and the like.”

If a person gives someone a sum of money, and it is a charity, then he has given it for the sake of Allah; if it is an act of kindness, then kindness itself is praiseworthy. On that basis, it is impermissible for him to boast about the gift, saying, “I gave you this,” or, “I gave you that,” whether