he voices it directly to the recipient or behind his back—for instance, in a gathering he says, “I gave so-and-so such-and-such,” or, “I gave so-and-so this amount,” seeking thereby to lord it over him. The author then cites as evidence the Almighty’s words: “O you who believe, do not void your charities by reminding others of your generosity and by causing them hurt” (al-Baqarah 2:264). This verse clearly indicates that when a person boasts of his charity, that charity is annulled; he receives no reward for it and has committed a major sin. Allah the Exalted also says, “Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders of generosity or with harm—their reward is with their Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve” (al-Baqarah 2:262).

Next the author relates the hadith of Abu Dharr ⦗1588⦘ in which the Prophet ﷺ 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 one who lets his garment trail below his ankles, the one who reminds others of what he has given, and the merchant who promotes his goods by means of a false oath.”

“The one who lets his garment trail”: that is, a person who drags his izār (lower garment), shirt, or cloak out of arrogance and self-importance. Such a person faces this severe punishment: Allah will not speak to him on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify him, and a painful torment awaits him.

“The one who reminds others of what he has given”: namely, someone who, whenever he gives a gift, subsequently dangles it over the recipient’s head.

“The merchant who promotes his goods by a false oath”: a seller who swears falsely about his merchandise so that its price will rise. He too is among those whom Allah will neither address nor purify on the Day of Resurrection, and a painful punishment is in store for them.

And Allah is the One who grants success.