want to appear before people as though he were imposing a favor on someone, for whoever gives in public is usually seen as having a claim over the one he has aided. Therefore he hides his charity so thoroughly that his left hand does not know what his right hand spends—that is, his concealment is so complete that, were it possible for his own left hand to remain unaware of what his right hand had given, he would prefer it so. Such a person is sincerity itself, far removed from reminding others of his charity; Allah will shade him in His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His.

Bear in mind, however, that while concealing charity is undoubtedly better, circumstances may arise that render the better course less preferable—such as when making the charity public encourages others to give. In that case, showing the charity may be superior. For this reason Allah, exalted be He, praises those who spend both secretly and openly, each according to what serves the greater benefit.

Thus the situation falls into three possibilities: either secrecy is more beneficial, or public disclosure is more beneficial; but if the two are equal, then secrecy is preferable.

Seventh: “A man who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes overflow with tears.” He remembers Allah with his tongue and his heart; no one is present for him to impress. Detached from the whole world, his heart is attached to Allah. When he remembers Allah with both tongue and heart and contemplates the majesty of the Lord—Mighty and Exalted—longing for Him overtakes him and his eyes overflow with tears. He too is among those whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His.

A person may, by Allah’s grace, be granted success to realize one, two, three, four, five, six, or even all seven of these deeds. This is possible, and the acts do not conflict with one another; one may obtain a share of each, as the Messenger ﷺ said: “Paradise has gates; whoever is of the people of