“Kindness”: the term maʿrūf embraces every form of good.

“Then repay him”: reward his kindness with something equal to it or even better.

“If you find nothing”: that is, if you are unable to recompense him.

“Then pray for him …”: exert yourselves in supplicating for him to the utmost of your ability.

Overall meaning of the ḥadīth:
In this narration the Messenger of Allah ﷺ commands a set of noble qualities. They include honoring Allah’s right by giving to whoever asks in His Name and by safeguarding whoever seeks refuge in Him, as well as honoring the believer’s right by accepting his invitation and by rewarding his favor with an equal or superior favor when one can, and, when unable, by referring his recompense back to Allah through heartfelt supplication for him.

Connection of the ḥadīth to the chapter:
It contains the instruction to give to the one who asks by Allah and not to turn him away.

Lessons derived from the ḥadīth:
1- One must not refuse a person who asks by Allah, out of reverence and esteem for Him.
2- Whoever seeks refuge with Allah must be granted protection and shielded from harm.
3- It is recommended to accept a Muslim’s invitation, whether to a wedding feast or any other gathering.
4- It is recommended to reward the benefactor when one is able.
5- It is recommended to pray for the benefactor when one is unable to reward him.