The Meaning of Generosity According to Bahlool

Abdulrahman al-Kufi came to Bahlul, and Bahlul asked him, “Shall I ask you a question?”

Abdulrahman replied, “Yes, ask.”

Bahlul asked, “What is generosity?”

Abdulrahman answered, “Generosity is giving and offering gifts.”

Bahlul said, “That is generosity in the worldly sense, but what is generosity in religion?”

Abdulrahman replied, “It is dedicating one’s youth to the worship and service of God.”

Bahlul then asked, “Do you also seek a reward for that?”

Abdulrahman said, “Yes, I want tenfold for every one.”

Bahlul responded, “This is not generosity, but rather trade.”

Abdulrahman asked, “What, then, is generosity and nobility in your view?”

Bahlul replied, “It is that which occurs to your heart, and you seek nothing in return for it.”