Giving

In giving is there much to be received. The most important of which is peace of mind.

The material world we live in is by nature fluid and ever changing. All of it is in a constant state of motion and phasement. Money earned is then spent. Favors made later repaid. Work done rewarded.

Yet how much of our material possessions do we carry to our graves? Will that car be useful for travel when you're dead? Are cosmetics and adornments any good in that grave? Will all your money pay for your afterlife? Does our insurance extend past our point of death? Obviously much of what we use and chase after now will one day be useless when we pass on from this life into the next.

Our wordly life is much like circus tokens; only worthwhile as long as we stay in that circus. Once you leave it'll all be for naught.

Matters not how much treasures you've gathered; It will all leave someday. Hoarding it will do little good for you. There is little use in wealth unspent and treasures sealed away.

Dare you keep all the gifts of God hoarded up for yourself when you need them not?

Many are the poor in this world. But a small amount of your wealth would be enough to make them happy. Enough for a loaf of bread to silence their rumbling stomachs; of a bottle of water to quench parched throats.

Yet...You need a new handphone because your current one is out of date? Or a new dress because the old is out of fashion? New shoes simply because there's a new design out in stores?

Do we really need all these things?

Then comes the question of what you gain from giving. Would you accept it if you gain absolutely nothing in return for giving to others?

If no, why not?

Again comes the question of how much we earn that follows us to our graves. Of the material absolutely nothing.

Then again, why give it when they themselves cannot bring the material to their graves either right? All that you give will be but a material and temporary joy for them too.

If you agree to the above said statement, then perhaps you know not the true meaning of thankfulness and gratefulness.

Starve yourself for a day or two, then break your fast with a slice of bread and a cup of water. Savor each bite and sip.

When you've realized how great a blessing each bite and sip is, you'll understand. And if you remember how it feels to be deprived of those gifts, you'll understand why you need to give.

Aisha(r.a) recounted that someone had presented the gift of a lamb to the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w). He distributed the meat. Aisha(r.a) said, "Only the neck is left for us."

The Prophet(s.a.w) replied "No. All of it is left for us except the neck."

What did he mean by that? Haply it is time for us to reflect.

It is the nature of existence to move on in its cycles. If we stop the flow of things by hoarding the gifts of God to the world, we merely cause chaos with our greed and selfishness.

It is about time that we begin to give. Is it not?