Chapter: The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and the upper hand is the one that gives and the lower hand is the one that receives

The upper hand is better than the lower one, the upper being the one which bestows and the lower one which begs.

The most excellent Sadaqa or the best of Sadaqa is that after giving which the (giver) remains rich and the upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin from the members of your household.

I begged the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he gave me. I again begged, he again gave me. I again begged, he again gave me, and then said: This property is green and sweet; he who receives it with a cheerful heart is blessed in it, and he who receives it with an avaricious mind would not be blessed in it, he being like one who eats without being satished, and the upper hand is better thad the lower hand.

O son of Adam, it is better for you if you spend your surplus (wealth), but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. There is (however) no reproach for you (if you withhold means necessary) for a living. And begin (charity) with your dependents; and the upper hand is better than the lower hand.