Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 51

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Al-Humaydi narrated to us, saying: Sufyan narrated to us, from Abu Sa‘d, from Muhammad ibn Abi Musa, from Ibn ‘Abbas, who said concerning, ‘Give the relative his due, and the poor person and the traveler…’: ‘He began by commanding him to fulfill the most binding of duties, and guided him to the best deeds when he had something. He said, “Give the relative his due, and the poor person and the traveler.” He taught him what to say when he had nothing, saying, “And if you turn away from them, seeking mercy from your Lord that you hope for, then speak to them with gentle words”—a good promise, as though it had already been fulfilled, and perhaps it will be, if Allah wills. “Do not keep your hand chained to your neck”—that is, give nothing; “nor extend it completely”—that is, give what you have—“lest you sit blamed,” meaning that those who come to you afterward blame you and find nothing with you, “destitute.” He said: “The one to whom you have given has left you destitute.”