The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur'an with him. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) then used to be more generous than the fast wind.
Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions
Sahih al-Bukhari 3554 - Commentary by Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
The Prophet's Exceptional Generosity
This hadith demonstrates the perfect character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who embodied the highest virtues of generosity. His natural disposition was to give freely, reflecting the Quranic description of believers who "give preference over themselves, even though they are in privation" (59:9).
Ramadan: The Peak of Generosity
During Ramadan, the Prophet's generosity intensified exponentially. This period represents the culmination of spiritual excellence, where acts of worship and charity reach their zenith. The nightly revision of the Quran with Gabriel purified his soul further, enhancing his innate generosity.
The Metaphor of the Fast Wind
The comparison to "the fast wind" (ar-rih al-mursalah) signifies continuous, effortless giving without hesitation. Just as wind flows naturally and abundantly, the Prophet's charity knew no bounds. Scholars note this wind reference may specifically indicate the beneficial winds sent by Allah that bring rain and blessings.
Spiritual Significance
This narration teaches that proximity to divine revelation increases generosity. The nightly Quranic review with Gabriel elevated the Prophet's spiritual state, demonstrating that connection with the Quran transforms character. Muslims are thus encouraged to increase their recitation and study of Quran, especially during Ramadan, to cultivate similar virtues.