CHAPTER: CONCERNING THE STATEMENT THAT THE UPPER HAND IS BETTER THAN, THE LOWER HAND, AND THE UPPER HAND IS THAT WHICH GIVES AND THE LOWER ONE IS THAT WHICH RECEIVES
No. 2253
Abdullah b. Umar reported that as Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) was sitting on the pulpit and talking about Sadaqa and abstention from begging, he said: The upper hand is better than the lower one, the upper being the one which bestows and the lower one which begs.
No. 2254
Hakim b. Hizam reported Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) having said this: 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.
No. 2255
Hakim b. Hizam reported: I begged the Prophet of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam), 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.
No. 2256
Abu Umama reported Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) as saying: 0 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 dependants; and the upper hand is better than the lower hand.