صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Affection over enjoyment

O devotees of the Messenger! Regardless of whether your neighbour is in need or not, giving gifts to them is from Islamic teachings, and it increases love.^[1] The Companion Sayyidunā Abu Dhar Ghifāri رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ once said, اَوْصَانِی خَلِیْلِی مُحَمَّد - “My beloved Muhammad صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم advised me.” سُـبْحٰـنَ الـلّٰــه. First of all, look at the loving choice of words! The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “O Abū Dhar! When you prepare a broth, add extra water to it and give it to your neighbours.”^[2]

Mufti Aḥmad Yār Khān Naīʿmi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه explains:

Certain points are taught to us in this hadith. Firstly, whenever we prepare a broth, we should give some to our neighbours. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم mentioned a broth here, so it can be made of meat or any other ingredients.

Secondly, we should give all our neighbours gifts irrespective of whether they are close or far, even though our near neighbours have a greater right.

Thirdly, one should always give preference to love and affection over enjoyment. When extra water is added to the broth, the flavour is reduced but it will be a means of strengthening ties with your neighbours. This the why the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said مَاءَھَا - only increase the water, even if you cannot increase the flavours.^[3]