The principle concerning giving

When you give something to someone, you should give it with sincerity solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. You should give from something which is Halal. You should choose good things to give. You should not just choose scrap to give away.

You should not narrate to others what you have given nor reveal the name of the person whom you have helped. Keep it a secret between you and your Rabb who will reward you enormously. If ever you were troubled by the person whom you have once helped, then at no time should you remind him of your favours. Otherwise, you will lose what you have given, without gaining any reward for it and on the other side, you will incur sins.

[English version of "Principe concernant donné" – Al Jamiat – Vol.5 No.1]