Chapter Five, On Generosity: An Abolished Creed

Trustworthy sources report that in bygone days people prized generosity, and anyone known for this trait was praised and celebrated, and parents urged their children toward it. They believed in it so firmly that a person felt no shame in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or lending a hand to the helpless. They took the matter so far that anyone who practiced this way of life was praised by all and never once faulted for it. Scholars wrote whole books to keep the memory of such a person alive, and poets composed verses in their honor. One can argue this from the clear verses of scripture: 'Whoever brings a good deed shall have ten times its like,' and 'You will never attain righteousness until you spend from what you love.' And it is related from the Prophet: 'The generous soul does not enter the Fire, even if he be a sinner.' A certain noble man said on this subject: If you wish for greatness, set your heart on giving; tie the mouth of your purse shut with a blade of leek.