The Lofty Virtues Of Ibn Taymiyyah

great, and not wanting to elevate himself in front of those present, and this is a praiseworthy
characteristic that is required according to both religion and logic.
And a similar example was related from the leader of humanity and the best of them in
manners, manhood, intellect, and knowledge, Muhammad the Mustafā (peace be upon him).
It was narrated that he came out to the mosque wearing a black cloak with white borders
while a group of Muslims were present. So, one of them saw him and said: “O Messenger of
Allāh! Give me this cloak!” And he (peace be upon him) never refused anyone’s request. So,
he took off the cloak and gave it to the man out of generosity. The people then began
criticizing the man for what he did, since the Prophet (peace be upon him) needed what he
was wearing, and it was known that he never refused a request. So, the man apologized to
them and said: “I did not ask for it so that I would wear it. Rather, I want to be shrouded in
it when I die,” and the narrator of the story says that he actually did hold onto it until he
died and was buried in it. 43
This hadīth is well-known, and it was reported by many trustworthy narrators, and it is from
the clearest of proofs for what we have said. He went above and beyond in generosity and
humility, breaking his ego, and displaying beautiful manners. I was told by a trustworthy
friend that the Shaykh was once walking through the streets, and one of the poor called out
to him. He knew that he was needy, and had nothing to give them. So, he took off some of
the clothing he was wearing and gave it to him, saying: “This is all I have, and I am sorry that
I have nothing more to give you.”
This is another example of how he would not own much besides what would bring him
nearer to Allāh, and his generosity in giving away anything he had, no matter how small, and
this is from the clearest manifestations of sincerity towards Allāh. So, Glorified is the One
who leads whom He Wills to what He Wills.
I was also told by a trustworthy friend that the Shaykh (may Allāh be Pleased with him) never
turned back anyone who would ask him for something he wrote. Rather, he would have him
go and choose for himself what he wanted. One time, a man came and asked him for a book
that would benefit him. So, he ordered him to enter his library and choose what he wanted.
So, the man saw an expensive Mushaf between the Shaykh’s books, took it, and left. Some of
those present criticized the Shaykh for this, and he said: “Is it proper of me that I prevent
him from something he has asked for? Leave him, as he might benefit from it.” And the
Shaykh (may Allāh be Pleased with him) was always very harsh against those who would
prevent someone from a book of knowledge after he had asked for it, saying: “Knowledge
should not be held back from the one who seeks it.”
And from his generosity was that he never once looked with desire towards a position of
leadership or authority.
These examples of his generosity are enough for the one who wants to follow in his
footsteps.
43 Reported by al-Bukhārī (5810) and Ibn Mājah (3555)
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