Hadith record

1. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from ibn Khalid from ‘Uthman from ibn ‘Isa from Sama‘ah, who has said the following: “I once asked abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), this question: ‘There is one who has sustenance for only one day, or for only one month or one year. Should he give preference to another person who does not have sustenance even for one day, or one month or one year, or in all cases, is there no blame in not giving preference because of sustenance being barely enough for himself? He (the Imam) said, ‘There are two issues. Those of you who are more inclined to giving preference to others over themselves are excellent. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, has said, “They give preference to others over themselves even though they themselves are in dire need.” (59:9) The other issue is that in not giving preference to others over themselves, they are not blamed; however, a providing hand has the upper hand over a non-providing hand, but you must begin with your dependents.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar·Thaqalayn link·The Arabic above is the original.