Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

It is narrated from Hazrat Hakeem bin Hizam that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The upper hand is better than the lower hand.

Hazrat Abu Saeed narrates that one day, due to hunger, I tied a belt around my stomach. Then I came to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and I heard him saying: Whoever desires chastity, Allah the Exalted will keep him chaste, and whoever seeks self-sufficiency, Allah the Exalted will grant him self-sufficiency. And whoever asks us (for help), either we will give him provision or we will assist him. (However), it is better for the one who remains self-sufficient and chaste (and refrains from asking) than for the one who asks from us. The narrator says that I returned and did not ask for anything.

It is narrated from Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Refrain from asking people (for anything), even if it is only the splinter of a miswak stuck between your teeth.

It is narrated from Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Laila in a similar manner, but he did not narrate it as a marfu’ (attributed directly to the Prophet).

It is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that by the upper hand is meant the hand that refrains from asking.

It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The upper hand is better than the lower hand. And the best charity is that which leaves the giver self-sufficient, and begin with those who are under your care.

It is narrated from Hazrat Tha'labah bin Zahdam that the people of Tha'labah came to the service of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) while he was delivering a sermon, and he was saying: "The giving hand is the upper hand, and the receiving hand is the lower hand. And begin giving to those who are under your care: your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, the one who is closest to you, and then the one who is next closest."

Hazrat Ahnaf bin Qais narrates that I was sitting in the Noble Prophet’s Mosque when a person entered the mosque. Whichever gathering in the mosque saw him, they would avoid him. Eventually, he reached the last gathering, in which I was present; the people left, but I remained steadfast and stayed there. I asked him, “Who are you?” He replied, “I am Abu Dharr, a companion of the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).” I asked, “Why do people avoid you?” He said, “Because I stop them from hoarding wealth.” I asked, “Are you worried about our wealth and treasures increasing?” He replied, “Not at the moment, but it is possible that one day this wealth and riches may become a cause for you to become distant from the religion.”