In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Imam Rida (AS) and his Generosity (for 10 years old and more)
Imam Rida (AS) our eighth holy Imam, was the best of his time, the wisest and most patient. Allah blessed him with knowledge and chose him to guide and lead us in every sphere of life.
He helped the weak and the poor. Even when he was the heir regent, his life remained simple with rough mats on the floor and simple food which he shared with his servants.
Like his grandfather, the Holy Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], Imam Rida (AS) had excellent manners. He was courteous to all and welcomed people with a smile. He never interrupted others and was always polite. He was very kind and generous.
Once a day a man came to Imam Rida (AS) and said:
"As-Salamu Alaykum, O Son of the Messenger of Allah! I am a man who loves you, your fathers and grandfathers, and I have just been on my way to perform the pilgrimage (Ziyarah) when I discovered that I had lost everything with me and now I do not have anything enough even for a leg of the trip. Please give me enough money so that I can reach home. After reaching home, I will give the same amount to the poor in your name.”
Imam Rida (AS) said to him: “May God be Merciful to you. Do you permit me to enter the room?” The man said: “May God advance your endeavour.”
Imam got up, and went inside. He then called the man to the door, extended his hand from behind the curtain and handed him the required amount, saying, “Take these two hundred Dinars. These are your travel expenses, and may this bring you the blessings of God. There is no need to give equivalent money to the poor but if you feel you must, then you may give it to the orphans and the widows of your town.”
The man took the money and left. The Imam came out from behind the curtain and resumed his seat. Someone said: “May my life be sacrificed for yours! You have made quite a generous offer, but why did you hide your face?”
Imam Rida (AS) answered: “I did so, for fear of seeing the humiliation on the face of the man due to my assistance for him. Have you not heard the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah, in which he said: 'The one who hides a good deeds receives rewards equal to performing the pilgrimage (Hajj) seventy times; one who announces his sin is humiliated, while one who hides it is forgiven'?”
