Sometimes the greatest joy can come from giving something that costs nothing at all. A simple note written with care or teaching others to bake a butter cake can speak volumes.
We’ve often heard that if there is nothing to give, a smile will do.
The topic on the joy of giving was highlighted by the popular talk-show “Tanyalah Ustaz” screened live over TV9 this morning.
Host for the week Rujhan Muhamed Razali, speaking on the topic "Keseronokan Memberi", reminded Muslims that giving reflects our gratitude to Allah for what we have been blessed with.
Many people have this positive quality of sharing and giving. They feel the need to give to others and that makes them feel better than even receiving something.
Rujhan, who frequently quotes the al-Quran and hadith and highlights interesting anecdotes, got me thinking when he posed this question:
“Someone with RM1,000 donates RM1 and another person who only has RM10 also gives out RM1. The amount may be similar but is the value (in giving) the same?”
One of the callers asked him whether time could be regarded as an asset when giving is concerned.
"I have a friend, a well-to-do guy but he has no time for his children…can time be considered a joy for giving?” asked the male caller.
Rujhan agreed that some people found it difficult to allocate time for their family and neighbours, let alone for religious obligations.
“Time is Allah’s gift to everyone – no matter rich or poor, everyone has 24 hours a day…the question is how we manage time,” he said.
He used a traveller as an analogy.
“Imagine after putting his clothes and other items into the travel bag, he finds it difficult to zip it – over packed and no more space.
“However after taking out everything and fold back the clothes and arranging them nicely into the bag, he may find that there are actually enough space for more.
“So, this is what time is – those who say they do not have time for others are the ones who are not able to arrange their clothes properly inside the bag,” said Rujhan.
