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Protect yourself from Hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity
'Adi ibn Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Protect yourself from Hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) preached his companions and reminded them of the consequences of things, he urged them to work in order to enter the Paradise and warned them of the Hellfire. He used to do this in their free time when their hearts are free from the concerns of this world. He used to weep with them out of fearing Allah as he was the most pious of them. These sermons were very heart touching to the extent that they would assume that this is the last sermon he gives them.
One day he mentioned the Hellfire and sought refuge in Allah from it whereas he is safe from it. So what shall people like us do?
Our sins accumulated and surrounded us from every side. Moreover, our good deeds do not protect us from its heat.
What is meant: if you do not find a piece of a date to spend in charity, then avoid the torment of the Hellfire with a good word - that pleases your Lord- perhaps it would be a shield against his punishment.
Allah said (interpretation of the meaning) :
{ Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing. }
Quran (2:263)
