Altruism

sahl b. sa'd, with whom allah is pleased, said:

'a woman gave the messenger of allah, may allah exalt his mention, a burdah (gown). the prophet, may allah exalt his mention, asked his companions: 'do you know what a burdah is?' they replied, 'yes, o prophet of allah! it is a piece of woven cloth [similar to a shawl]. the woman said: 'o prophet of allah! i have woven this shawl with my own hands, for you to wear.' the messenger of allah, may allah exalt his mention, took it while he direly needed it. after a while, the messenger of allah, may allah exalt his mention, came out of his home wearing it, and a companion said to the messenger of allah, may allah exalt his mention, : 'o prophet of allah! grant me this shawl to wear!' the messenger of allah, may allah exalt his mention, said: 'yes.' he thereafter sat for awhile, and headed back home, folded it and gave it to the person who asked for it. the companions, with whom allah is pleased, scolded him saying: 'it was not appropriate for you to ask for his shawl; especially since you know he would not turn anyone down, or send them away empty-handed! the man said: 'by allah! i only asked him to give it to me because i want to be shrouded in this shawl when i die.' sahl, the narrator of the hadeeth, with whom allah is pleased, said: 'the shawl was used as a shroud for that man when he died.'  (bukhari #1987)