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The upper hand is better than the lower hand
Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
"Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "O son of Adam, if you spend the surplus, it will be better for you; and if you retain it, it will be bad for you. You will not be reprimanded for keeping what is enough for your need. Begin with those who are your dependents, and the upper hand (i.e., the one that spends in the way of Allah) is better than the lower hand (i.e., the one that receives charity.)" [Muslim].
This Hadeeth is a commandment for the parents to pay the due attention to their dependents, to take care of their affairs, for they will be responsible for them in this world and in the Hereafter. They are the children and the wives, in addition to the people one has to spend on them like the parents and sisters who have no source of income or supporter.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) introduced this commandment with phrases that encourage to spend the surplus of money as much as possible, without extravagance or burdening oneself, and then concluded it with supreme wisdom that made it proverbial in terms of pride and self-restraint.
