In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Manifestation of Generosity
The Ahlul Bayt would use every opportunity and excuse to guide and teach mankind the necessary wisdom in the best possible manner. The account below is an example of their interaction and help to the poor and others who asked for help.
One day Uthman (the third Caliph) was sitting beside the Masjid. A poor man asked for money. Uthman gave him five Dirhams [silver coins].
The poor man said, “Guide me towards a person who would give more help.”
Uthman pointed towards a section of the mosque where Imam Hassan Mujtaba (PBUH), Imam Hussein ibn Ali (PBUH), and Abdullah ibn Ja’far were sitting, and said “Go seek help from those young men.”
The poor man went towards them and requested for help.
Imam Hassan Mujtaba (PBUH) responded while intending to educate for the conditions of asking help, “It is all right to ask others for help under three circumstances only: a due compensation for which the person is unable to pay himself; a heavy debt for which he cannot pay; and or when he becomes poor and helpless and cannot help himself. Which of these (matters) have befallen you?”
The poor man responded, “My problem falls under one of these conditions.”
Imam Hassan (PBUH) gave him fifty dinars [gold coins]. Following him, Hussain Ibn Ali (PBUH) gave him forty-nine dinars and Abdullah Ibn Ja’ffar gave forty-eight.1
When returning, the poor man passed Uthman. Uthman asked what he did. The poor man responded, “I asked you for money, and you gave, but you did not ask why I needed the money for. But when I went to the three people, one of the (Hassan ibn Ali) asked me about the reason of my request. Once I responded, they gave me this amount.”
Uthman said, “This family is the institution of knowledge and wisdom, and the fountain of kindness and virtue. Who can find any like them?”2
(The above is a selection taken from "The virtues of the leaders", by Mahdi Pishwayee (with some additions))
The Roshd Website congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 15th of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the birthday anniversary of the symbol of goodness and the generous man of the Ahl al-Bait (PBUT), the second Imam of Shiites, Imam Hassan Mujtaba (PBUH).
Roshd Islamic Shia Website
1.There’s a note on why Imam Hossein (PBUH) paid one less dinar than Imam Hassan and JA’far paid one less dinar than Imam Hossein (PBUH); and that is Ja’far considered respect for Imam Hossein (PBUH) and Imam Hossein (PBUH) considered respect for Imam Hassan (PBUH) and if either of these were to pay more than what Imam Hassan (PBUH) initially donated, it could mean that they hold a higher position than him. Thus, the opted to show respect by paying less.
2.Al-Khisaal, vol. 1, pg. 135; Bihaar al-Anwaar, vol. 43, pg. 333.