Forty hadiths on the virtue of charity.
Narrated by Hakim Ibn Hizam, may Allah be pleased with him,
that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"The best charity, or the most excellent charity, is that which is given when one is self-sufficient."
"The upper hand is better than the lower hand,"
"and begin with those whom you support."
Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Regarding his statement, "when one is self-sufficient,"
the meaning is:
the best charity is that which leaves the giver self-sufficient with what remains in their possession,
and it is understood as:
the best charity is that which leaves behind enough wealth for the giver to rely upon,
and to use in meeting their own interests and needs.