(88) Chapter: Excellence of Meeting with a Smiling Countenance and Politeness in Speech

Allah, the Exalted, says:
"And lower your wings for the believers (be courteous to the fellow-believers).'' (15:88)
"And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you.'' (3:159)

'Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Guard yourselves against the Fire (of Hell) even if it be only with half a date-fruit (given in charity); and if you cannot afford even that, you should at least say a good word."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith highlights the point that Sadaqah has great benefits and even in its minimum scope and quantity it can ensure our safety against Hell-fire. We are told that if we do not have even a single date or half of it to give to a needy person, we can manage to have the same benefit by talking to him in a compassionate tone, provided we have Faith in our heart.