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The above hadith is obviously translated in its literal sense. Here the superior refers
to the giving hand - the hand that gives or presents something and the inferior hand is
the hand that receives or accepts.
The Muhaditheen have given its meaning to be the following:
- Superior hand refers to the infinite favours of Allah bestowed to His creation. As Allah
expounds in the Holy Quran: 'And even if you (deserve to) count the favours of Allah, they
are innumerable.'
- The superior hand refers to presenting a gift which is a highly meritorious deed and the
person receiving the gift is referred to as the inferior hand.
Some are in a position to afford handing out gifts whilst others who themselves are in
need, are somewhat deprived of this reward. Once the Muhajireen complained to the Prophet
(SAWS) that the Ansaars (helpers) of Madinah are profiting tremendously in rewards by
helping those who made hijrat from Makkah. Rasulullah (SAWS) admonished them to say,
'Jazakallah' (may Allah reward you), hoping that Allah will reward them the same.
The superior hand could also refer to giving general charity including relief aid to
the underprivileged and needy who deserve help. Such persons receiving help are referred
to as the inferior hand.
The inferior hand here is not in any way meant to discriminate nor imply an inferior
feeling. In the same token, the superior hand does not mean that one can dominate other
beings by virtue of power and money.
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