It is a quality that is desirable according to the sharia (sharʿan). Generosity (sehâ) occupies a middle position between miserliness and wastefulness, as well as between stinginess and muruʾa (upright character).
Allah has praised this state: "And those who, when they spend, do not do so excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate." (al-Furqān 25:67)
Know that moderation (iʿtidāl) sometimes arises from the perfection of one’s natural disposition (fiṭra). This is a gift from Allah. There are many children who are created truthful, generous, and gentle by nature. At other times, it is acquired through discipline (iktisāb) and ascetic practice (riyāḍa), by imposing upon the nafs (the lower self) those actions that bring about the desired akhlāq (character traits). Whoever wishes to acquire the character trait of generosity should strive to perform generous acts until this trait becomes second nature to him. (Qudāma, 157)
The murshid (spiritual guide) has two forms: one human and the other spiritual (rūḥānī). The human form is the one we see. The spiritual form is always with the murīd (aspirant, disciple). When the murīd dies, it descends with him into the grave and answers the questioning in his place. For one who does not have an affiliated shaykh, the spiritual presence of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) becomes present, and if the person is unable, he answers the questions on his behalf. (Nafahāt, 126)
(See also: shaykh)