The Rights of Those Who Do Good with Their Wealth:

The right of the foremost donors — those whose generosity has reached many among the recipients of financial charity, and those who give abundantly in avenues of goodness. Whether this is through fulfilling the needs of the poor and destitute or supporting charitable projects such as building mosques, schools, wells, springs, and water sources whose benefit extends widely—these individuals have a great right over people. This is due to their efforts in covering the needs of the needy, relieving the distress of those in dire circumstances, bearing the financial burdens of the incapable, and establishing charitable projects that bring immeasurable and continuously recurring good and benefit.

Thus, it is incumbent upon people to show gratitude to these generous donors for what they have done, to supplicate for them, to encourage them in their beneficial endeavors, to love them, and to praise them. For the creation are Allāh’s creatures who depend on Him, and the most beloved of them to Him are those who are most beneficial to His creatures. And if the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever does a favour for you, recompense him; and if you do not find what to recompense him with, then supplicate for him until you see that you have repaid him” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud & Al-Nasa’i),

Then what do you think of someone whose generosity has benefitted both the rich and the poor, the near and the distant—one whose generosity has been of personal and general benefit, addressing both individual and communal needs? Indeed, his right is great.

May Allāh have mercy on the generous donors, multiply their reward and recompense, admit them into Paradise without reckoning, make their deeds sincerely for His Noble Face, and grant their actions widespread benefit. Indeed, He is Most Generous, Most Noble.

Source: Nur al-Basa’ir wal-Albab of al-Sa‘di