If only we could also learn to act ‘selflessly’. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgives the one who has a desire of something, then he controls his desire and gives preference (to someone else) over himself.’
(Ithaf-us-Sadah liz-Zabeedi, vol. 9, pp. 779)
Hamayn bhooka rehnay ka awron ki khaatir
‘Ata ker day jazbah ‘ata Ya Ilahi
صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد
If only we could be gifted with the desire to act selflessly. If we cannot make up our mind to spend money, still there are many ways to show selflessness without spending even a penny. For example, if a meal has been served for all people at a gathering, we may not eat fine fillets of meat, etc. with the intention to let our brother have it. If it is hot, in a room or in a Masjid while travelling in Madani Qafilah to learn Sunnah, and many Islamic brothers are willing to sleep, then instead of benefiting from the fan yourself, Sawab can be earned by giving a chance to other Islamic brother.
Similarly, if a bus or train is crowded, forcing the other Islamic brother to sit on your seat and standing for the rest of the journey, travelling on foot yourself and sacrificing your comfort by asking