Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: A man came to the service of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! Which charity is the greatest? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: That you give charity while you are healthy, you love your wealth, you fear poverty as a result of spending, and you desire to remain prosperous. Do not delay (giving charity) so much that the soul reaches the throat, and then you say: Give so much to so-and-so, and so much to so-and-so, while it has already become theirs.