this refers to the use of one's goods and one's self in such a way that will be pleasing to allah. those around him asked the prophet (saas) a number of questions on the subject, and his explanations increased their excitement about the idea. this is how the qur'an refers to the situation:

they will ask you what they should give away. say, "any wealth you give away should go to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the very poor and travellers." whatever good you do, allah knows it." (surat al-baqara: 215)

… they will ask you what they should give away. say, "whatever is surplus to your needs." in this way allah makes the signs clear to you, so that hopefully you will reflect. (surat al-baqara: 219)

say: "my lord expands the provision of any of his servants he wills or restricts it. but anything you expend will be replaced by him. he is the best of providers." (surah saba': 39)

here are some of the prophet (saas)'s words to encourage muslims to avoid avarice and to be ready and willing to give up their possessions:

"be on your guard against committing oppression, for oppression is a darkness on the day of resurrection, and be on your guard against pettimindedness for pettimindedness destroyed those who were before you, as it incited them to shed blood and make lawful what was unlawful for them."58

"do not turn away a poor man...even if all you can give is half a date. if you love the poor and bring them near you...allah will bring you near him on the day of resurrection."59