It is reported that whenever a beggar came to Hazrat Aa’ishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) and made dua for her, as is the habit of beggars (when begging from someone), then she would also make dua for the beggar, and thereafter, she would give him some charity. Someone asked her, “O Umm-ul-Mu’mineen! Why is it that you give the beggar charity, and you also make dua for him just as he made dua for you?”

She replied, “If I do not make dua for him, and I only give him charity, then his kindness over me will be superior to my kindness over him, as dua is far superior to charity. That is why I repay his dua with my dua, so that my charity remains pure and will not be in exchange of anything.”