2 February, 2026
The Ala Zarf — the people of high Zarf (magnanimity) — will remain indebted to you for life on receiving favor and will strive to return it in multitudes. The Kam Zarf will also be grateful but will soon consider the favor an entitlement and expect its continuation, the failure of which may lead to feelings of sadness, bitterness, or even animosity.
If you are comfortable with the consequences of your favor being considered an entitlement, then do the favor and move on with life. Would you be ok if you loaned your extra car to a friend in need, and he started expecting it as a gift? If you are uncomfortable, change the terms and increase the magnitude of the favor. Instead of loaning him the car, give him money to rent a car for three months till his situation improves (changing the terms) and also pay for the fuel (increasing the magnitude)! Would this shield you from pain? The answer is no, but it will reduce the possible implications.
Remember, Ala Zarfi comes at a very high price, and no wonder the Ala Zarf are a rare commodity today.
May Allah (SWT) make us stand amongst the A’ala Zarf (Aameen)!