Why did Sai Baba ask for Dakshina from everyone who came to see him, regardless of their background?

Sai Baba had a unique and consistent practice of asking for Dakshina, or an offering, from nearly every person who came for his darshan, irrespective of their religion—be they Hindu, Muslim, or Parsi. As described in Chapter 14, the amount He requested could vary wildly, from a few rupees to hundreds, thousands, or even crores. If a devotee claimed to have no more money, He might even instruct them to take a loan. While the text poses the question of why a desireless saint would need money, it explains the deeper purpose was not to accumulate wealth for Himself, but to teach valuable spiritual lessons, foster surrender, and test the faith of his followers, to whom He would promise blessings in return.