An Everlasting Sacrifice
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (ra) narrates that Hazrat Abu Talha (ra) owned the most date orchard among all the Ansar in Medina. Among them his most prized orchard was called Berha, which was situated in front of the Mosque and the Holy Prophet (sa) would also visit this orchard and drink from its clean water. Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates that when the following verse was revealed:
لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ
“Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.93]”
Hazrat Abu Talha (ra) stood up and said, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! God Almighty states:
لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ
‘Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love. [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.93]’
From my property, my most beloved possession is the Berha orchard, I offer that as charity in the way of Allah. I am hopeful that God Almighty will accept this virtue and will be beneficial. Thus, you may spend it wherever you wish to do so.” The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, “Well done, this sacrifice is very beneficial” (or perhaps he said) “This sacrifice will be everlasting.” The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “I have heard your request, I consider it best if you distribute this amongst your close relatives.” Hazrat Abu Talha (ra) replied, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! I shall do exactly as you have commanded.” And so, Hazrat Abu Talha (ra) distributed this orchard amongst his relatives and the sons of his uncle.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Wasaya, Bab idha Waqaqfa Ardan Lam Yubayyam al-Hudud Fa Huwa Ja‘iz…, Hadith 2769)