Concern for Protecting the Wealth of the Treasury (Hazrat Musleh Mau’d’s (ra) Narration)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has described this incident in the following manner:

“In accordance with the promise of Allah the Almighty, the Muslims were granted riches, wealth, honour and status, yet they did not become neglectful of Islam.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) is explaining that even if one has a lot of wealth, they must not become neglectful of their faith, the teachings of Islam and their duties.

He then states:

“Hazrat Uthman (ra) relates, ‘I was once seated in my quarters and the heat was so severe that it was difficult to even muster the strength to open the door. In the meantime, one of my assistants told me that there was a man walking outside in the scorching heat […] a few moments later, that man arrived closer to my quarters and I realised that it was Hazrat Umar (ra). Upon seeing him, I became concerned and went outside and asked, ‘Where are you going at this time in this intense heat?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘A camel from the treasury has been lost and I am out searching for it.’”

Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) then writes:

“Allah the Almighty states:

عَلَی ‬الْاَرَآئِكِ‭ ‬يَنْظُرُوْنَ

That is, they would be sat on thrones, yet their duty would be to constantly remain watchful. The bounties and comforts of this world would not make them idle. They would not be heedless seated on the couches; rather they would, at all times, be alert and attentive. They would tend to the rights of the people and would continue to fulfil their official duties in an excellent manner.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, pp. 314-315)