Examples of Devotion & Piety (Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s (ra) Narration)
In his biography of the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) mentions this incident whilst quoting the reference mentioned in Sahih Bukhari:
“Hazrat Fatimah (ra) complained to the Holy Prophet (sa) that using the hand mill caused her pain. During this time, some captives were brought to the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Fatimah (ra) went to visit the Holy Prophet (sa) but did not find him at home. She then informed Hazrat Aisha (ra) as to the reason why she came and then returned home. When the Holy Prophet (sa) returned home, Hazrat Aisha (ra) informed him about the reasons for Hazrat Fatimah (ra) visiting earlier. Hazrat Fatimah (ra) states, ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) came to visit us when we had retired to bed. Upon seeing him, I attempted to get up, but the Holy Prophet (sa) stated for us to remain lying down. He sat down with us in a way that I felt the breeze from his footsteps near my chest. When he sat down, he said, ‘Shall I not inform you of something which is better than that which you enquired about? That is, before you go to sleep, recite ‘Allahu Akbar’ [Allah is the Greatest]] 34 times, ‘Subhanallah’ [Glory to Allah] 33 times and ‘Alhamdolillah’ [All praise is due to Allah] 33 times. This will be far greater for you than a worker.’”
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further writes:
“This incident demonstrates just how particular the Holy Prophet (sa) was in regard to the distribution of wealth. Despite the fact that Hazrat Fatimah (ra) was in need of a worker owing to pain in her hands from grinding stones, the Holy Prophet (sa) did not give her one and instead, drew her attention towards God Almighty by urging her to pray. If the Holy Prophet (sa) wished, he could have given a worker to Hazrat Fatimah (ra) because the wealth that would come to the Holy Prophet (sa) was for the distribution amongst the companions. And Hazrat Ali (ra) had a right from that share, as did Hazrat Fatimah (ra). However, the Holy Prophet (sa) acted with caution and did not wish to bestow anything from that to any of his close relations. The reason for this was that perhaps the people that came later would have drawn their own conclusions from this incident and kings would deem that they had a right over the wealth that belonged to the people. Therefore, remaining cautious of this, the Holy Prophet (sa) did not bestow Hazrat Fatimah (ra) anyone from among the captives that were brought to him.
It should be remembered here that God Almighty had already stipulated a portion from the wealth for the Holy Prophet (sa) and his relatives. He would spend from among this and also grant to his family members. However, until his portion was not granted to him, he would never spend from it, nor would he give it to his relatives. Can the world present the example of any king who was so cautious and careful with spending from the treasury? If such an example exists, then it is only from among the servants of this pure individual, otherwise no other religion can present such an example.”
(Sirat al-Nabi, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 1, 544-545)