Financial Sacrifice

Family & Relatives

Fiqh (Jurisprudence)

There are numerous narrations in relation to Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) generosity and spending in the way of Allah the Almighty. Hazrat Uthman (ra) himself relates, “There are 10 things I keep hidden and only my Lord knows. I was the fourth person of all people to accept Islam; I have never listened to any vain songs and I have never uttered a lie; ever since I took the oath of allegiance at the hand of the Holy Prophet (sa) I have never touched my private area with my right hand; after accepting Islam, not a single Friday has gone by that I haven’t freed a slave, barring the Friday when I had no slave to free; in such a case, I would free a slave on a day other than the Friday; nor have I committed adultery in the era of Jahilyyah [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam] nor after having accepted Islam.”

(Majma‘ al-Zawa‘id wa Manba‘ al-Fawa‘id, Vol. 9, p. 65, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab fi ma Kana fih min al-Khair, Hadith 14524, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) freed slave, Abu Saeed relates that whilst the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra) was besieged, he freed 20 slaves.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usdul-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, Uthman (ra) bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], p. 489)

Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Mas‘ud narrates:

“We were in a battle alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) when the people were suffering from hunger, to the extent that I witnessed worry on the faces of the Muslims, and joy on the faces of the hypocrites. When the Holy Prophet (sa) witnessed these scenes, he said, ‘By Allah, the sun will not set until He has brought you provisions.’

“When Hazrat Uthman (ra) learnt of this, he said, ‘Allah and His Messenger (sa) have spoken the truth.’ So he purchased 14 camels along with the grains laden upon them and sent nine of them to the Holy Prophet (sa). Upon seeing them, the Holy Prophet (sa) asked, ‘What is this?’ He was then informed that Hazrat Uthman (ra) had sent these gifts for him. Thereupon, the countenance of the Holy Prophet (sa) was filled with joy and happiness and the faces of the hypocrites were overcome with anxiety. Then I saw the Holy Prophet (sa) raise both his hands to the point where the whiteness beneath his arms became visible and he prayed for Hazrat Uthman (ra). I had never heard the Holy Prophet (sa) pray in such a manner for anyone else before, or even after; and the prayer was:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَعْطِ عُثْمَانَ، اَللّٰهُمَّ افْعَلْ بِعُثْمَانَ

“‘O Allah! Grant Uthman in abundance; O Allah shower Your blessings and bounties upon Uthman.’”

Hazrat Aisha (ra) relates, “When the Holy Prophet (sa) came to me, he saw some meat and asked who had sent it. I answered that it was sent by Hazrat Uthman (ra). Thereupon, I witnessed the Holy Prophet (sa) raise his hands and pray for Hazrat Uthman (ra).”

(Majma‘ al-Zawa‘id wa Manba‘ al-Fawa‘id, Vol. 9, p. 64, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab I‘anatuh fi al-Jaish al-Usrah wa Ghairih, Hadith 14520/14523, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Muhammad bin Hilal narrates from his grandmother that she would go to Hazrat Uthman (ra) when his house was under siege. He says that his grandmother had a son who was named Hilal. One day, when Hazrat Uthman (ra) didn’t find her present he asked about her whereabouts and was informed that she had given birth to a son that night. He states that his grandmother said, “Thereupon, Hazrat Uthman (ra) sent me 50 dirhams and a part of a large cloth and said, ‘This is an allowance for your son and this cloth is for your son to wear. When your son turns one, we shall increase the allowance to 100 dirhams.’”

(Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ch. 7, Sanah 35 Hijri, Fasl fi Dhikr Shai min Siratih [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] p. 206)

Ibn Saeed bin Yarbu narrates:

“I once left home in the afternoon when I was a child. I had a bird which I was making fly in the mosque when I saw a man lying there who had a beautiful countenance. Beneath his head was a brick or a piece of brick”; he placed the brick there as a pillow. “I stood there and stared in awe of his beauty. He opened his eyes and asked me, ‘O child, who are you?’ I told him who I was, then he spoke out to a child sleeping nearby, but the child did not give any response. Upon this he told me to go and bring him and I proceeded to do so. The wise man instructed the child to go and bring something and told me to sit down. Then the child went away and returned with a garment and 1,000 dirhams. He then asked me to take off the clothes I was wearing and gave me the garment to wear, in which he had placed one thousand dirhams. When I returned to my father and I told him everything that had just happened, he said, ‘O my child, do you know who it is that treated you in this way?’ I replied that I did not know except that he was a person who was sleeping in the mosque and I had never in my entire life seen a more handsome person. He said to me, ‘He was Hazrat Amirul Momineen [leader of the faithful] Hazrat Uthman (ra) bin Affan.’”

(Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ch. 7, Sanah 35 Hijri [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] pp. 206-207)

Ibn Jarir relates that Hazrat Talha (ra) met Hazrat Uthman (ra) whilst he was going towards the mosque. Hazrat Talha (ra) stated to Hazrat Uthman (ra), “I now have the 50,000 dirhams which I owed you, therefore you may send someone to me in order to collect the money.” Upon this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) stated, “Owing to your kindness, I gift this amount to you.” In other words, he did not need to repay him.

Asmai states that Ibn Amir appointed Qatan bin Auf Halali as the governor of Kirman and so left with 4,000 Muslim soldiers. During the way, a valley had given way due to the rain and their path was obstructed as a result. Qatan feared that perhaps he would not be able to arrive at his destination on time and so he announced that whoever could cross the valley, he would be given 1,000 dirhams as a reward. Following this, people began to swim in order to go across the other side. Whenever any of the soldiers would cross the valley, Qatan would instruct that he be given his reward. Eventually, the entire army crossed the valley and thus four million dirhams were given. However, Ibn Amir, who was the governor, refused to give this money to Qatan and informed Hazrat Uthman (ra) about this matter in writing. Upon this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) stated, “Give this amount to Qatan for he has helped the Muslims in the cause of Allah.” Thus, ever since they had crossed the valley, the rewards which they were given were known as “Jawaiz” which is the plural of “Jaizah”.

(Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ch. 7, Sanah 35 Hijri, Fasl fi Dhikr Shai min Siratih [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] p. 208)

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)

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates that during the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) Khilafat, there was a drought and the people presented themselves before Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and submitted, “There is no rainfall from the skies and the ground is not producing any vegetation. Consequently, people are facing extreme difficulty.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, “Return and remain patient, Allah the Almighty will alleviate your concerns by this evening.” Meanwhile, Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) trade caravan consisting of 100 camels laden with wheat and other food provisions arrived in Medina from Syria.

Upon hearing news of this, people assembled outside the door of Hazrat Uthman (ra) and knocked on his door. Hazrat Uthman (ra) came out and enquired from the people what they wanted. They replied, “You are aware that we are experiencing a drought. There is no rainfall from the skies and the ground is not producing any crops and people are extremely concerned. We have come to know that you have grain, therefore if you could sell it to us, we will distribute it amongst the needy and poor.” Hazrat Uthman (ra) replied, “Very well, come inside and purchase it.” The merchants entered his house and saw the grain stored inside. Hazrat Uthman (ra) said to the merchants, “How much profit will you give me on all this grain which I have purchased from Syria.” (He asked that he had purchased the provisions from Syria and transported them. How much would they give him for it. Some of them wanted to distribute it free of cost whilst others wanted to enter into a trade agreement.) They stated that they would give 12 in exchange of 10. (In other words, if the cost was 10 dirhams, they would give 12 dirhams in return.)

Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, “I am receiving an offer greater than this.” They replied, “We will offer 15 instead of 10.” Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, “I am receiving even more than this.” The merchants said, “O Abu Amr! There are no merchants in Medina aside from us. Who then is giving you more than this?” Hazrat Uthman (ra) replied, “Allah the Almighty is giving me 10 dirhams in exchange for my one dirham” i.e. giving tenfold in return for every one. “Are you able to give me more than this?” They replied, “No, we cannot give you more than this.” To this Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, “I call upon Allah as my witness that I give this grain for the poor Muslims as sadaqah” i.e. he gave away all the grain to the poor without taking anything in return for it.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates, “On the day this incident took place”, i.e. the grain was given away as sadaqah, “I saw the Holy Prophet (sa) in a dream. He was mounted on a large non-Arab horse. The Holy Prophet (sa) was wearing a garment infused with spiritual light; his shoes were full of light and in his hand, he was wielding a stick full of light. It seemed that the Holy Prophet (sa) was in a hurry. I said to him, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! I was eager to meet you and speak with you! Where are you heading to in such a hurry?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘O Ibn Abbas! Uthman has presented a sadaqah and Allah the Almighty has accepted it and has arranged for his marriage in Heaven. I have also been invited to attend the wedding.’”

(Sirat Amir-il-Momineen Uthman bin Affan li-Ali Muhammad al-Salabi, pp. 51-52, Vol. 1; Dhu al-Nurain Uthman bin Affan bain Makkah wa Madinah, Dar al-Ma‘rifah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2006)

Narration 1

Among the slaves who were freed by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was Hazrat Khabbab (ra) bin al-Aratt. Whilst mentioning Hazrat Khabbab (ra) bin al-Aratt, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“Another companion who was previously a slave, once took off his upper garment to bathe. Another person who was stood nearby saw that the skin on his back was so hardened and rough that it was like the hide of a buffalo. He was astonished to see this and asked, ‘How long have you had this illness? The skin on your back is so hard that it is like the hide of animals’ Hearing this, Hazrat Khabbab (ra) laughed and replied, ‘This is no illness. When we accepted Islam, our master decided to punish us. So he laid us down in the scorching heat and began beating us, telling us to renounce our belief in Muhammad (sa). In reply, we would recite the Kalimah [Muslim creed] and he would hit us even more. Even after this, when his anger would not subside, he would drag us on the rocks.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further writes:

“In Arabia, in order to protect the houses from water which were made from mud, they would place a type of rock near the area which is called ‘khingar’ in Punjabi. This is an extremely rough and sharp rock which people place on the walls of their homes to protect them from any harm from the pouring of water, i.e. so that the walls are not damaged. So this companion said, ‘When we refused to reject Islam, and the people would become tired from beating us, they would then tie our legs with a rope and continue to drag us on these rough rocks. So whatever you see on my back is as a result of that beating and dragging.’ Hence, such injustice was inflicted upon them year after year. Eventually, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) could no longer tolerate this, so he sold a large portion of his property in order to free them.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 22, pp. 546-547, Khutbah Farmudah 31 October 1941)

Narration 2

Then, whilst mentioning how Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) would free slaves, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) states in one instance:

“Those slaves who believed in the Holy Prophet (sa) came from different nations; there were Abyssinians, like Bilal (ra) and Romans, like Suhaib (ra); there were also Christians among them, like Jubair (ra) and Suhaib (ra); there were idolaters, like Bilal (ra) and Ammar (ra). The master of Bilal (ra) would force him to lay on scorching sand and either place stones on him or have young boys jump on top of him […] When Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) saw this cruelty against them, he freed them by paying their master their price.”

(Dibacha Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 193-194)

Hazrat Hassan (ra) relates that Hazrat Talha (ra) bin Ubaidullah sold a piece of his land to Hazrat Uthman (ra) bin Affan for 700,000 dirhams. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) paid the amount, Hazrat Talha (ra) took the money home. He thought to himself that if one has this amount of money at home, no one knows what God Almighty has decreed with regards to life and death. Thus, throughout the night, with the help of others, they went around the streets of Medina and gave money to those in need. When day broke, Hazrat Talha (ra) did not have even one dirham left from this amount.

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 164-165, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (al-bidayatu wa al-Nihayah li Ibn Atheer, Vol. 4, Ch. 7, p. 208, 35A.H., Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Ibn Jarir narrates that Hazrat Talha (ra) once met Hazrat Uthman (ra) when he was leaving the mosque. Hazrat Talha (ra) said, “I have 50,000 dirhams that I owe to you, kindly send someone to collect it” (he may have borrowed the amount off him in the past, and now had the money to pay him back). Hazrat Uthman (ra) replied, “I gave that to you as a gift owing to your kindness.”

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 167-168, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“At times, the Companions (ra) would sell the items and provisions in their homes and fulfil the expenditure for the battles. In fact, we also find examples whereby they sold all their properties and possessions and spent it for the sake of others and provided them for all their needs. For example, on one occasion, the Holy Prophet (sa) came out and stated, ‘Our army is leaving for an expedition, but the believers do not have any possessions. Is there anyone who wants to earn a good deed?’ Upon hearing this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) immediately stood up and whatever he had earned in profit, he presented it to the Holy Prophet (sa) in order to fulfil the expenses of the Muslim [army]. Observing this, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘Uthman has purchased Paradise!’

“Similarly, on one occasion a water-well was available to buy and since the Muslims in those days were facing extreme hardship owing to the lack of water, the Holy Prophet (sa) asked if there was anyone who wanted to earn a good deed. Hazrat Uthman (ra) submitted, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! I am present and at your service.’ Following this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) purchased the water-well and donated it to the Muslims. Once again, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘Uthman has purchased Paradise!’ Similarly on another occasion the Holy Prophet (sa) used these same words. In short, there were three such occasions where the Holy Prophet (sa) stated that Hazrat Uthman (ra) had purchased Paradise.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 19, pp. 98-99, Khutbah Jumu’ah Farmudah 18 February 1938)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)has mentioned the sacrifice of Hazrat Uthman (ra) as follows:

“Once, provisions were required for a battle and the Holy Prophet (sa) made an appeal for the essential requirements before the Companions (ra) and urged them to offer financial sacrifices. Subsequently, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) brought his entire wealth and Hazrat Umar (ra) brought half of his wealth. Hazrat Uthman (ra) submitted, ‘I will endure all the expense of 10,000 companions; kindly accept this from me.’ On top of that, he donated 1,000 camels and 70 horses.”

(Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 2, p. 363, Khutbah Jumuah delivered on 18 October 1968)

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf was known for his generosity and he also offered many financial sacrifices. Most of today’s references are regarding this attribute of his.

It is mentioned in a narration that as part of his will, Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf left 400 dinars to those Companions who participated in the Battle of Badr and subsequently, this was fulfilled according to his will. At the time, the Badri companions [that were alive] numbered one hundred.

(al-Isabah fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, p. 293, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

When the Holy Prophet (sa) ordered the Companions to prepare for the Battle of Tabuk, he also urged the more affluent among them to offer wealth and mounts in the way of Allah. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) came forward first and brought all of his belongings, which amounted to 4,000 dirhams. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), “Have you left anything for your family?” He replied, “I left Allah and His Messenger for them.” Hazrat Umar (ra) brought half of his belongings. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked Hazrat Umar (ra), “Have you left anything for your family?” He replied, “I have left half for them.”

Hazrat Abdur Rahman(ra) bin Auf gave 100 auqiyah. One auqiyah is equivalent to 40 dirhams, i.e. he gave approximately 4,000 dirhams. Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “Uthman (ra) bin Affan and Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf are from among the treasures of Allah the Almighty on earth, who spend for the sake of acquiring Allah’s pleasure.”

(al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, p. 184, Ghazwah Tabuk, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Lughaat-ul-Hadith, Vol. 4, p. 527, Lafz ‘Auqiyah’)

Hazrat Umm-e-Bakr (ra) bint Miswar relates that Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf purchased a piece of land from Hazrat Uthman (ra) for 40,000 dinars and divided it amongst the poor and needy of the Banu Zuhrah tribe and amongst the Ummahat-ul-Momineen [mothers of the believers, i.e. the wives of the Holy Prophet (sa)].

Miswar bin Makhrama relates:

“When I gave Hazrat Aisha (ra) her portion of this land, she asked who had sent it? I informed her that Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf gave it. Upon this, Hazrat Aisha (ra) said, ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) said that after his demise, the one to treat her with kindness would be among the most patient of all.’ Following this, Hazrat Aisha (ra) prayed, ‘O Allah! Enable Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf to drink from the fountain of Salsabil in paradise.’”

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 98, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 119)

In one narration, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet (sa) said that after his demise, the person who would care for his family would indeed be an honest and pious individual. Hence, whenever Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf would set out to perform the Hajj with the Ummahat-ul-Momineen, he would assist them by preparing their carriages and covering the saddles with a cloth as a veil and he would select such valleys for them to camp that were not commonly used by travellers so that they could rest with ease and maintain their Purdah [veil].

(al-Isabah fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, p. 292, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

Once, there was a food shortage in Medina. During this time, a caravan came from Syria to Medina, which consisted of 700 camel loads of wheat, flour and other provisions. This generated a lot of excitement amongst the people, upon which Hazrat Aisha (ra) enquired about the reason. She was informed that a caravan of Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf consisting of 700 camels had come, which was loaded with wheat flour and other provisions. Hazrat Aisha (ra), the Mother of the Believers, stated, “I heard the Holy Prophet (sa) state that Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf would enter paradise upon his knees.” When Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf heard this narration of Hazrat Aisha (ra), the Mother of the Believers, he went to her and said, “O Mother, I hold you witness that I have given all this grain, provisions and even the saddles on the camels away in the way of Allah, so that I may enter paradise whilst walking.”

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 478, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, pp. 110-111)

The majority of the accounts of Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf spending in the way of Allah have been collected by those who have compiled the various accounts in the lives of the Companions (ra). It is mentioned in Usdul Ghabah that Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf was one who spent in the cause of Allah. On one occasion, he freed 30 slaves in one day.

(Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 110)

On another occasion, Hazrat Umar (ra) was in need of some money so he requested Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf for a loan. Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf replied, “O Leader of the Faithful! Why do you ask this of me when you can take a loan from the Baitul-Mal [treasury] or from Hazrat Uthman (ra) or from any other person who has the provisions?” Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, “I do so lest I forget to return the amount to the treasury, or if I were to take the loan from another person, I may forget to return it and they may not request the amount back out of respect or due to other reasons. However, you would easily be able to ask for it back.”

(Asharah Mubasharah, Bashir Sajid, p. 882, Al Badr Publications, Lahore)

Due to their close relationship, they were very frank with one another and when he would require his money, he would be able to easily take it back.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf’s son, Ibrahim relates on the authority of his father that the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “O Ibn Auf! You shall enter paradise whilst crawling because you are wealthy. Therefore, you ought to spend in the way of Allah so that you may walk on your feet into heaven.” This is similar to the narration of Hazrat Aisha (ra) that was previously mentioned.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf submitted, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! What should I spend in the way of Allah?”, to which he answered, “Whatever you have at present.” Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf asked, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah, all of it?” The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, “Yes.” So Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf left with the intention of giving all his wealth in the cause of Allah. A short while later, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent for him to be called back and said, “After you left, Gabriel came saying I should tell Abdur Rahman to spend [his wealth] on hospitality, feeding the poor, giving to those in need, and when spending on others he should first spend on his relatives. When he does all this, his wealth shall be purified.”

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 97, Min Bani Zuhrah bin Kilab, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 112)

In this way, the wealth spent in the way of Allah would become pure and ensure that he did not enter paradise on his knees, but instead, standing on his two feet. This would be the direct impact of his sacrifice.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf once gave half his entire wealth of 4,000 dirhams in the way of Allah. On another occasion, he gave 40,000 dirhams in alms for the sake of God, then on another occasion, he gave 40,000 dinars. Once, he gave 500 horses in the way of Allah and on another occasion, he gave 500 camels in the way of Allah.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 478, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 111)

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf’s son, Abu Salama, narrates:

“Our father left an orchard in his will for the wives of the Holy Prophet (sa). The value of this orchard was 400,000 dirhams.”

(Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 119)

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf instructed that out of his will, 50,000 dinars ought to be given in the way of Allah. He left behind 1,000 camels, 3,000 goats and 100 horses, which would graze in Baqi. He also had 20 camels that would irrigate farmland at Jurf, which was an area of land situated approximately three miles north of Medina, where Hazrat Umar (ra) also owned some land. From this farmland, Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf would ensure there was enough grain for the entire year for his household.

According to one narration, he left behind so much gold that it had to be cut up with axes and those cutting it up suffered blisters on their hands.

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 100-101, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 118) (Farhang Sirat, p. 87, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003)

The Battle of Tabuk took place in Rajab, 9 AH. In regards to this battle, it is recorded that the place of Tabuk is located along the main route to Syria from Madinah, commonly used by travelling merchant convoys. It is a city between the Valley of Qura and Syria, and the companions would also refer to it as the city of the “Dwellers of the Wood”. This was the place to which Hazrat Shu‘aib (as) was sent as a prophet.

(Yaqut Ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-’Arabi], p. 14)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) accompanied the Holy Prophet (sa) during the Battle of Tabuk and during this expedition, the Holy Prophet (sa) gave a large flag to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).

(Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (ra)… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2017], p. 131)

During the Battle of Tabuk, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) presented his entire wealth to the Holy Prophet (sa), which had a total value of 4,000 dirhams.

(Sharh al-Zurqani ‘ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 3, Thumma Ghazwat Tabuk [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 69)

When the Holy Prophet (sa) commanded the companions to prepare for the expedition to Tabuk, he sent a message to the tribes around Mecca and the other tribes of Arabia to accompany him.

The Holy Prophet (sa) ordered the affluent companions to spend their wealth and provide mounts in the way of Allah, and this was the last expedition in which the Holy Prophet (sa) participated. Thus, on this occasion, the first person to bring their wealth was Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra). Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) brought everything he owned, which was equal to 4,000 dirhams. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked him, “Have you left anything at home for your family?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, “I have left [the name of] Allah and His Messenger (sa).” Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) brought half of his entire wealth. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked him, “Have you left anything at home for your family?” He replied that he had left behind half of his wealth. On that occasion, Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) offered 100 Auqiah, which was equal to approximately 4,000 dirhams. Then, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “Usman bin Affan and Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf are among the treasuries of Allah the Almighty on earth, who spend in order to attain the pleasure of Allah.” They had contributed a lot of wealth.

On the same occasion, women also offered their jewellery for this cause, and Hazrat Asim bin Adi (ra) offered 70 Wasq [unit of measurement] of dates, which is equal to approximately 262 maunds.

(‘Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Ghazwat Tabuk [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], pp. 183-184), (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 1, p. 82, Awqiyah), (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 4, p. 487, Wasq, Vol. 2, p. 648, Saa’)

If one maund is approximately 40 kilograms, then this would come up to just over a ton; or about ten and a half tons.

Zaid bin Asslam narrates from his father, “I heard Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) saying, ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) told us to give alms, and at that time, I had some wealth. I thought to myself that today, I will surpass Abu Bakr. If there is a day that I shall surpass him, then it is today.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) continued, ‘I offered half of all my wealth. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked, “What have you left behind for your family?” I humbly submitted, “I have left for my family as much as I have brought with me.” Then, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) brought all the wealth that he had (when Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) arrived, Hazrat Umar (ra) explained that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) had brought all the wealth he owned). The Holy Prophet (sa) asked, “O Abu Bakr, what have you left behind for your family?” He submitted, “I have left [the name of] Allah and His Messenger (sa) for them.”’ Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘By Allah, I can never surpass him in anything.’”

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab Raja‘ih an Yakuna Abu Bakr…, Hadith 3675)

The Battle of Tabuk took place in Rajab 9 AH and is also known as Jaish al-Usrah, i.e. the “Army of Hardship.” The details in relation to the financial sacrifice offered by Hazrat Uthman (ra) are as follows:

The Battle of Tabuk took place in 9 AH and is also known as Jaish al-Usrah, i.e. the “Army of Hardship.” The Holy Prophet (sa) made an appeal for contribution towards the preparation of this battle. Upon this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented his entire trade caravan of 100 camels including its litter and saddles which had been prepared to go to Syria. The Holy Prophet (sa) made another appeal, and again, in light of the provisions required for the expedition, Hazrat Uthman (ra) prepared another 100 camels along with their litters and saddles and presented it to the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet (sa) yet again made another appeal and Hazrat Uthman (ra) for a third time prepared a further 100 camels, including their litter and saddles and presented them to the Holy Prophet (sa). When the Holy Prophet (sa) stepped down from his pulpit, he stated,

مَا عَلَى عُثْمَانَ مَا عَمِلَ بَعْدَ هَذِهِ ـ مَا عَلَى عُثْمَانَ مَا عَمِلَ بَعْدَ هَذِهِ

“There will be no retribution for whatever Uthman does from now on, there will be no retribution for whatever Uthman does from now on”

Apart from this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented 200 auqiyah of gold to the Holy Prophet (sa).

According to another narration, Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) and placed 1,000 dinars in the Holy Prophet’s (sa) lap. The Holy Prophet (sa) placed his hands in the coins that were in his lap and whilst moving them around, he twice stated:

مَا ضَرَّ عُثْمَانَ مَا عَمِلَ بَعْدَ الْيَوْم

“There will be no retribution for whatever Uthman does from now on.”

According to another narration, Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented 10,000 dinars and the Holy Prophet (sa) prayed for Hazrat Uthman (ra) as follows:

غَفَرَ لَكَ يَا عُثْمَانَ مَا أَسْرَرتَ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتَ وَمَا هُوَ كَائِنٌ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ مَا يُبَالِى مَا عَمِلَ بَعْدَهَا

“O Uthman! May Allah grant you His forgiveness for whatever you have done discreetly and openly and whatever you go onto to do till the Day of Judgment. As of today, he should not be concerned over any of his deeds.”

According to another narration, Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented 1,000 dinars and 70 horses for the preparation of this battle.

According to another narration, on this occasion the Holy Prophet (sa) stated to Hazrat Uthman (ra):

“O Uthman! May Allah grant you His forgiveness for whatever you have done discreetly and openly and whatever you go onto to do till the Day of Judgment. As of today, whatever he does, Allah will not hold him accountable.”

According to another narration, the Holy Prophet (sa), on this occasion, prayed for Hazrat Uthman (ra) as follows:

أَللّٰهُمَّ ارْضِ عَنْ عُثْمَانَ فَإِنِّى عَنْهُ رَاضٍ

“O Allah! Express Your pleasure for Uthman for I am also pleased with him.”

(Sharh Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 4, pp. 68, 66-71, Ghazwat Tabuk, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab ma fi Manaqib Uthman…, Hadith 3700 & 3701)

There are various narrations about Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) freeing slaves. It is mentioned in a narration that when Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) accepted Islam, he had 40,000 dirhams. He spent that in the way of Allah and freed seven people who were persecuted due to their belief in Allah [and Islam]. The slaves freed were Hazrat Bilal (ra), Aamir (ra) bin Fuhayrah, Zinnirah (ra), Nahdiyah (ra) and her daughter, as well as a female slave of Bani Mo’mal and Umm Ubais (ra).

(Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 247, Abdullah bin Uthman, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 1995)

Narration 1

Hazrat Bilal (ra) was the slave of Banu Jumah tribe and Umayyah bin Khalaf would persecute him severely.

(Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, p. 283, Bilal bin Ribah, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

Narration 2

According to one narration, when Hazrat Bilal (ra) accepted Islam, his owners laid him on the ground and placed stones and a leather skin on top of him. They said to him, “Your lord is Lat and Uzza”; however, Hazrat Bilal (ra) would only say “Ahad, Ahad”. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) came to them and asked, “How long will you go on persecuting him for?” The narrator states that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) bought Hazrat Bilal (ra) for seven auqiah and freed him. One auqiah is 40 dirhams, and so he was bought for 280 dirhams.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) then informed the Holy Prophet (sa) of this incident, to which the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “O Abu Bakr! Include me as part of it as well.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) submitted, “O Messenger of Allahsa! I have already freed him.”

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 175, Bilal bin Ribah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Lughat-ul-Hadith, Vol. 1, p. 82, Numani Kutub Khana, Lahore)

Narration 3

Hazrat Aamir (ra) bin Fuhayrah was a slave of African descent. He was the slave of Tufayl bin Abdillah bin Sakhbarah, who was the [step] brother of Hazrat Aisha (ra) from his mother’s side. Hazrat Aamir (ra) is counted amongst the earliest Muslims. He was persecuted in the way of Allah. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) bought him and freed him.

(Usd al-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 31, Aamir bin Fuhayrah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003)

Narration 4

Hazrat Zinnirah (ra) al-Rumiyyah was among the early female Muslims and accepted Islam in the beginning. The idolaters would inflict cruelties on her. She was the female slave of the Banu Makhzum. Abu Jahl would persecute her. It is recorded that she was the slave of Banu Abd Al-Dar. When she accepted Islam, she lost her eyesight. Upon this, the idolaters said that Lat and Uzza caused Zinnirah (ra) to lose her sight because she rejected them. Upon this, Zinnirah (ra) said, “Lat and Uzza do not even know who worships them, how could they take away my sight when they themselves cannot see anything. This is from the heavens and it was Allah’s decree that I lost my sight. My Lord has the power to enable me to see again.”

This was her reply to the disbelievers. The next morning, when she woke up, Allah the Almighty restored her vision and she was able to see again. Upon this the Quraish said, “This is because of Muhammad’s sorcery.” When Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) saw the pain and suffering inflicted upon her, he bought her and set her free.

(Usd al-Ghabah, Vol. 6, p. 127, Zinnirah (ra) Al-Rumiyyah, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

Narration 5

The accounts in relation to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) freeing slaves were being narrated. There are some further accounts with regard to this. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) freed Nahdiyah and her daughter, both of whom were slaves of a woman from the Banu Abd al-Dar. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) passed by both of them. At the time, their master had sent them to grind the flour and she was saying, “By God (or whoever she was swearing by) I shall never free you!” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, “O mother of so and so! Break your oath.” She replied, “Leave here, you are the one who is ruining them. If you care so much, why don’t you free them?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) then said, “Tell me how much I need to pay in order to free them.” She then stated an amount for each of them. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, “I have taken both of them, and freed them.” He then said, “Return the flour to this woman”, i.e. he said to the two of them who were enslaved to return the flour which she was taking in order to grind it. The two of them said, “O Abu Bakr, shall we complete this task and return the flour?” In other words, to fulfil the duty that they were given of grinding the flour and then return it to her. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) answered, “Do so only if you wish to.”

Narration 6

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) once passed by a salve of the Banu Mu‘ammal. Banu Mu‘ammal was a branch of the Banu Adiyy bin Kaab tribe. This slave was a Muslim. Umar bin al-Khattab was punishing her in order to force her to abandon Islam. In those days, Hazrat Umar (ra) was still a polytheist and had not yet accepted Islam. He would strike her until he would tire, and would say, “I only let you go due to being tired.” Thereupon she would reply, “Allah shall treat you the same.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) also purchased her and granted her freedom.

Narration 7

It is recorded in one narration that Abu Quhafah, the father of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), said to him, “O my son, I see that you are freeing the weak. If you wish to carry on doing so, then you should free the stronger men that they may protect you and so that they may stand by your side.” The narrator says that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, “O my beloved father, I only desire the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.”

(Ibn Hisham, Al-Raud al-Unf fi Tafsir al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Dhikr Udwan al-Mushrikin ala al-Mustad‘afin [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 236)

Some commentators, such as Allama Qurtubi and Allama Alusi etc. say that the following verses were revealed due to this action of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra):

فَأَمَّا‭ ‬مَنۡ‭ ‬أَعۡطَىٰ‭ ‬وَاتَّقَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَصَدَّقَ‭ ‬بِالۡحُسۡنَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ‭ ‬لِلۡيُسۡرَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَأَمَّا‭ ‬مَنۢ‭ ‬بَخِلَ‭ ‬وَاسۡتَغۡنَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَكَذَّبَ‭ ‬بِالۡحُسۡنَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ‭ ‬لِلۡعُسۡرَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَمَا‭ ‬يُغۡنِيْ‭ ‬عَنۡهُ‭ ‬مَالُهُٓ‭ ‬إِذَا‭ ‬تَرَدَّىٰٓ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬إِنَّ‭ ‬عَلَيۡنَا‭ ‬لَلۡهُدَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَإِنَّ‭ ‬لَنَا‭ ‬لَلۡأٓخِرَةَ‭ ‬وَالۡأُوْلَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬فَأَنذَرۡتُكُمۡ‭ ‬نَارًا‭ ‬تَلَظَّىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬لَا‭ ‬يَصۡلَٰهَآ‭ ‬إِلَّا‭ ‬الۡأَشۡقَى‭ ‬۔‭ ‬الَّذِيْ‭ ‬كَذَّبَ‭ ‬وَتَوَلَّىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَسَيُجَنَّبُهَا‭ ‬الۡأَتۡقَى‭ ‬۔‭ ‬الَّذِيْ‭ ‬يُؤۡتِي‭ ‬مَالَهُ‭ ‬يَتَزَكَّىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَمَا‭ ‬لِأَحَدٍ‭ ‬عِندَهُ‭ ‬مِنْ‭ ‬نِّعۡمَةٍ‭ ‬تُجۡزَىٰٓ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬إِلَّا‭ ‬ابۡتِغَآءَ‭ ‬وَجۡهِ‭ ‬رَبِّهِ‭ ‬الۡأَعۡلَىٰ‭ ‬۔‭ ‬وَلَسَوۡفَ‭ ‬يَرۡضَىٰ‭ ‬۔‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Then as for him who gives and is righteous, And testifies to [the truth of]what is right, We will facilitate for him [every] facility. But as for him who is niggardly and is [disdainfully]indifferent, And rejects what is right, We will make easy for him the path to distress. And his wealth shall not avail him when he perishes. Surely it is for Us to guide; And to Us belongs the Hereafter as well as the present world. So I warn you of a flaming Fire. None shall enter it but the most wicked one, Who rejects [the truth]and turns[his]back. But the righteous [one]shall be kept away from it, Who gives his wealth to become purified. And he owes no favour to anyone, which is to be repaid, except [that he gives his wealth] to seek the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High. Surely, will He be well-pleased with him.” (Ch.92: V.6-22)

(Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra), Shakhsiyyat aur Karname, Urdu Tarjumah, p. 74) (Imam al-Qurtubi, Al-Jami‘ li-Ahkam al-Quran, Vol. 3, Surah al-Layl [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Hazm, 2004] p. 333)

Hazrat Musleh Mau’d’s (ra) Narration

Narration 1

Among the slaves who were freed by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was Hazrat Khabbab (ra) bin al-Aratt. Whilst mentioning Hazrat Khabbab (ra) bin al-Aratt, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further writes:

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 22, pp. 546-547, Khutbah Farmudah 31 October 1941)

Narration 2

Then, whilst mentioning how Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) would free slaves, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) states in one instance:

(Dibacha Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 193-194)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states that the Holy Prophet (sa) once asked the Companions (ra) for some chanda. Hazrat Ali (ra) went out, cut some grass and having sold it, gave the amount he had received from it in chanda.

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 33, p. 357)

The Promised Messiah (as) states:

“There was a time when people would sacrifice their lives for the sake of Allah’s religion like goats and sheep. How should I describe the spending of their wealth! On more than one occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) brought all the wealth he owned, to the extent that he did not even leave behind a needle. Likewise, Umar (ra) readily spent according to his means and Uthman (ra) spent according to his capacity and status. In a similar manner and according to their respective ranks, all the companions were ready to sacrifice their wealth and lives for the sake of this divine religion.”

Then, the Promised Messiah (as) states in regard to those who take bai’at [oath of allegiance]:

“There are some who take the bai’at and also proclaim to give precedence to their faith over worldly matters, but when the time comes for contributing from their wealth and presenting a sacrifice, they cling onto their pockets tightly. Can anyone with this extent of love for the world answer a religious calling? Can such people be of any benefit? Never, absolutely not!”

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

“Allah the Almighty states:

لَن‭ ‬تَنَالُواْ‭ ‬الۡبِرَّ‭ ‬حَتَّىٰ‭ ‬تُنفِقُواْ‮ ‬مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ‬‬‬‬‬

‘You cannot truly perform virtuous deeds unless you spend out of that which you love.’”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 40, footnote)

There are many narrations with regard to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) financial sacrifices and spending in the way of Allah the Almighty. One of these narrations is from Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) who relates that Hazrat Umar (ra) obtained some land in Khaibar and he went to consult with the Holy Prophet (sa) about this land. He said, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah. I have obtained some land in Khaibar. In my opinion, I never obtained any property as good as this. What do you advise me in this regard?” The Holy Prophet (sa) said, “If you wish, you can devote the land in the way of Allah and whatever income it yields you can spend it on the poor.” Nafi’ said that Hazrat Umar (ra) gave that land as a charity, on the condition that it would not be sold, it would not be gifted to anyone, nor would it be distributed as part of any inheritance. He devoted that land for the sake of the needy, his relatives, to free slaves, for any service in the way of Allah, for travellers and guests. He said that it would be permissible for the caretaker of the land to derive benefit from the land according to what was customary, but he should not accumulate wealth from it.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Shurut, Bab al-Shurut fi al-Waqf, Hadith 2737)

Whenever an opportunity arose, Hazrat Umar (ra) strove to excel in making sacrifices. There was also the time when the Holy Prophet (sa) made an appeal for financial sacrifices, and Hazrat Umar (ra) brought half of his wealth; this incident has been mentioned before. Yet, he feared God Almighty so much, that as he was about to pass away, tears flowed from his eyes and he would say, “I am not deserving of any reward. All I wish is to avoid punishment.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 10, p. 24)

This was the degree to which he feared God Almighty.

Hazrat Uthman (ra), Hazrat Miqdad (ra), Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (ra) and Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) had all instructed that as part of their will, Hazrat Zubair (ra) ought to look after their wealth [after their passing]. In accordance with this, he safeguarded their wealth and would spend his own wealth on their children. As he was blessed with an abundance of wealth, he would not spend their money on their children, but instead he would spend from his own pocket, so that their heirs could make use of their own wealth. This shows he had no greed at all for any wealth.

It is mentioned with regard to Hazrat Zubair (ra) that he had 1,000 servants who would offer the kharaj to him, i.e., the produce of his lands. However, he would not take any of it for himself, but instead he would give it all away as charity.