The lives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions are role models for Muslims. Muslims follow the instructions and try their best to design their lives according to the provided role models. A few stories are very inspiring and reading them leaves an indelible impact on our minds. Islamic history is full of such inspiring stories. In this blog, I will tell you a similar parable of a companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and I am sure this story will inspire you to expenditure in the way of Allah.
INTRODUCTION:
This story is the story of the generosity of Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph of Muslims. He was generous and pious by nature. Even before the message of Islam, he used to help the poor and needy. But, the Islamic teachings and the company of the Prophet (PBUH) made him help others by leaps and bounds.
ONE PUBLIC ISSUE
During the time of the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakar, food was scarce due to no rain for a longer period. People went to Hazrat Abu Bakar and reported the public issue to him. He replied to them don’t be sad. Allah is the most generous and He will give you some relief. As head of the caliphate, He must have planned some strategy but at the same time, he was worried about the hardships of the people.
SOLUTION:
A caravan approached Medina in the evening. There were wheat-ladened camels in the caravan. They were carrying wheat from Syria to Medina. All the traders of Medina headed towards the house of Hazrat Uthman Bin Affan. They went to him and narrated the condition of the production of the lands. They showed their wish to buy the grains from Hazrat Uthman Bin Affan with a good deal of profit. He let them in and asked them to make a deal for the grains.
BIDDING:
They looked at unloaded wheat and offered him profit rates to make a deal. He asked how much you can pay for the food that I bought from Syria, a far-off land. They replied to the companion of the Prophet "We can pay you twelve in return for ten ". Hazrat Uthman did not agree and said I had a better offer than this. One of them offered "Fifteen for ten. "The companion of the Prophet answered, "I have a better offer than this ". They were amazed and this answer compelled them to ask "There are no traders other than us then Who is offering you such a profit?" He replied that Allah has promised me to give ten for every Dirham. Can you give me enough profit?"
They answered No. Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan said: "I call upon Allah to bear witness that I am giving this food as charity for the poor Muslims". (Reference: al- Raqqah wa'l - Buka' by Ibn Qudamah, p.190)
A GENEROSITY LESSON:
Dear brothers and sisters, these stories should be a guideline for our behavior today. We must be ready to sacrifice everything for the prosperity of our Muslim brothers. Allah made a promise to us in the Quran and He fulfills his promise.
The example of those who spend their wealth on the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.
(Al Baqarah: verse 261)
We should keep this verse of the Holy Quran in our minds every time we donate in the way of Allah. Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan gave a practical model of this verse from the Holy Quran. No doubt, the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and His companions is an example of the instructions of the Holy Quran.
