The lives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companion of Prophet Muhammad 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 Prophet Muhammad and I am sure this story will inspire you to expenditure in the way of Allah.
Generosity of a Companion of Prophet Muhammad
This story is the story of the generosity of Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph of Muslims and a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. 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 him and reported the public issue. 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 was still worried about the hardships of the people.
SOLUTION:
That evening, a caravan approached Medina carrying wheat from Syria. All the traders of Medina rushed to the house of Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan, the generous companion of Prophet Muhammad. They wished to purchase the grains and offered him generous profit margins.
BIDDING:
The traders offered him increasing profit rates: “Twelve for ten,” then “Fifteen for ten,” but Hazrat Uthman refused each time, replying that he had a better offer. Astonished, the traders asked who could offer more. He answered, “Allah has promised me ten for every Dirham. Can you match that?” When they said no, Hazrat Uthman, the noble companion of Prophet Muhammad, declared that he was donating the entire supply as charity for the poor Muslims.
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, the actions of this great companion of Prophet Muhammad are a powerful lesson in selflessness and faith. His example reflects the Quranic promise:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain which grows seven spikes, in each spike is a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whom He wills…”
(Al-Baqarah: 261)
Let us take inspiration from this beautiful example of the companion of Prophet Muhammad. May we follow their path and strive to serve humanity for the sake of Allah.
