Abu Talha was the richest man in Medina amongst the Ansar and Beeruha' (garden) was the most
beloved of his property, and it was situated opposite the mosque (of the Prophet.). Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)
used to enter it and drink from its sweet water. When the following Divine Verse were revealed: 'you
will not attain righteousness till you spend in charity of the things you love' (3.92), Abu Talha got up
in front of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Allah says in His Book, 'You will not attain
righteousness unless you spend (in charity) that which you love,' and verily, the most beloved to me of
my property is Beeruha (garden), so I give it in charity and hope for its reward from Allah. O Allah's
Apostle! Spend it wherever you like." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) appreciated that and said, "That is perishable
wealth, that is perishable wealth. I have heard what you have said; I suggest you to distribute it among
your relatives." Abu Talha said, "I will do so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." So, Abu Talha distributed it among
his relatives and cousins. The sub-narrator (Malik) said: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "That is a profitable
wealth," instead of "perishable wealth".
Narrated by Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Context
Abu Talha, a wealthy companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was deeply moved by a verse from the Quran that emphasized the importance of spending from what one loves. He decided to donate his beloved garden, Beeruha, as an act of charity. The Prophet (ﷺ) praised his generosity and advised him to distribute the garden among his relatives, highlighting the significance of charity within the community.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals today to reflect on their own resources and consider how they can contribute to their communities. Acts of charity, especially from what we hold dear, foster a sense of responsibility and connection among community members.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Community Responsibility because it exemplifies the act of giving from one's beloved possessions for the benefit of others.
And why do you not spend in the cause of Allah while to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth? Not equal among you are those who spent before the conquest [of Makkah] and fought [and those who did so after it]. Those are greater in degree than they who spent afterwards and fought. But to all Allah has promised the best [reward]. And Allah, with what you do, is Acquainted.
Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.
And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.
Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.
Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted - let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it. Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease.
This hadith is #2229 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Representation, Authorization, Business by Proxy. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Anas bin Malik:.