A person from people who lived before you was called to account (by Allah at the Day of Judgment) and no good was found in his account except this that lie being a rich man had (financial) dealings with people and had commanded his servants to show leniency to the straitened ones. Upon this Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, said: We have more right to this, so overlook (his faults).
Narrated by Abu Mas'ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recounts a story of a wealthy man from the past who was called to account on the Day of Judgment. Despite his wealth, he had little good to show except for his practice of instructing his servants to be lenient with those in financial distress. Allah, in His mercy, declared that He has more right to overlook faults than the man did, emphasizing the importance of compassion and leniency towards others.
Modern Application
In today's world, this principle can be applied when dealing with financial obligations. For instance, if someone is struggling to pay their debts, showing understanding and providing them with some leeway can foster goodwill and community support. It encourages a culture of empathy and support rather than strict enforcement of obligations.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Good Deeds because it highlights the significance of showing leniency and compassion towards those in need, which is a form of charity.
So why were there not among the generations before you those of enduring discrimination forbidding corruption on earth - except a few of those We saved from among them? But those who wronged pursued what luxury they were given therein, and they were criminals.
Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people."
He said, "I was only given it because of knowledge I have." Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him of generations those who were greater than him in power and greater in accumulation [of wealth]? But the criminals, about their sins, will not be asked.
So He penalized them with hypocrisy in their hearts until the Day they will meet Him - because they failed Allah in what they promised Him and because they [habitually] used to lie.
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 #3868 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Musaqah. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Mas'ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:.
