“I entered upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)
when
he was (sitting) on a reed mat. I sat down and (saw that) he was
wearing a waist wrap, and there was no other barrier between him and
the mat but his waist wrap, and the reed mat had made marks on his
side. And I saw a handful of barley, nearly a Sa’, and some acacia
leaves, in a corner of the room, and a skin hanging up. My eyes
flowed
with tears, and he said: ‘Why are you weeping, O son of
Khattab?’ I
said: ‘O Prophet of Allah, why should I not weep?
This mat has made
marks on your side, and this is all you have
accumulated, I cannot see
anything other than what I see (here),
while Chosroes and Caesar live
among fruits and rivers. You are the
Prophet of Allah and His Chosen
One, and this is what you have
accumulated.’ He said: ‘O son of
Khattab, does it not please you
(to know) that (these things) are for
us in the Hereafter and for
them in this world?’ He said: ‘Yes.’”
Narrated by ‘Umar
bin Khattab said:
Context
‘Umar bin Khattab reported that he witnessed the simplicity of the Prophet's living conditions, despite his status as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Prophet's response to ‘Umar's concern about his modest lifestyle emphasized the value of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly possessions.
Modern Application
In a consumer-driven society, this hadith serves as a reminder to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material accumulation. It encourages individuals to find contentment in their faith and the promise of the Hereafter.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Wealth because it contrasts the Prophet's modest living with the material abundance of worldly leaders, highlighting the value of spiritual over material wealth.
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
So when they entered upon Joseph, they said, "O 'Azeez, adversity has touched us and our family, and we have come with goods poor in quality, but give us full measure and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allah rewards the charitable."
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.