Selflessness of the Ansar

Selflessness of the Ansar
Source : Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Volume 9 [Darussalam 2000] – Imam Ibn Kathir

“(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking bounties from Allah and (His) good pleasure, and helping Allah and His Messenger. Such are indeed the truthful.

And (it is also for) those who, before them, had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given, and give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own greed, such are they who will be the successful.

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful.”” [Surah Al Hashr 59:8-10]

Allah said,

“…and give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that.” meaning, they preferred giving to the needy rather than attending to their own needs, and began by giving the people before their own selves, even though they too were in need.

An authentic Hadith stated that the Messenger of Allah said, “The best charity is that given when one is in need and struggling.” This exalted rank is better than the rank of those whom Allah described in His statements, “And they give food, inspite of their love for it.” [Surah Al Insan 76:8], and, “And gives his wealth, in spite of love for it.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:177]

The latter give charity even though they love the wealth they give, not that they really need it, nor that it is necessary for them to keep it. The former prefer others to themselves even though they are in need and have a necessity for what they spend in charity.

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq gave away all his wealth in charity and Allah’s Messenger asked him, “What did you keep for your family,” and he said, “I kept for them Allah and His Messenger.”

‘Ikrimah (bin Abi Jahl) and two other wounded fighters were offered water when they were injured during the battle of Al-Yarmuk, and each one of them said that the sip of water should be given to another of the three wounded men. They did so even though they were badly injured and craving water. When the water reached the third man, he and the other two died and none of them drank any of the water! May Allah be pleased with them and make them pleased with Him.

Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said, “A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Poverty has stuck me.’ The Prophet sent a messenger to his wives (to bring something for that man to eat) but they said that they had nothing. Then Allah’s Messenger said, “Who will invite this person or entertain him as a guest tonight; may Allah grant His mercy to him who does so”. An Ansari man said, ‘I, O Allah’s Messenger!’ So he took him to his wife and said to her, ‘Entertain the guest of Allah’s Messenger generously.’ She said, ‘By Allah ! We have nothing except the meal for my children.’ He said, ‘Let your children sleep if they ask for supper. Then turn off the lamp and we go to bed tonight while hungry.’ She did what he asked her to do. In the morning the Ansari went to Allah’s Messenger who said, “Allah wondered (favorably) or laughed at the action of so-and-so and his wife.” Then Allah revealed, ‘and they give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that.’“ Al-Bukhari recorded this Hadith in another part of his Sahih. Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i collected this Hadith. In another narration for this Hadith, the Companion’s name was mentioined, it was Abu Talhah Al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him.

Allah said, “And whosoever is saved from his own greed, such are they who will be the successful.”  indicating that those who are saved from being stingy, then they have earned success and a good achievement.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah said, “Be on your guard against committing oppression, for oppression is a darkness on the Day of Resurrection. Be on your guard against being stingy, for being stingy is what destroyed those who were before you. It made them shed blood and make lawful what was unlawful for them.” Muslim collected this Hadith.

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Aswad bin Hilal said that a man said to ‘Abdullah (bin Mas`ud),”O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman! I fear that I have earned destruction for myself.” ‘Abdullah asked him what the matter was and he said, “I hear Allah’s saying, “And whosoever is saved from his own greed, such are they who will be the successful.” and I am somewhat a miser who barely gives away anything.” ‘Abdullah said, “That is not the greed Allah mentioned in the Quran, which pertains to illegally consuming your brother’s wealth. What you have is miserliness, and it is an evil thing indeed to be a miser.”