Page 160 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

the first person to give alms specifically for this cause:

In times of peace and of campaign, Abu Bakr never abandoned the
Prophet (saas). He always accompanied him. He was always at his side,
ready to sacrifice his property and life. Abu Bakr, our Prophet's first
successor [caliph], was ever at the forefront in giving up his assets in
order to strengthen the religion and fighting the enemy.
When the Prophet (saas) told everyone to help out in the Battle of
Tabuk, everyone donated a part of their property. Then Abu Bakr
handed over his property. The Prophet (saas) turned to him and asked:
"O Abu Bakr, have you left anything at home?" [Abu Bakr replied:]
"O, Prophet, I have left nothing at home. I have brought it all here. I
have left them with Allah and His Prophet."

The Prophet also asked Umar, who had donated half of his possessions,
whether he had left anything for his family. "Yes, I have brought only
half of my possessions," he replied. "The other half I have left for them."
When Umar heard that Abu Bakr had brought all that he possessed, he
said: "He has surpassed me in all auspicious deeds in which we have
contended." 49
Although Abd ar-Rahman ibn Awf was one of the richest
Companions, he had no love of possessions and attached no impor-
tance to them or to his wealth. For him, living as a Muslim was the only
thing that mattered. He fought alongside our Prophet (saas) in all of
the battles, gave away many of his possessions to help the Muslim
community, freed his captives after the battle of Uhud, and distributed
a lot of his gold among them. He provided many horses and loaded
50
camels for the Tabuk campaign. Ibn Abbas relates:
Six months after returning from Ta'if, I went to the Prophet (saas).
Allah commanded him to embark on the Tabuk campaign. This was at

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