Page 162 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

the time of the fiercest heat in Hijaz. There were large numbers of hyp-
ocrites. Moreover, the people of the Suffa had also increased consider-
ably at that time. Staying in a house next to the mosque, they survived

on the alms given by the Prophet (saas) and other believers. When hos-
tilities broke out, the Muslims divided them among themselves. Those
Muslims with sufficient means agreed to feed four people or to militar-
ily equip one. Then they all went off to fight together. In this campaign,
the Prophet (saas) commanded the Muslims to spend their assets in
Allah's way and earn His approval. They abided by that command and
spent their assets in order to attain His mercy. Mounts were provided
for some poor Muslims, but some were left on foot. That day, Abd ar-
Rahman ibn Awf donated 200 uqiyya of money [1 uqiyya is a measure
of weight equivalent to 40 dirhams]. This was the day's greatest dona-
tion. The Prophet (saas) asked him: "Have you left anything for your
family?" He replied: "Yes, I have left them more than what I have
given." When the Prophet (saas) asked: "What have you left them?"
Abd ar-Rahman replied: "The goodwill and auspiciousness promised by
Allah and His Messenger." 51

Like all of the Companions, Uthman (ra) obeyed the Prophet's
(saas) call during the Tabuk campaign. He equipped one-third of the
army and spent, in this way, more than others for His cause. In fact,
one account says that after his contribution, the army needed nothing
52
else. Once when there was a famine in Madinah, Uthman (ra) bought
for the Companions a 100-camel caravan loaded with wheat from
Damascus. Later, he distributed all of it free of charge to the poor and
the Companions in Madinah. He then killed the camels and distributed

the meat to the poor. 53
Another Companion known for his generosity was Abd-Allah ibn

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