“…and those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, “That is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.” 144 “Here you are- those invited to spend in the cause of Allah – but among you are those who withhold. And whoever withholds only withholds from himself; and Allah is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.” 145 “And why do you not spend in the cause of Allah while to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth?” 146 Asslam Abi Imran said, ‘We were in an army heading from Madina towards Constantinople. The head of the army was Abdul Rahman bin Khalid bin al Waleed. The Romans had their backs facing the gates of the city. A man from among us rushed alone towards the enemy. Some people said: “There is no God but Allah! He is throwing himself into destruction!” Abu Ayub al Ansari (a companion) said: “This verse was revealed speaking about us the Ansar. When Allah gave His Messenger victory and Islam prevailed, we said let’s go back to our businesses and take care of it. Allah then revealed the verse ‘And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good,’ So throwing our selves into destruction meant going back to our farms and businesses and leaving Jihad.” Abu Ayub remained in Jihad until he was buried in Constantinople.’147 Al Qasim bin Mukhamarah (tabi’ee) said, ‘Destruction is withholding spending in the cause of Allah but if a man alone attacks ten thousand strong of the enemy that is fine and Allah knows best.’148 Shaytaan may tell you that since you might die why not leave your wealth behind for your family. This thought is only accepted by one who has little trust in Allah. It shows the existence of doubts in Allah’s ability to provide. Because if you believe that you are nothing but a middleman between Allah and your family and that in reality it is not you who is providing for them, then you would not worry for your family after you die. Abu Dharr said the Messenger of Allah T saw me entering and he was sitting under the shade of al Kaabah. When he saw me he said, “In the name of the Lord of al Kaabah, they are the great losers!” I couldn’t help but go to him and ask him whom they were. He said: 144
Surah al Tawba 34-35. Surah Muhammad 38. 146 Surah al Hadeed 10. 147 Abu Dawud, Tirmithi and al Hakim. 148 al Tabari in Tafseer - al Sunan al Kubra. 145
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