Spending on the Occasion of Tabook
On the occasion of Tabook, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to spend in the path of Allah Ta‘ala. Various Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) presented their contributions to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) according to their means.
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had thought to himself on that occasion that he will present a great contribution and surpass Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as this was the first time that he had received a great amount of wealth. Hence, he presented half his wealth before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “Did you leave anything for your family?” He replied, “Yes, O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I left half of my entire wealth for my family.”
Subsequently, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came forward and presented all his wealth to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “What did you leave for your family, O Abu Bakr?” He answered, “I have brought everything and I have left Allah Ta‘ala and his Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for them.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter says that it was on that day that he realized the esteemed rank and position of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and that he would never be able to surpass him.
(Sunan Abu Dawood #1678 and Sunan Tirmizi #3675)
