Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 806 [Read full issue]
Charity of the Poor
In the circumstances just before the expedition of Tabuk, a man with no money could do nothing. Yet there were examples of a high standard of faith attained by some of those very poor people.
Ulbah ibn Zayd was one such poor person. He yearned to go with the Muslim army, but could not find the means to do so. One night he was alone in his home. He woke up and prayed for a long while. He reflected on the situation and tears sprang from his eyes. Then he addressed God with this emotional prayer: "My Lord, You have commanded us to go on Jihad and You have encouraged us not to abandon this duty. Yet You have not given me what I need in order to be able to go on this campaign. Your Messenger cannot give me any means of transport. I therefore give in charity to every Muslim any right which I hold against him for a wrong he had done to me, whether in matters of money or self or honour."
The following morning, the man joined the dawn prayers as he always did. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked: "Where is the man who was charitable last night?" Nobody answered. The Prophet repeated the question and said: "Let this man stand up." Ulbah stood up and explained to the Prophet what he had done. The Prophet said: "By Him who holds my soul in His hand, this has been credited to you as a zakat accepted by God." [Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah wal-Nihayah]
Compiled From:
"Muhammad Man and Prophet" - Adil Salahi, p. 698