Bismillaah
الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ ثُمَّ لاَ يُتْبِعُونَ مَا أَنفَقُواُ مَنًّا وَلاَ أَذًى لَّهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allaah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
[al Baqarah: 262]
There are thoughts that cross our minds when we see someone at a higher status in wealth than us. At times, we may also wish that If I had money, I’d have given it in charity as well. If I had this, I’d have done that, etc etc.
The companions, may Allaah subhana wa ta’ala be pleased with them, from amongst the muhaajireen, left everything behind when they migrated to Madinah. They left behind their homes, their wealth, their status and some even left behind family members, whom they couldn’t support at that moment.
The Ansar, or Helpers – the Muslims of Madinah were well established. They had much barakah in their businesses and had established lives.
Upon migration, the muhaajiroon used to feel bad for not doing enough for Islam, financially.
They used to look at the richer companions, who outdid them in giving sadaqaat. And they used to wish for the same. But they were poor and couldn’t have possibly donated large amount.
So, one day, they went to the Prophet of Allaah, alayhim salaatu wa salaam, and said: “O Allaah’s Messenger! The wealthy people will get higher grades and permanent enjoyment.” He asked,
و ما ذاك؟
“Why is that?”
They said, “They pray like us and fast as we do. However, they give in charity, whereas we cannot do that, and they free servants, whereas we cannot afford it.” The Prophet said:
“lf I tell you of a good deed that, if you acted upon, you would catch up with those who have surpassed you none would overtake you and be better than you, except those who might do the same. Say, “SubhanAllaah” (Glorious is Allaah), “Allaahu Akbar” (Allaah is Most Great), and “Alhumdulillaah” (Praise be to Allaah), thirty three times each after every prayer.”
They later came back and said, “Our wealthy brethren heard what we did and they started doing the same.” Allaah’s Messenger said,
ذلك فضل الله يؤتيهِ من يشاء
“This is the favour of Allaah that He gives to whom He wills.”
Hadith collected in Sahih Muslim 1:416. Found online here
Lesson Learned: If you feel bad for not doing enough for Islam due to not having enough money, then don’t worry. You can catch up with those who have, by spending some of your time!
After all, those that do have money, don’t have much time to spare. If they do, then it’s the favour of Allaah that He Gives to whom He Wills. :)
Also on the virtue of the dhikr after salah is:
In a hadeeth reported by Abu Hurayrah from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever glorifies Allaah (says Subhaan Allaah) thirty-three times immediately after each prayer, and praises Allaah (says Al-hamdu Lillaah) thirty-three times, and magnifies Allaah (says Allaahu akbar) thirty-three times, this makes ninety-nine, then to complete one hundred says Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god except Allaah Alone, with no partner, His is the power and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things) – his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Reported by Muslim, 939).
As-salaamu `alaykum
Dhahaba ahlul dhuthoor bil ujoor! Now that’s true investment :)
Jazakillahu khayran for that reminder
As salam ‘aleykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
wa alaykum as Salaam warehmatullaahi wabarakatuhu