Part - The Quran Blog - Enlighten Yourself

In his generosity and benevolence, he set a perfect example for his Ummah. He wasphilanthropic and charitable to the extent that he was unmindful of its repercussions onhimself. He was more generous than the proverbial cool breeze. He gave away, without asecond thought, whatever was asked of him. Once, a man asked him for so many sheep aswould fill up the space between two particular mountains. He arranged for him those sheep.On returning to his people, that man related to them the generosity of the Prophet whodonated as though he feared no poverty on himself.7 [7]His leadership in piety and abstinence was exemplary. He used to rest on a crude mat. Itsimpressions were visible on his body. When it was suggested to him that the mat be replacedwith a soft mattress, he countered with the question, What am I to do with worldly comforts?My example in this world is that of a horse-rider who rests awhile in the shade of a tree andthen continues away on his journey.He never ate wheat bread to his full for any three successive days after his arrival inMadinah.8 [8] Once, after three days of hunger, he partook of a piece of barley bread.9 [9] Thiswas the command of Allah to which he submitted himself.10 [10] We must remember that itwas not poverty that compelled him to practice abstinence but he did it of his own accord.The riches of the world were his for the asking. The wisdom of this abstinence may be read inthe following factors.? It was his desire that Muslims attain a level of piety that create in them a spirit of cooperation.It may urge them to unselfishness and lead them to spend their wealth. We knowfrom traditions that he did so wilfully.11 [11] His aim was to grow in Muslims the characteristicof contentment. He liked them to be strong enough not to allow themselves to be trapped in,and consequently be destroyed by, the appealing beauties of the world. He taught them thata religious attitude is pursued not to gain wealth or comfort but to obtain the pleasures ofAllah and His reward.12 [12]? In our showing hospitality to others, we have in him an ideal guide. He was always the firstto greet. He was fully attentive to the person with whom he conversed. When he shookhands with someone, he was never the first to withdraw his hands. While joining a gathering7 [7] abªu ash-Shaikh.8 [8] ibn Jarªir.9 [9] Ahmad.10 [10] Tªa Hªa, 20:131.11 [11] Bayhaqªi.12 [12] Hªud, 11:29.