The Companions of the Prophet

This incident is representative of a general eagerness among the Companions to donate their wealth for the sake of their faith. One must call to mind once again that this happened 1400 years ago. Were anyone to perform an act of similar charity in the name of their religion today, it is quite possible that they would have great honours conferred upon them by Muslims, which far exceeded their expenditure. But things were quite different in the time of the Companions. To spend in the cause of religion in those days was to be condemned as insane by society. Far from raising one to a high pinnacle of fame, it was like burying oneself in selfoblivion. The cause to which the Companions devoted their lives and properties was surrounded by doubt. Historical evidence had not yet accumulated in support of it. The truth of Islam had not yet been established in society at large. Yet the Companions donated their wealth for the sake of their religion at that uncertain period of Islamic history: Now, 1400 years later, the greatness of Islam has become an established fact, supported by centuries of history. Spending on a cause that has not consolidated its place in society is very different Placing One’s Crown on the Head of Another Before the Prophet emigrated to Madinah, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy had stood out as a natural leader in that city. His character, charisma and intelligence-led the people of