An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
5. Piety
~ 144 ~
one of the Bani Ghefar tribe, the water of which was
to the liking of the emigrants. The owner used to
sell them a flask-full in exchange for one
mudd
(half
bushel) of grain. The Prophet suggested to the
owner that he should sell it to him “in exchange for
a spring in Paradise.” “I and my household have no
other source of livelihood,” the man explained. “I
can’t just give it away to you like that.” Hearing of
this incident Uthman ibn Affan bought the Well of
Rumah from its owner for 35,000 dirhams, then
came to the Prophet. “Shall I also have a spring in
paradise in exchange for this well”, he asked. “You
will indeed!” said the Prophet. Uthman then
donated the well to the Muslims.
(AL-TABARANI)
TAKE WHAT IS GLADLY GIVEN; DO NOT ASK
FOR MORE
After the Battle of Hunayn, the Prophet gave Hakim
ibn Hizam part of the spoils. But Hakim was not
satisfied with his share, so the Prophet gave him
still more. “Which of your gifts was better?” asked
Hakim. “The first,” replied the Prophet and then he
added, “O Hakim, the material things of this world
