Once Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) undertook a journey to the land of Shaam, where he visited various areas and towns . When he came to the town of Hims, he asked the people to draw up a list of all the poor people of the town. The people of Hims prepared this list and presented it to Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
Upon receiving the list of names, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) began going through them and noticed the name “Sa‘eed bin ‘Aamir” on the list. He enquired from the people as to who this person was. They told him that it was referring to their governor, Sayyiduna Sa‘eed bin ‘Aamir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was taken aback. He asked, “How can your leader be a pauper? Where is his salary? Where is his wage?” The people explained to Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that their leader does not keep anything for himself (rather, he spends everything that he receives).” Hearing the pitiable state of this leader, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was brought to tears.
Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then took 1000 gold coins, placed it in a bag, and sent it to Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). He instructed the messenger to convey his salaams to Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and tell him that this came from Ameerul Mu-mineen in order for him to see to his needs. When Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) opened the bag and saw the gold coins, he exclaimed, “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji‘oon!”
When his wife saw him in this condition, she enquired, “What has happened? Has Ameerul Mu-mineen passed away?” Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) told her that it was something more serious than that. She went on to ask him, “Has a sign (of Qiyaamah) become apparent?” He again told her that it was something even more serious than that. She then asked, “Then (is it) one of the matters of Qiyaamah (itself)?” Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) again replied that it was something more serious than that also.
(Not knowing what could be more serious than that) she asked him to explain to her what the matter was. He explained to her that the temptation of this worldly life had presented itself before him! She thus told him to spend the wealth as he wishes. Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in turn asked her if she will support him (in discharging this wealth), and she assured him that she would do so.
Sayyiduna Sa‘eed (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then took the gold coins and placed them in a bag. He thereafter proceeded to one battalion of the Muslim army and distributed the entire amount amongst them, down to the last coin.
After all the coins had been distributed, his wife asked him why he had not kept behind some of the money, so that they would be able to see to their needs. In reply to this, Sayyiduna Sa‘eed bin ‘Aamir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) began to explain to his wife a hadeeth which he had directly heard from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) regarding one of the bounties of Jannah being far more superior than this world. He thereafter explained to her that he was not prepared to give this material world preference over that bounty of Jannah.
(Az-Zuhd lil Imaam Ahmad #1030)
Lessons:
1. Leadership positions are great responsibilities which must to be fulfilled with honesty and integrity. They are not to be used for one’s own gain and personal advantage. Hence, despite being the leader, Sayyiduna Sa‘eed bin ‘Aamir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was among the poor people of the town.
2. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) always had the Aakhirah in front of them. It was this constant presence of the Hereafter in their hearts and minds that caused them to lose interest in the temporary bounties of this world, and give preference to Deen in every aspect of their lives. Every believer must continuously remind himself, his friends and his family about the everlasting bounties of the Aakhirah. By adopting this habit, he will insha-Allah be encouraged to bring about more good actions in his life and the love of this world will decrease in his heart. In this regard, it is very strongly advised that the ta’leem of Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat be conducted daily in one’s home.
3. One of the greatest bounties that a person can enjoy is a pious and supportive spouse. The wife of Sayyiduna Sa‘eed bin ‘Aamir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was prepared to support her husband, even if it meant her living the life of a pauper. We should thus support our spouses in Deen and never become an obstacle in them gaining the proximity of Allah Ta‘ala. When looking for a spouse for ourselves or for our children, this should also be the top priority.
