Abu al-Dahdah
Abu al-Dahdah, known as Thabit ibn al-Dahdah ibn Naeem, was a revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad. He earned the nickname Abu al-Dahdah or Abu al-Dahdah. He participated in the Battle of Uhud alongside the Prophet and was one of the steadfast companions when false rumors circulated about the Prophet’s death. There are differing accounts regarding the death of Abu al-Dahdah; one states that he was martyred on the day of Uhud, killed by Khalid ibn al-Walid, while another suggests that he witnessed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with the Prophet and later died peacefully in his bed.
Abu al-Dahdah’s Generosity
The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- foretold a great reward in Paradise for Abu al-Dahdah. This was prompted by an incident where Abu al-Dahdah saw a young boy attempting to build a fence around his garden, which was obstructed by a date palm belonging to his neighbor. The boy asked to purchase the palm from the neighbor, but the companion refused to sell it. The Prophet then advised him to give the boy the palm in exchange for a similar one in Paradise. Initially reluctant, strengthened by the promise of reward, Abu al-Dahdah decided to buy the disputed palm and offered it in exchange for a garden containing six hundred date palms, all for the sake of that one palm in Paradise. The neighbor accepted this trade, and the Prophet approved of this generous act. He expressed great joy, saying, “How many clusters of date-fruits does Abu al-Dahdah have in Paradise!” At the time, Abu al-Dahdah’s wife was in the garden with their children when he returned to inform her of his generous act; she exited with a willing heart, honored by her husband’s charitable deed for the sake of Allah.
Lessons from Abu al-Dahdah’s Charity
Scholars have derived numerous lessons from the story of Abu al-Dahdah’s donation of his garden for the sake of Allah. Among these are:
- The importance of not associating one’s heart with worldly possessions and instead, maintaining a sincere desire for the hereafter and its rewards.
- The virtue of a wife’s obedience to her husband and encouraging him to engage in acts of worship and devotion to Allah.
- The merit of promptly responding to the commands of the Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- and implementing the teachings of the Holy Quran.
- The unwavering faith in the promises of Allah.