Abu Talha had the largest number of datepalms from amongst the Ansars of Medina. The dearest of his property to him was Bairuha garden which was facing the (Prophet's) Mosque. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to enter it and drink of its good fresh water. When the Holy Verse:-- 'By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) of that which you love.' (3.92) was revealed, Abu Talha got up and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Allah says: By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend of that which you love,' and the dearest of my property to me is the Bairuha garden and I want to give it in charity in Allah's Cause, seeking to be rewarded by Allah for that. So you can spend it, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), where-ever Allah instructs you. ' Allah s Apostle said, "Good! That is a perishable (or profitable) wealth" (`Abdullah is in doubt as to which word was used.) He said, "I have heard what you have said but in my opinion you'd better give it to your kith and kin." On that Abu Talha said, "I will do so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!" Abu Talha distributed that garden among his kith and kin and cousins.
Exposition of Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari
This narration from the Book of Drinks (Sahih al-Bukhari 5611) demonstrates profound principles of Islamic charity and spiritual excellence.
Contextual Background
Abu Talha al-Ansari was among the most prosperous Companions in Medina, possessing extensive date palm groves. His most cherished possession was Bayruha garden, distinguished by its proximity to the Prophet's Mosque and its sweet water, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ frequently drank.
Divine Revelation and Immediate Response
When Allah revealed "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend of that which you love" (Quran 3:92), Abu Talha demonstrated exemplary understanding and immediate compliance. He recognized this verse demanded sacrificing what one genuinely cherishes, not merely surplus possessions.
Prophetic Guidance in Charity
The Prophet's ﷺ response "Good! That is a perishable wealth" indicates the transient nature of worldly possessions. His recommendation to give to relatives establishes the hierarchy in charitable giving: family members take precedence, followed by neighbors and the broader community.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes that the highest form of charity involves sacrificing what one truly loves. It also demonstrates that while giving in Allah's path is virtuous, directing charity toward maintaining family ties yields multiple rewards: charity reward plus the reward of upholding kinship.
Practical Implementation
Abu Talha's immediate action in distributing Bayruha among his relatives exemplifies the Companions' readiness to implement divine commandments. This teaches Muslims to prioritize what Allah loves over personal attachments and to seek the most beneficial avenues for their charitable acts.