Some property or something was brought to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and he distributed it. He gave to some men and ignored the others. Later he got the news of his being admonished by those whom he had ignored. So he glorified and praised Allah and said, "Amma ba'du. By Allah, I may give to a man and ignore another, although the one whom I ignore is more beloved to me than the one whom I give. But I give to some people as I feel that they have no patience and no contentment in their hearts and I leave those who are patient and self-content with the goodness and wealth which Allah has put into their hearts and `Amr bin Taghlib is one of them." `Amr added, By Allah! Those words of Allah's Apostle are more beloved to me than the best red camels.
Context and Occasion of the Hadith
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 923 reveals a profound incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) distributed war spoils or charity unequally among companions, causing some to feel overlooked. The Prophet's subsequent explanation demonstrates divine wisdom in leadership and understanding of human psychology.
Scholarly Commentary on Distribution Wisdom
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explain that the Prophet's distribution was not based on personal preference but on spiritual assessment. Those who received more were spiritually weaker and needed material reinforcement to remain steadfast in faith.
Imam al-Qurtubi notes this demonstrates that Islamic leaders may distribute public funds unequally when considering the greater benefit (maslaha) and spiritual conditions of recipients, not merely personal affection.
The Excellence of Patience and Contentment
The Prophet's statement highlights the superior rank of those with patience (sabr) and contentment (qana'ah). Scholars like Imam al-Nawawi emphasize that being content with Allah's decree is half of faith, and those possessing this quality have attained great spiritual wealth.
The specific mention of Amr bin Taghlib indicates that recognition of one's spiritual state by the Prophet is more valuable than worldly possessions, as evidenced by Amr's preference for the Prophet's words over red camels (the most prized possession).
Leadership Lessons and Divine Wisdom
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains this hadith teaches that leaders must consider the hidden realities of people's hearts, not just apparent circumstances. The Prophet's approach shows that sometimes withholding from the strong-hearted is a greater honor than giving to them.
This incident also demonstrates the Prophet's transparency in governance - openly explaining his reasoning rather than leaving companions to speculate, thus preventing fitnah and strengthening community trust.