I heard Anas bin Malik saying, "Abu Talha had more property of date-palm trees gardens than any other amongst the Ansar in Medina and the most beloved of them to him was Bairuha garden, and it was in front of the Mosque of the Prophet (ﷺ) . Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to go there and used to drink its nice water." Anas added, "When these verses were revealed:--'By no means shall you Attain righteousness unless You spend (in charity) of that Which you love. ' (3.92) Abu Talha said to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Allah, the Blessed, the Superior says: By no means shall you attain righteousness, unless you spend (in charity) of that which you love. And no doubt, Bairuha' garden is the most beloved of all my property to me. So I want to give it in charity in Allah's Cause. I expect its reward from Allah. O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Spend it where Allah makes you think it feasible.' On that Allah's Apostle said, 'Bravo! It is useful property. I have heard what you have said (O Abu Talha), and I think it would be proper if you gave it to your Kith and kin.' Abu Talha said, I will do so, O Allah's Apostle.' Then Abu Talha distributed that garden amongst his relatives and his cousins."
The Excellence of Charity from Beloved Possessions
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1461 demonstrates the profound understanding of the Companions regarding Quranic injunctions. When Allah revealed "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) of that which you love" (3:92), Abu Talha immediately recognized the spiritual requirement to sacrifice what is most dear to one's heart.
The Wisdom in Distribution
The Prophet's guidance to give the garden to relatives exemplifies the Islamic principle of prioritizing close kin in charity. This fulfills both the obligation of maintaining family ties (silat ar-rahim) and charity (sadaqah).
Abu Talha's immediate compliance without hesitation reflects the perfect state of faith (iman) where a believer responds to divine command without delay or calculation of worldly loss.
Spiritual Lessons
True righteousness is attained not by giving surplus or unwanted possessions, but by sacrificing what the soul naturally inclines toward and cherishes.
The location of Bairuha garden facing the Prophet's Mosque indicates its exceptional value, making its charity even more meritorious in Allah's sight.
This incident establishes that the most beloved charity is that which comes from the most beloved possessions, and that giving to relatives combines multiple rewards.