When the Holy Verse: 'By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, it means here Allah's Reward i.e., Paradise), unless you spend of that which you love..', (V 3:92) was revealed, Abu Talha went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger ! Allah, the Blessed, the Superior stated in His book: 'By no means shall you attain Birr, unless you spend of that which you love....' (V 3:92) and the most beloved property to me is Bairuha' (which was a garden where Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to go to sit in its shade and drink from its water). I gave it to the Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) hoping for Allah's Reward in the Hereafter. So, Ao Allah's Messenger ! Use it as Allah orders you to use it." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Bravo! O Abu Talha, it is fruitful property. We have accepted it from you and now we return it to you. Distribute it amongst you relatives." So, Abu Talha distributed it amongst his relatives, amongst whom were Ubai and Hassan. When Hassan sold his share of that garden to Mu'awiyya, he was asked, "How do you see Abu Talha's Sadaqa?" He replied, "Who should not I sell a Sa' of date for Sa' of money ?" The garden was situated on the courtyard of the palace of Bani Jadila built by Mu'awiya.
Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa)
Sahih al-Bukhari 2758
Contextual Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari illustrates the immediate implementation of Quranic injunctions by the Companions. When Allah revealed Surah Al-Imran, verse 92, Abu Talha - one of the wealthiest Ansar - recognized its profound meaning and acted swiftly without hesitation.
Exegesis of the Quranic Verse
"By no means shall you attain Al-Birr unless you spend of that which you love" establishes that true righteousness requires sacrificing what is most precious to one's heart. Mere charity from surplus wealth doesn't fulfill this condition. The verse elevates charitable giving from ritual to spiritual transformation.
Abu Talha's Exemplary Response
Abu Talha's immediate offering of his most beloved garden demonstrates perfect understanding and implementation of the Quran. His declaration "I gave it to Allah and His Messenger" shows he understood that giving for Allah's pleasure includes supporting His Messenger's mission.
Prophetic Wisdom in Redistribution
The Prophet's decision to return the garden to Abu Talha for distribution among relatives contains profound wisdom: it teaches that charity begins with close kin, strengthens family bonds, and ensures sustainable benefit. Calling it "fruitful property" acknowledges both its material and spiritual value.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This incident establishes important principles: the permissibility of designating specific recipients for charity, the priority of relatives in receiving assistance, and the validity of the Prophet managing charitable endowments. Hassan's subsequent sale demonstrates that once charity is properly distributed, recipients may dispose of it lawfully.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that Abu Talha's action exemplifies immediate obedience to divine revelation. His offering wasn't prompted by personal crisis but pure spiritual responsiveness. The Prophet's praise ("Bravo!") indicates the high merit of such spontaneous generosity motivated solely by Quranic inspiration.