"There are three whom Allah, the Mighty and Glorious, loves: A man who stood at night reciting the Book of Allah; a man who spent in charity with his right hand, concealing it"- it seems to me he said "from his left hand"- "and a man who was in a small expedition while his companions were decimated, yet he faced enemy." Another chain reports a similar narration.
Hadith Commentary: The Three Whom Allah Loves
This noble hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (2567) enumerates three categories of believers who attain the special love of Allah Almighty. The first is one who stands in night prayer reciting Allah's Book - this indicates tahajjud prayer where the heart connects with Quranic revelation in solitude. The second gives charity so discreetly that his left hand remains unaware of what his right hand gives - this demonstrates pure sincerity (ikhlas) free from ostentation. The third remains steadfast in battle when comrades perish - this exemplifies ultimate trust in Allah's decree during extreme trial. These three represent worship of the tongue, wealth, and soul respectively - encompassing the complete submission of a believer's faculties to the Divine.
Scholarly Insights
Al-Mubarakfuri explains in Tuhfat al-Ahwathi that the phrase "concealing it from his left hand" is a metaphorical expression emphasizing the utmost secrecy in charity, preventing even one's own limbs from witnessing the act.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes in Jami' al-Ulum wal-Hikam that these three actions represent the perfection of faith: night prayer perfects one's relationship with Allah, secret charity perfects one's relationship with creation, and battlefield steadfastness perfects one's commitment to Allah's cause.
Al-Qari comments that the "small expedition" (saraya) refers to military detachments where the believer's perseverance despite overwhelming odds demonstrates unconditional reliance upon Allah's assistance and acceptance of divine decree.
Spiritual Significance
These three beloved actions share the common quality of being performed purely for Allah's pleasure without seeking human recognition. The night worshipper acts when others sleep, the charitable giver conceals his giving, and the steadfast warrior perseveres when others might flee - all demonstrating sincerity that transcends worldly motivations.