📖Sunan Abi Dawud 2534
Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: Once the Messenger of Allah (ï·º) intended to go on an expedition. He said: O group of the emigrants (Muhajirun) and the helpers (Ansar), among your brethren there are people who have neither property nor family. So one of you should take with him two or three persons; with me. I also rode on my camel by turns like one of them.
From this hadith, we can learn several lessons that are relevant today:
- Inclusion and unity: The Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) emphasized the unity between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers), recognizing them as one community despite their different backgrounds.
- Social responsibility: The Prophet (ï·º) highlighted the importance of taking care of those among the community who are in need, specifically mentioning individuals who lacked both property and family support.
- Support for the less fortunate: The Prophet (ï·º) encouraged individuals who had the means to provide assistance to those who lacked resources by taking them along on the expedition.
- Sharing responsibilities: The Prophet (ï·º) set an example by actively participating in the expedition, riding on his camel by turns like his companions. This demonstrates the principle of shared responsibilities and not burdening others unnecessarily.
- Empathy and compassion: The Prophet (ï·º) showed empathy towards those who were economically disadvantaged and without family support, highlighting the importance of caring for their well-being and including them in community activities.
- Inclusivity in decision-making: The Prophet (ï·º) involved the community in decision-making by calling upon them to accompany him on the expedition, fostering a sense of belonging and participation.
- Equal distribution of responsibilities: By suggesting that one person should take two or three others with him, the Prophet (ï·º) promoted an equitable distribution of tasks and resources, ensuring that the burden was not disproportionately placed on any one individual.
These lessons from the hadith encourage us today to foster inclusivity, support the less fortunate, share responsibilities, show empathy, and promote a sense of community and equality.