Intermediate
Madani Events
Surah: At-Tawbah (19)
Hajj Service or Jihad? — At-Tawbah 19
أَجَعَلۡتُمۡ سِقَايَةَ ٱلۡحَآجِّ وَعِمَارَةَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ كَمَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ
— التوبة الآية 19
Occasion of Revelation (Sahih — Ahmad & Tabarani):
Al-Nu'man ibn Bashir narrated: A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: "Give me the reward equal to a fighter." The Prophet was silent, then was revealed: "Do you consider the serving of water to pilgrims and the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque equal to those who believe in Allah?" Another narration: Al-Abbas boasted of providing water, Talha ibn Shayba of serving the Kaabah, and Ali responded with jihad alongside the Prophet — so the verse was revealed.
Significance:
Al-Nu'man ibn Bashir narrated: A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: "Give me the reward equal to a fighter." The Prophet was silent, then was revealed: "Do you consider the serving of water to pilgrims and the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque equal to those who believe in Allah?" Another narration: Al-Abbas boasted of providing water, Talha ibn Shayba of serving the Kaabah, and Ali responded with jihad alongside the Prophet — so the verse was revealed.
Significance:
- Distinguishing between visible rituals and the substance of faith and jihad
- Complete Islam = sincere faith + jihad with life and wealth
- "They are not equal before Allah" — outwardly similar acts can differ vastly in essence and reward
Source: Ahmad (4/263); Tabarani, Al-Kabir — Hasan by corroborating chains; Al-Suyuti
Test Yourself
What did Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) say in response to Al-Abbas and Talha's boasting?
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