أَجَعَلۡتُمۡ سِقَايَةَ ٱلۡحَآجِّ وَعِمَارَةَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ كَمَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ
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:
- 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
Question: What did Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) say in response to Al-Abbas and Talha's boasting?
Answer: He said: We are better — we believed and fought alongside the Messenger ﷺ. The verse confirmed that jihad with faith is the greatest.