Islam expects complete dedication from its followers. Such dedication is the symbol of pure and total faith. Hence, when danger threatens the Muslim community, everyone is expected to do his best to avert this danger and spare the community its ill effects and consequences. During the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) lifetime, danger threatened the fledgling Islamic state in Madinah from all quarters. Many Arabian tribes felt that they were more than a match to that state. The Jews and the unbelievers in Makkah joined forces to deal the Muslim community a crushing defeat. The Prophet was always fully aware of these dangers, and he kept on the alert, trying always to stem an imminent danger before it developed into a serious threat. Therefore, he mobilized his forces and was on the march to meet any force being gathered for the purpose of attacking Madinah. He often surprised his enemy by appearing among them, without launching a surprise or treacherous attack. He would go on an expedition, at the head of a suitable force, often outnumbered by the enemy. In most cases, however, he would come back having removed the danger without forcing a military engagement. His troops were often ill equipped, using whatever was available of mounts and arms, as appears from the following Hadith reported by Jabir ibn Abdullah, a young companion of the Prophet.
“The Prophet went out himself on 21 expeditions, and I joined 19 of these, being absent only on two occasions. As I was with him on one of these expeditions, my camel, which we normally used for carrying water, was in a state of fatigue one night. God’s Messenger was in the rear, leading the weaker ones, and letting some of those without mounts have a ride behind others, and praying for everyone. He caught up with me when I was saying: ‘Distressed is my mother, as we continue to have such a weak camel.’ He asked: ‘Who is that?’ I said: ‘It is Jabir, Messenger of God! May both my parents be sacrificed for your sake!’ He asked what was wrong and I told him that my camel was in a state of fatigue. He asked whether I had a stick and I told him that I had. He hit the camel with it and let it go, then he sat the camel down and lowered its head, placing his foot on it. He told me to ride and I did. I walked alongside him. My camel was now racing him. He prayed for my forgiveness on that night 25 times.
“The Prophet then asked me how many children did my father leave behind when he died. I said: ‘Seven girls.’ He asked whether he left any unpaid debts and I confirmed that he did. He said to me: ‘When you arrive in Madinah, try to negotiate with his creditors. If they refuse, then when it is time for you to cut your dates, let me know.’
“He then asked me whether I have married. I said that I had, and he asked me whom did I marry. I told him my wife’s name, indicating that she was a widow. He said: ‘Why have you not married a young woman with whom you could play?’ I said: ‘Messenger of God! I have these young girls to look after (meaning his sisters), and I felt uneasy about bringing them another immature girl. I thought this one would be more helpful and give me what I need.’ He said: ‘You have done well and acted wisely.’ He then said to me: ‘Sell me your camel.’ I said: ‘Yes. For a price of five gold ounces.’ He said: ‘I will take it.’ When we arrived in Madinah, I brought the camel to him. He said to Bilal: ‘Give Jabir five ounces of gold to help him settle Abdullah’s (i.e. his father’s) debts, and add three more, and return his camel to him.’ He then asked me whether I have settled with my father’s creditors, but I answered in the negative. He asked whether my father left enough to settle the debts. I told him that he did not. He said: ‘Do not worry. When it is date harvest time let me know.’ I did so. He prayed for us and we cut our dates. Every creditor of my father got repayment in full out of our harvest, and we were left with a quantity similar to what we normally gathered if not more. He said: ‘Pick it up, but do not weigh it.’ We picked up what was left and we used it for food for sometime.” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Al-Nassaie and Ibn Majah’)
We see in this Hadith how the Prophet looked after his companions, helping the weak, and giving those who walked a chance to ride. Jabir, a young man among the Prophet’s companions had to use a camel that is not used to long travel, as it was kept merely for carrying water. As fatigue eventually caught up with the camel, Jabir was falling behind, until the Prophet saw him. The Prophet used the knowledge God has given him to cure the camel of its fatigue and it moved fast. But we see the Prophet then inquiring about his young companion’s situation. He was aware that Jabir’s father had died in the Battle of Uhud. He asks him about his marriage and suggests that he should have married a young woman, closer to his own age, rather than a mature woman. When Jabir explains the reason, saying that he wanted his wife to take care of his young sisters after his father’s death, the Prophet approved and praised his action.
He also inquires after his deceased companion’s debts and their repayment. In Islam, the first claim against a deceased’s estate is that of debt repayment. When any of his companions died, the Prophet used to ask whether he had outstanding debts. In the early days of the Muslim state, when Muslims were very poor, the Prophet would not lead the prayer for the deceased if he was told that he left outstanding debts which cannot be repaid. This would encourage his people to undertake the repayment so that the Prophet would pray for their relative. Later, when things improved the Prophet would repay the debts himself, as head of state. In this case, the Prophet could not repay the debts in full. He, therefore, bought Jabir’s camel at the price he named, and added 60 percent more, and returned the camel to him. This was a gesture that would reassure the creditors. He then attended at the date harvest, praying to God to bless it. This blessing was enough to repay the creditors in full and leave enough for the family.
