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THE ANXIOUSNESS OF THE COMPANIONS

1447

“The Emigrants said to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, ‘The wealthy will achieve high ranks and lasting bounties.’ The Messenger of Allah asked, ‘How is that?’ They answered, ‘They pray and fast as we do; but they spend in charity whereas we are unable, and they free slaves whereas we are unable.’

Upon hearing this the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said, ‘Shall I inform you of something whereby you will surpass those who are ahead of you and will keep you ahead of those who are behind you and no one will surpass you unless he does what you do?’ They replied, ‘Indeed, O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him,’ He said, ‘Glorify (Subhan-Allah) and praise (Al Hamdu llilah) and exalt (Allahu Akbar) Allah thirty-three times after each prayer.’

Not long after they returned to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, and told him, ‘Our wealthy brethren have heard what we are doing and are now doing the same.’ ‘That is the Favor of Allah, He gives it to whosoever He wills’ replied the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him.”

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah who related that some of the poor Emigrants came to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, and he said this.