Do you think I bargained with you to take your camel? Take your camel and your dirhams; these are yours

Explanation

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) was with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in one of his battles. He was riding a camel that became too fatigued to keep up with the rest of the army. Jābir decided to release it and let it run away, given its lack of usefulness. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) out of his mercy towards his Companions and followers, used to walk at the rear of the army, so as to care for those who are weak, helpless, or stranded. So, he reached Jābir while he was still on his exhausted camel. He supplicated for him and tapped his camel. Thereupon, his mild and merciful strike turned into power and support for the weak animal, and it started to walk faster and more vigorously than ever before. Then, seeking to make Jābir pleased and content and to engage him in a talk that would make the journey easier for him, the kind and gentle Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: “Sell it to me for an ounce.” Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) desired more of the bounty of Allah, knowing that he would not be sinful if he refused to sell the camel to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as this does not fall under the obligatory obedience to him. Nonetheless, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his request, and so Jābir sold it to him for an ounce on condition that he should ride it back to Madīnah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) accepted his condition. When they arrived, Jābir took the camel to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and gave it to him for the price they had agreed upon. When Jābir went away, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent someone to call him back. He returned to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) who said: “Do you think I bargained with you to take your camel? Take your camel and your dirhams; these are yours", meaning: both are for you. This act should not be regarded as strange, as it came from the generous, well-mannered, and gentle Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

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