The story of the generosity of the Sufi Rich Abdullah bin Mubarak

 

The story of the generosity of the Sufi Rich Abdullah bin Mubarak

According to Shaykh Abdul Halim Mahmud, there were at least three main Sufi figures in the second Hijri century; Sufyan al-Tsauri, Fudhail bin Iyadh, and Abdullah bin Mubarak. Reading the stories of these three figures and other figures is to be an example for Muslims. The stories of the great scholars of the past can be an inspiration to foster a true religious spirit. Moreover, they were the great Sufis of their time.

Among these three great Sufis, Abdullah bin Mubarak is a Sufi who is bestowed with abundant wealth. Unlike the other two Sufis. It is said that Abdullah bin Mubarak was a wealthy, generous merchant.

About the wealth owned by Abdullah bin Mubarak who, on the other hand, as a Sufi, made his father Fudhail bin Iyadh feel suspicious . He asked Abdullah bin Mubarak, "You tell us all to behave ascetically, not to be extravagant, while you yourself are surrounded by wealth. How is this?” Abdullah bin Mubarak answered this question very well and very wisely. He said, "O Abu Ali, I work this (becoming a merchant) so that I can protect my self-respect. The wealth I have I use to obey and worship Him."

The Story of Abdullah bin Mubarak's Philanthropy

Regarding the generosity of Abdullah bin Mubarak, many of his friends have told him well. His generosity won praise from many of his colleagues. Ismail bin 'Ayyas said, “As far as I know there is no other person on this earth who equals Abdullah bin Mubarak. Allah has made that generosity truly inherent in him. My close friends have told me that one day they accompanied Abdullah bin Mubarak from Egypt to Makkah. They were treated to delicious food by Abdullah bin Mubarak. While the giver himself continues to fast throughout the year.”

Ibn Kathir narrated a story about the generosity of Abdullah bin Mubarak. Once Abdullah bin Mubarak was determined to perform the pilgrimage and had prepared sufficient funds. When he had reached one area he saw a dead bird lying on the road. He then ordered his friends who accompanied him to throw it in the trash a few meters in front of him. His friends rushed to obey his orders and they preceded Abdullah bin Mubarak and threw the carcass of the bird in the trash. When Abdullah bin Mubarak reached the trash where the dead bird was dumped, he saw a woman coming out of a house near the trash. Then the woman took the dead bird that was in the trash. After taking the bird the woman returned to her home. Abdullah bin Mubarak was silent in front of him and asked about him and about picking up a dead bird that had been thrown away by his best friend, "Stay away from me." asked the girl. Then Abdullah bin Mubarak kept asking her questions, until she answered, “In fact, I have sons who have been hungry and crying since three days ago. Under these conditions I think that this carcass is halal.” Abdullah said, "I then took off my belt and I filled it with money that I was going to use for Hajj expenses." I said to the hungry woman, "This is in exchange for my pilgrimage." Then I left. When the people made the pilgrimage again they congratulated me. I said, “I am not leaving my country. Any news, bro?" When I returned home, I fell asleep and saw the Messenger of God in my sleep saying to me, "When you give up your dinar, and release the hardships of women and their orphans, then God sends an angel who performs Hajj every year in your image until the Day of Judgment and makes the reward Hajj is for you.”

Hopefully this story will set an example for all of us to be diligent in donating and almsgiving. Especially in this month full of blessings.