Why Speed is of the Essence The simple formula to jump the queue when you are wishing for goodness in your life, but keep finding obstacles.  You will never attain birr (righteousness) until you spend from what you love. Whatever you spend, Allah is fully aware of it.  (3:92) Bukhari and Muslim narrated the story of Abu Talha’s response to this revelation. Who was Abu Talha? Abu Talha, the extremely wealthy resident of Madinah, who owned Bairuha the most beautiful garden filled with palm trees, which was an idyllic spot for picnics. The Prophet (peace be on him) would go there to enjoy the shade of the palms, the sweetness of the dates and the fresh, cold water. Abu Talha loved his garden. Abu Talha owned many gardens in Madinah and Bairuha’ was the best one. Anas bin Malik is reported as saying: Abu Talha was the one among the Ansar of Medina who possessed the largest property and among his property he valued most was his garden known as Bairuha’ which was opposite the mosque, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) often visited it and he drank of its sweet water. When this verse was revealed: “You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you love” (iii. 91), Abu Talha got up and, going to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), said: Allah says in His Book: “You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you love,” and the dearest of my property is Bairuha’ so I give it as Sadaqa to God from Whom I hope for reward for it and the treasure with Allah; so spend it, Messenger of Allah, on whatever purpose you deem it proper. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Well done! that is a profitable deal, that is a profitable … Continue reading The Need for Speed. First Come First Served.