Likewise, you will find people who, when a friend or relative slips just once, brand him with fault, hurl abuse and insults at him—may Allah protect us—over a single mistake.

The one who is maligned must be patient, remembering that the prophets themselves were insulted, harmed and denied. People called them madmen, poets, soothsayers and sorcerers. Yet, as Allah says, “They bore patiently all the accusations and harms until Our help came to them” (al-Anʿām 6:34). Such is the statement of Allah, exalted be He.

This ḥadith therefore proves that the ruler (imām) is entitled to give someone a larger share than others if he believes that doing so serves the interests of Islam. This is not a matter of personal favouritism—rewarding those he likes and withholding from those he dislikes—but a calculated decision for the benefit of Islam. Should he deem an increased grant beneficial and therefore give more, the discretion is his, and he is answerable to Allah. No one has the right to object; whoever does so only wrongs himself.

It also shows that the Prophet ﷺ drew lessons from the messengers before him. Hence his words, “Moses was abused with worse than this, yet he remained patient,” for Allah the Most High says, “Indeed, in their stories is a lesson for people of insight” (Yūsuf 12:111), and He also says, “Those are the ones Allah has guided, so follow their guidance” (al-Anʿām 6:90). Allah thus commanded His Prophet ﷺ to follow the guidance of the earlier prophets.

In the same way, we should emulate the prophets—peace be upon them—in bearing harm patiently, seek our reward from Allah, and know that such patience, when offered for His sake, raises our ranks and expiates our sins. Allah alone grants success.