took place in the pre-Islamic period, before Islam, for Ibn Jud‘ān died before Islam. After Islam came, however, Abū Quhāfa had the means to support himself, and he was never known to beg from people. Abū Quhāfa lived until Abū Bakr died and inherited a sixth of his estate, which he gave back to Abū Bakr’s children because he had no need of it.

Clearly, had he been in need, al-Siddīq would have supported him throughout this period. Indeed, al-Siddīq provided for Mistah ibn Uthātha on account of a distant kinship, although he was among those who spoke (1) in the affair of the slander. Abū Bakr therefore swore that he would no longer provide for him, whereupon Allah Most High revealed:

“Let not those of virtue and wealth among you swear not to give to relatives and the needy,”

through to His words:

“Forgiving, Merciful.” [Surah al-Nūr: 22]

Abū Bakr then said, “Yes, by Allah, I would love for Allah to forgive me,” and resumed supporting him. The hadith concerning this is authentically established in the two Sahīh collections. (2)

He also purchased, with his own wealth, seven people who were being tortured for Allah’s sake. When he emigrated with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, he took his wealth with him. Abū Quhāfa came and said to his family, “Abū Bakr has gone away himself; did he leave his wealth with you, or take it with him?” Asmā’ related that she replied, “No, he left it behind,” and placed something in an opening in the wall, (* and said, “Here is the money,” to reassure him that he had left it for his dependants. Abū Quhāfa did not ask them for anything *) (3). All of this indicates that he was well-off.