Did Prophet Muhammad really take 20% (fifth) of all of the Muslims' booty gains?

1- The Noble Verses.
2- So what did the Prophet peace be upon him do with the portion he got for himself?

      - Prophet Muhammad was extremely generous.
      - Prophet Muhammad and the freeing of the Slaves.

3- Who were the "near relatives" of the Prophet?
4- So how much did the Prophet's "near relatives" get? and why?

      - The Prophet proved himself to be fair and just, even if its against his relatives!

5- Prophet Muhammad used to give so generously until sometimes there is nothing left to give.
6- Would Noble Verse 8:41 apply to the Commander's "near relatives" today?
7- So what punishment does Allah Almighty have for those who keep their wealth without spending some of it on Islamic duties?
8- The Bible's High Priests took 50%, and unlike Prophet Muhammad, most of it went to their pockets!
9- Conclusion.

"They ask thee concerning (Things taken as) spoils of war. Say: '(Such) spoils are At the disposal of Allah And the Messenger: so fear Allah, and keep straight The relations between yourselves: Obey Allah and His Messenger, If ye do believe. (The Noble Quran, 8:1)"

"And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to God,- and to the Apostle, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in God and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For God hath power over all things. (The Noble Quran, 8:41)"

"Booty taken in a lawful and just war does not belong to any individual. If he fought for such accessory rewards, he fought from wrong motives. It belongs to the Cause, in this case the Cause of Allah, as administered by His Messenger. Any portion given out to individuals are accessory gifts, windfalls from the bounty of the Commander. The chief thing is to remain staunch to the Cause of Allah, and have no differences among those who stand for the Cause. Our internal relations must be kept straight: they must not be disturbed by cupidity or worldly considerations of gain, for any windfalls of this kind should be outside our calculations." [2]

"The rule is that a fifth share is set apart for the Imam (the Commander) and the rest is divided among the forces. The fifth share reserved is expressed to be for Allah and the Prophet, and for charitable purposes for those to whom charity is due. Ultimately everything is at the disposal of Allah and His Prophet: (Noble Verse) 8:1: but four-fifths are divided, and only one-fifth is retained for the special purposes. The Imam has discretion as to the mode of division. In the Prophet's lifetime a certain portion was assigned to him and his near relatives." [3]

"As regards booty taken in battle, the first point to note is that that should never be our aim in war. It is only an adventitious circumstance, a sort of windfall. Secondly, no soldier or troop has any inherent right to it. A righteous war is a community affair, and any accessions resulting from it belong to Allah, or the community or Cause. Thirdly, certain equitable principles of division should be laid down to check human greed and selfishness. A fifth share goes to the Commander, and he can use it at his discretion; for his own expenses, and for the relief of the poor and suffering, and the orphans and widows (8:41). The remainder was divided, according to the Prophet's practice, not only among those who were actually in the fight physically, but all who were in the enterprise, young and old, provided they loyally did some duty assigned to them. fourthly, there should be no disputes, as they interfere with internal discipline and harmony.

These principles are followed in the best modern practice of civilised nations. All acquisitions of war belong absolutely to the Sovereign as representing the commonwealth. In the distribution of booty not only the actual captors but also the "joint captors" and the "constructive captors" share. See Sir R. Phillimore's International Law (1885), vol. 3, pp. 209-10, 221-24." [4]

2- So what did the Prophet peace be upon him do with the portion he got for himself?

In this section we will see where the Prophet peace be upon him spent his money. Allah Almighty resents those who withhold their wealth from helping in defending Islam and their brethrens:

"When a Sura comes down, enjoining them to believe in God and to strive and fight along with His Apostle, those with wealth and influence among them ask thee for exemption, and say: 'Leave us (behind): we would be with those who sit (at home).' They prefer to be with (the women) Who remain behind (at home): Their hearts are sealed And so they understand not. But the Apostle, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: and it is they who will prosper. (The Noble Quran, 9:86-88)"

"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing. (The Noble Quran, 2:177)"

"They ask thee What they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever Ye spend that is good, Is for parents and kindred And orphans And those in want And for wayfarers. And whatever ye do That is good -- Allah Knoweth it well. (The Noble Quran, 2:215)"

"(Their bearings) on This life and the Hereafter. They ask thee Concerning orphans. Say: 'The best thing to do Is what is for their good; If ye mix Their affairs with yours, They are your brethren; But Allah knows The man who means mischief From the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you Into difficulties: he is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise. (The Noble Quran, 2:220)"

"But if at the time of a division Other relatives, or orphans, Or poor, are present, Feed them out of the (property), And speak to them Words of kindness and justice. (The Noble Quran, 4:8)"

"Serve Allah, and join not Any partners with Him; And do good -- To parents, kinsfolk, Orphans, those in need, Neighbours who are near, Neighbours who are strangers, The Companion by your side, The wayfarer (ye meet), And what your right hands posses: For Allah loveth not The arrogant, the vainglorious. (The Noble Quran, 4:36)"

"It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only those who believe and work righteousness - these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied Reward for their deeds, while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high! (The Noble Quran, 34:37)"

"Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification, And have in their minds No favour from anyone For which a reward Is expected in return, But only the desire To seek for the Countenance Of their Lord Most High; And soon will they Attain (complete) satisfaction. (The Noble Quran, 92:18-21)"

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: "Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds). (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Revelation, Volume 1, Book 1, Number 5)"

Narrated Ibn Abbas: "The Prophet was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur'an with him. Allah's Apostle then used to be more generous than the fast wind. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 754)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle said, The example of a miser and a generous person is like that of two persons wearing iron cloaks from the breast up to the neck When the generous person spends, the iron cloak enlarges and spread over his skin so much so that it covers his fingertips and obliterates his tracks. As for the miser, as soon as he thinks of spending every ring of the iron cloak sticks to its place (against his body) and he tries to expand it, but it does not expand. The Prophet pointed with his hand towards his throat. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Divorce, Volume 7, Book 63, Number 219i)"

Narrated AbuSalamah ; AbuHurayrah: "The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The believer is simple and generous, but the profligate is deceitful and ignoble. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab), Book 41, Number 4772)"

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: "I went to the Prophet in the mosque (the sub-narrator Mas'ar thought that Jabir had said, "In the forenoon.") He ordered me to pray two Rakat. He owed me some money and he repaid it to me and gave more than what was due to me. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 434)"

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: "The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) owed me a debt and gave me something extra when he paid it. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 22, Number 3341)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "The Prophet owed a camel of a certain age to a man who came to demand it back. The Prophet ordered his companions to give him. They looked for a camel of the same age but found nothing but a camel one year older. The Prophet told them to give it to him. The man said, "You have paid me in full, and may Allah pay you in full." The Prophet said, "The best amongst you is he who pays his debts in the most handsome manner." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 41, Number 578)"

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: "Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) owed (something) to a person. He behaved in an uncivil manner with him. This vexed the Companions of the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him), whereupon Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: He who has a right is entitled to speak, and said to them (his Companions): Buy a camel for him and give that to him. They said: We do not find a camel (of that age) but one with better age than that. He said: Buy that and give that to him, for best of you or best amongst you are those who are best in paying off debt. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 010, Number 3898)"

Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: "In case we get wealth from Bahrain, I would give you so much and so much; he made an indication of it with both his hands. Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) died before wealth from Bahrain came, and it fell to the lot of Abu Bakr after him. He commanded the announcer to make announcement to the effect that he to whom Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) had held out promise or owed any debt should come (to him). I came and said: Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) had said to me: In case there comes to us the wealth of Bahrain I shall give you so much, and so much. Abu Bakr took a handful (of the coins) and gave that to me once and asked me to count them I counted them as five hundred dinars and he said: Here is double of this for you. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 030, Number 5731)"

While in Islam a loan has to be paid only in the same amount that it was borrowed in, to avoid exploitation among people as it was the case before Islam where the poor used to be taken advantage of by the rich and powerful to a point where they would even take the poor's wife, daughter, and animals (donkeys, horses, camels, cows, sheeps, etc...) if he fails to pay the debt plus interest in due times, but Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him still displayed great morals and generosity when he paid the man more than what the Prophet owed him.

"Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until God gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which God has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is God, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them), (The Noble Quran, 24:33)"

"'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that 'Umar b. Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at ji'rana (a town near Mecca) on his way back from Ta'if: Messenger of Allah, I had taken a vow during the days of Ignorance that I would observe I'tikaf for one day in the Sacred Mosque. So what is your opinion? He said: Go and observe I'tikaf for a day. And Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave him a slave girl out of the one-fifth (of the spoils of war meant for the Holy Prophet). And when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) set the war prisoners free. 'Umar b. Khattab heard their voice as they were saying: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set us free. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: What is this? They said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set free the prisoners of war (which had fallen to the lot of people). Thereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abdullah, go to that slave-girl and set her free. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4074)"

As we clearly see from the above Noble Verses, that Allah Almighty loves for the Muslims to spend from their wealth on charity and helping the orphans and the needy. We also see from above the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was extremely generous and always giving and forgiving. It is also important to know that Allah Almighty commands us to not only grant the slave his freedom when he/she request it, but we must also give them money to help them to get a good start in their free life.

I must remind the reader that the money we're talking about here is not the general money of the Islamic State, because the general money of the Islamic State that comes mainly from the Zakah and Jizyah (2.5% of the person's annual income paid for taxes) is mainly dedicated for covering the society's welfare system. This money today would also go for building the infrastructure of the State and for improving the Educational institutions as well.

They are the "People of the House", whom were (1) the wives of the Prophet peace be upon him; (2) his cousin and fourth Caliph and son in law, Ali bin Abi-Talib; (3) Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter; and (4) the Prophet's two grand sons, Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein.

" 28. O Prophet! say To thy Consorts: 'If it be that ye desire The life of this world, And its glitter, -- then come! I will provide for your Enjoyment and set you free In a handsome manner.

29. But if ye seek Allah And His Messenger, and The Home of the Hereafter, Verily Allah has prepared For the well-doers amongst you A great reward.

30. O Consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty Of evident unseemly conduct, The Punishment would be Doubled to her, and that Is easy for Allah.

31. But if any of you that is Devout in the service of Allah and His Messenger, And works righteousness -- To her shall We grant Her reward twice: and We have prepared for her A generous Sustenance.

32. O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any Of the (other) women: If ye do fear (Allah), Be not too complaisant Of speech, lest one In whose heart is A disease should be moved With desire: but speak ye A speech (that is) just.

33. And stay quietly in Your houses, and make not A dazzling display, like That of the former Times Of Ignorance: and establish Regular Prayer, and give Regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes To remove all abomination From you, ye Members Of the Family, and to make You pure and spotless.

34. And recite what is Rehearsed to you in your Homes, of the Signs of Allah And His Wisdom: For Allah understands The finest mysteries and Is well-acquainted (with them). (The Noble Quran, 33:28-34)"

One quick note before I elaborate on the Noble Verses is that in Noble Verse 33:33, it says "ye Members Of the Family". This is a mistranslation because in Arabic it says "Ahla Al-Bayt", which literally means "People of the Home" or "People of the House", which is referring to the "People of the House of the Prophet".

Anyway, it is important to know that the Prophet's wives were called "The Mothers of the Muslims", because they were literally like the Mothers of the Muslims:

"The Prophet is closer To the Believers than Their own selves, And his wives are Their mothers. Blood-relations Among each other have Closer personal ties, In the Decree of Allah, Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs (i.e., those Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Madina escaping the tortures of the Pagans): Nevertheless do ye What is just to your Closest friends: such is The writing of the Decree (Of Allah). (The Noble Quran, 33:6)"

The Prophet's wives, who were all of the Muslims' mothers, were responsible for teaching Islam, especially to the females and the kids, keep the documentation of the Noble Quran safe, pay Charity and help the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers, and be the best role models to all women. That is why Allah Almighty told the wives of the Prophet: "O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any Of the (other) women...". Also, another reason why Allah Almighty considered them different than any other women is because He prohibited for them to marry any person after the Prophet's death.

There is no Islamic documentation or doctrine that expressly claims how much they got. It was known however that the Prophet peace be upon him was not a rich person. In fact, he was known to be poor. He was a very simple person. His clothes were not of expensive quality, and his job was mainly farming, and grazing his cattle. His house wasn't also that big either, and it wasn't isolated from everyone else, nor did he have any special security on it.

Please read the "Prophet Muhammad used to give so generously until sometimes there is nothing left to give" section below to see how the Prophet peace be upon him never really cared to save much for himself or his family.

I was taught in school in the Middle East in school about one of Prophet Muhammad's famous stories, about one of neighbors was a Jew, and this person used to every morning throw his garbage at the door step of the Prophet's home. The Prophet would then pick it up and throw it in the disposal area along with his personal trash. One morning the Prophet didn't see any garbage on his door step and he didn't really care much about it. The next morning same thing and so on, until a week passed by without any garbage being put on the Prophet's door step. So our Prophet went to that Jewish neighbor and paid him a visit to check on him. The Jewish neighbor was sick and he was in bed. Our Prophet then started taking care of his Jewish neighbor and the Jewish very soon embraced Islam because of our beloved Prophet's high morals.

The point of the story is that Prophet Muhammad was very ordinary. He wasn't rich nor was he treated with any special security by anyone. He spent his wealth on good Islamic causes and he was the best role model for everyone.

His only cousin and son in law and the fourth Islamic Caliph, Ali bin Abi-Talib was also very poor. I was also taught in school in the Middle East when I was young about Ali's famous story, where he used to in so many occasions give to the hungry wayfarers and the needy the food of his family (Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter and their two sons: Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein) during the Fasting Month of Ramadan and leave them with very little food to eat, after a very long day of food and drink depravation from fasting.

The point of this story also is that Ali who was a "near relative" of the Prophet was also poor and spent most of his money on good Islamic causes.

So the Prophet's "near relatives" didn't really benefit much from any booty distributions, because they were all (wives, daughter, son in law and the two grand sons) busy spending their money on good Islamic causes. They were indeed the best Role Models to all Muslims, because Allah Almighty removed "all abomination from you, ye Members Of the Family....(33:33)", or Members of the House as I explained in the "Who were the "near relatives" of the Prophet?" section above.

As to why the Prophet's relatives received a portion of the booty money is because they are from the "People of the House", and they were the Role Models for all Muslims in charity giving, generosity, etc... I believe that Allah Almighty wanted to give the near relatives of Prophet Muhammad the opportunity to guide the Muslims, especially after He the Almighty removed all abomination from them.

Again, I must remind the reader that the money we're talking about here is not the general money of the Islamic State, because the general money of the Islamic State that comes mainly from the Zakah and Jizyah (2.5% of the person's annual income paid for taxes) is mainly dedicated for covering the society's welfare system. This money today would also go for building the infrastructure of the State and for improving the Educational institutions as well.

The Prophet proved himself to be fair and just, even if its against his relatives!

Let us look at one from the many situations where Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him proved himself to be unbiased, just and fair:

Narrated 'Urwa: "Az-Zubair quarrelled with a man from the Ansar because of a natural mountainous stream at Al-Harra. The Prophet said "O Zubair! Irrigate (your lands and the let the water flow to your neighbor The Ansar said, "O Allah's Apostle (This is because) he (Zubair) is your cousin?" At that, the Prophet's face became red (with anger) and he said "O Zubair! Irrigate (your land) and then withhold the water till it fills the land up to the walls and then let it flow to your neighbor." So the Prophet enabled Az-Zubair to take his full right after the Ansari provoked his anger. The Prophet had previously given a order that was in favor of both of them Az-Zubair said, "I don't think but the Verse was revealed in this connection: "But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them." (4.6). (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)), Volume 6, Book 60, Number 109)"

Not only did the Prophet peace be upon him not favor his cousin unjustly, but he also commanded the Muslims through this incident to look after and care for their neighbors. Your neighbor does have rights upon you.

5- Prophet Muhammad used to give so generously until sometimes there is nothing left to give:

Narrated Abu 'Uthman: " 'Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr said, "The Suffa Companions were poor people and the Prophet said, 'Whoever has food for two persons should take a third one from them (Suffa companions). And whosoever has food for four persons he should take one or two from them' Abu Bakr took three men and the Prophet took ten of them."

'Abdur Rahman added, my father my mother and I were there (in the house). (The sub-narrator is in doubt whether 'Abdur Rahman also said, 'My wife and our servant who was common for both my house and Abu Bakr's house). Abu Bakr took his supper with the Prophet and remained there till the 'Isha' prayer was offered. Abu Bakr went back and stayed with the Prophet till the Prophet took his meal and then Abu Bakr returned to his house after a long portion of the night had passed. Abu Bakr's wife said, 'What detained you from your guests (or guest)?' He said, 'Have you not served them yet?' She said, 'They refused to eat until you come. The food was served for them but they refused." 'Abdur Rahman added, "I went away and hid myself (being afraid of Abu Bakr) and in the meantime he (Abu Bakr) called me, 'O Ghunthar (a harsh word)!' and also called me bad names and abused me and then said (to his family), 'Eat. No welcome for you.' Then (the supper was served). Abu Bakr took an oath that he would not eat that food. The narrator added: By Allah, whenever any one of us (myself and the guests of Suffa companions) took anything from the food, it increased from underneath. We all ate to our fill and the food was more than it was before its serving.

Abu Bakr looked at it (the food) and found it as it was before serving or even more than that. He addressed his wife (saying) 'O the sister of Bani Firas! What is this?' She said, 'O the pleasure of my eyes! The food is now three times more than it was before.' Abu Bakr ate from it, and said, 'That (oath) was from Satan' meaning his oath (not to eat). Then he again took a morsel (mouthful) from it and then took the rest of it to the Prophet. So that meal was with the Prophet. There was a treaty between us and some people, and when the period of that treaty had elapsed the Prophet divided us into twelve (groups) (the Prophet's companions) each being headed by a man. Allah knows how many men were under the command of each (leader). So all of them (12 groups of men) ate of that meal." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Times of the Prayers, Volume 1, Book 10, Number 576)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I am suffering from fatigue and hunger." The Prophet sent (somebody) to his wives (to get something), but the messenger found nothing with them. Then Allah's Apostle said (to his companions). "Isn't there anybody who can entertain this man tonight so that Allah may be merciful to him?" An Ansari man got up and said, "I (will, entertain him), O Allah's Apostle!" So he went to his wife and said to her, "This is the guest of Allah's Apostle, so do not keep anything away from him." She said. "By Allah, I have nothing but the children's food." He said, "When the children ask for their dinner, put them to bed and put out the light; we shall not take our meals tonight," She did so. In the morning the Ansari man went to Allah's Apostle who said, "Allah was pleased with (or He bestowed His Mercy) on so-and-so and his wife (because of their good deed)." Then Allah revealed: 'But give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that.' (59.9). (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)), Volume 6, Book 60, Number 411)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "A man came to the Prophet. The Prophet sent a messenger to his wives (to bring something for that man to eat) but they said that they had nothing except water. Then Allah's Apostle said, "Who will take this (person) or entertain him as a guest?" An Ansar man said, "I." So he took him to his wife and said to her, "Entertain generously the guest of Allah's Apostle " She said, "We have got nothing except the meals of my children." He said, "Prepare your meal, light your lamp and let your children sleep if they ask for supper." So she prepared her meal, lighted her lamp and made her children sleep, and then stood up pretending to mend her lamp, but she put it off. Then both of them pretended to be eating, but they really went to bed hungry. In the morning the Ansari went to Allah's Apostle who said, "Tonight Allah laughed or wondered at your action." Then Allah revealed: "But give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that And whosoever is saved from the covetousness Such are they who will be successful." (59.9). (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar), Volume 5, Book 58, Number 142)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "By Allah except Whom none has the right to- be worshipped, (sometimes) I used to lay (sleep) on the ground on my liver (abdomen) because of hunger, and (sometimes) I used to bind a stone over my belly because of hunger. One day I sat by the way from where they (the Prophet and h is companions) used to come out. When Abu Bakr passed by, I asked him about a Verse from Allah's Book and I asked him only that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by and did not do so. Then Umar passed by me and I asked him about a Verse from Allah's Book, and I asked him only that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by without doing so. Finally Abu-l-Qasim (the Prophet ) passed by me and he smiled when he saw me, for he knew what was in my heart and on my face. He said, "O Aba Hirr (Abu Huraira)!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said to me, "Follow me." He left and I followed him.

Then he entered the house and I asked permission to enter and was admitted. He found milk in a bowl and said, "From where is this milk?" They said, "It has been presented to you by such-and-such man (or by such and such woman)." He said, "O Aba Hirr!" I said, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Go and call the people of Suffa to me." These people of Suffa were the guests of Islam who had no families, nor money, nor anybody to depend upon, and whenever an object of charity was brought to the Prophet , he would send it to them and would not take anything from it, and whenever any present was given to him, he used to send some for them and take some of it for himself. The order off the Prophet upset me, and I said to myself, "How will this little milk be enough for the people of As-Suffa?" thought I was more entitled to drink from that milk in order to strengthen myself, but behold! The Prophet came to order me to give that milk to them. I wondered what will remain of that milk for me, but anyway, I could not but obey Allah and His Apostle so I went to the people of As-Suffa and called them, and they came and asked the Prophet's permission to enter. They were admitted and took their seats in the house.

The Prophet said, "O Aba-Hirr!" I said, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Take it and give it to them." So I took the bowl (of Milk) and started giving it to one man who would drink his fill and return it to me, whereupon I would give it to another man who, in his turn, would drink his fill and return it to me, and I would then offer it to another man who would drink his fill and return it to me. Finally, after the whole group had drunk their fill, I reached the Prophet who took the bowl and put it on his hand, looked at me and smiled and said. "O Aba Hirr!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "There remain you and I." I said, "You have said the truth, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Sit down and drink." I sat down and drank. He said, "Drink," and I drank. He kept on telling me repeatedly to drink, till I said, "No by Allah Who sent you with the Truth, I have no space for it (in my stomach)." He said, "Hand it over to me." When I gave him the bowl, he praised Allah and pronounced Allah's Name on it and drank the remaining milk. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq), Volume 8, Book 76, Number 459)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle said, "Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk). (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 47)"

Narrated Abu Shuraih Al-Ka'bi: "Allah's Apostle said, Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously. The guest's reward is: To provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day and a guest is to be entertained with food for three days, and whatever is offered beyond that, is regarded as something given in charity. And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host for such a long period so as to put him in a critical position." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 156)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quiet." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 158)"

Narrated Abu Huraira: "The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship (i.e. keep good relation with his Kith and kin); and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quit." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 160)"

No, because the Noble Verse was talking explicitly about Prophet Muhammad's family. However, the principle of distributing the 20% of the booty under the Commander's discretion and supervision to the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers in the society would still apply today, because the 20% is for Allah Almighty as mentioned in Noble Verse 8:41.

Anyway, if we divide the 20% by whom Allah Almighty mentioned in Noble Verse 8:41, then we would get six: (1) Allah; (2) Muhammad; (3) the near relatives of the Prophet; (4) the orphans; (5) the needy; and (6) the wayfarers.

This means that the Commander would receive around 16.7% of the 20% of the amount of booty. This means that he would receive up to approximately 3.5% of the entire amount of the booty.

I personally believe that up to 3.5% of the entire amount of the booty wealth (only) going to the Commander and his family is really not much. After all, he is the Commander in Chief, who plans and executes everything. That is his job.

It is also important to know that Allah Almighty commands all Muslims (including the Commander) to spend from their wealth to help orphans, needy and the wayfarers, and to help in the preparation of the military when it is needed. Please read "So what did the Prophet peace be upon him do with the portion he got for himself?" section above for more details.

And for those who withhold from spending from their wealth to fulfill their Islamic duties, Allah Almighty promised them sever punishment as clearly shown in the section below.

7- So what punishment does Allah Almighty have for those who keep their wealth without spending some of it on Islamic duties?

"On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs - 'This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!' (The Noble Quran, 9:35)"

"By no means! For it would be The Fire of Hell! -- Plucking out (his being) Right to the skull! -- Inviting (all) such As turn their backs And turn away their faces (From the Right), And collect (wealth) And hide it (from use)! Truly man was created Very impatient -- Fretful when evil Touches him; (The Noble Quran, 70:15-20)"

It is the duty of every Muslim to spend reasonably from what Allah Almighty gave him from wealth, even if it were small wealth. Muslims must always set the best example on charity spending and taking care of the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers in the society. Being cheap and refusing to help your society is not the Islamic way of life.

As we clearly saw above, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the best role model in generosity and fairness. Also, much of the 20% portion was shared by the poor and wayfarers. And also much of his own personal portion went to them as well from out of his own generosity, love, mercy and kindness:

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: "The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) owed me a debt and gave me something extra when he paid it. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 22, Number 3341)"

Numbers 31

Vengeance on the Midianites

¹ The LORD said to Moses, ² "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people."

³ So Moses said to the people, "Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites and to carry out the LORD's vengeance on them. ⁴ Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel." ⁵ So twelve thousand men armed for battle, a thousand from each tribe, were supplied from the clans of Israel. ⁶ Moses sent them into battle, a thousand from each tribe, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, who took with him articles from the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.

⁷ They fought against Midian, as the LORD commanded Moses, and killed every man. ⁸ Among their victims were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. ⁹ The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks and goods as plunder. ¹⁰ They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps. ¹¹ They took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals, ¹² and brought the captives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the priest and the Israelite assembly at their camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho. ^[^a]

¹³ Moses, Eleazar the priest and all the leaders of the community went to meet them outside the camp. ¹⁴ Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who returned from the battle.

¹⁵ "Have you allowed all the women to live?" he asked them. ¹⁶ "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people. ¹⁷ Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, ¹⁸ but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man.

¹⁹ "All of you who have killed anyone or touched anyone who was killed must stay outside the camp seven days. On the third and seventh days you must purify yourselves and your captives. ²⁰ Purify every garment as well as everything made of leather, goat hair or wood."

²¹ Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the requirement of the law that the LORD gave Moses: ²² Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead ²³ and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water. ²⁴ On the seventh day wash your clothes and you will be clean. Then you may come into the camp."

Dividing the Spoils

²⁵ The LORD said to Moses, ²⁶ "You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the community are to count all the people and animals that were captured. ²⁷ Divide the spoils between the soldiers who took part in the battle and the rest of the community. ²⁸ From the soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart as tribute for the LORD one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats. ²⁹ Take this tribute from their half share and give it to Eleazar the priest as the LORD's part. ³⁰ From the Israelites' half, select one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats or other animals. Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the LORD's tabernacle." ³¹ So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.

³² The plunder remaining from the spoils that the soldiers took was 675,000 sheep, ³³ 72,000 cattle, ³⁴ 61,000 donkeys ³⁵ and 32,000 women who had never slept with a man.

³⁶ The half share of those who fought in the battle was:
337,500 sheep, ³⁷ of which the tribute for the LORD was 675;

³⁸ 36,000 cattle, of which the tribute for the LORD was 72;

³⁹ 30,500 donkeys, of which the tribute for the LORD was 61;

⁴⁰ 16,000 people, of which the tribute for the LORD was 32.

⁴¹ Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as the LORD's part, as the LORD commanded Moses.

⁴² The half belonging to the Israelites, which Moses set apart from that of the fighting men- ⁴³ the community's half—was 337,500 sheep, ⁴⁴ 36,000 cattle, ⁴⁵ 30,500 donkeys ⁴⁶ and 16,000 people. ⁴⁷ From the Israelites' half, Moses selected one out of every fifty persons and animals, as the LORD commanded him, and gave them to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the LORD's tabernacle.

⁴⁸ Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—went to Moses ⁴⁹ and said to him, "Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing. ⁵⁰ So we have brought as an offering to the LORD the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD."

⁵¹ Moses and Eleazar the priest accepted from them the gold—all the crafted articles. ⁵² All the gold from the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds that Moses and Eleazar presented as a gift to the LORD weighed 16,750 shekels. ^[^b] ⁵³ Each soldier had taken plunder for himself. ⁵⁴ Moses and Eleazar the priest accepted the gold from the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD.

Footnotes:

Numbers 31:12 Hebrew Jordan of Jericho ; possibly an ancient name for the Jordan River
Numbers 31:52 That is, about 420 pounds (about 190 kilograms)

1- One thousand men from every tribe from the 12 tribes of Israel joined in the battle against the Midianites. (Numbers 31:4-5).

2- A mass slaughter took place against all males (infants, children, grown men and elderly) and all non-virgin females (Numbers 31:7,17-18).

4- Everyone ended up giving a sacrifice or "gift to the LORD" from their share. So not only Eleazar took 50% of his men's share, which he gave some of it as a "gift to the LORD," but his men also had to pay a "gift" from their remaining 50% (Numbers 31:52).

So there you have it. The Bible is still far worse than the Noble Quran! At least the Noble Quran mixed the needy and wayfarers with the Prophet's 20% share. Also, no need to mention that Prophet Muhammad was the most generous and gave most of his wealth to the poor and the needy.

The 20% from the spoils of war that was assigned to Allah Almighty, Prophet Muhammad, the near relatives of the Prophet, the orphans, the needy and the wayfarers was mostly spent with the Prophet's discretion on charity and helping the orphans and the needy, as well as helping the Muslims' army in preparation for battles when the time came to defend Islam from the Pagans.

It is important to know that the Muslims never started any war. All of the wars that the Muslims fought were imposed upon them by the enemy: "Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors. (The Noble Quran, 2:190)" Fighting in the cause of GOD Almighty those who fight us is what "Jihad" is all about.

1- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an.
Author: Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
Published by: Amana Publications, 10710 Tucker Street, Suite B, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2223 USA.
Telephone: (301) 595-5777.
Fax: (301) 595-5888.
ISBN: 0-91597-59-0 (HC).