The Illustrious Sahaabah The Illustrious Sahaabah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)
A man came to Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) while he was sitting in i’tikaaf in the Masjid of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). The man greeted him with salaam and then sat down. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) said to him:
“I see that you are distressed and sad.”
The man replied, “Yes, O cousin of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). (I am distressed because) I owe a debt to so-and-so person and I am unable to repay it.”
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) asked, “Shall I speak to the person on your behalf, the person whom you are owing the money (and ask him to give you further respite in settling the debt)?”
The man replied, “If you wish, you may do so.”
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) then proceeded to exit the Masjid (in order to go to the creditor and speak to him on behalf of this person).
The man said to him, “Have you forgotten that you are in i’tikaaf?”
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) replied with tears in his eyes:
“No, I have not forgotten. However, I heard the one resting in this grave saying (referring to Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam) — and it has not been a long time since I heard him say this:
‘Whoever walks to fulfil the need of his brother and he accomplishes it for him, then this is better (and more rewarding) than remaining in i’tikaaf for ten years; and whoever remains in i’tikaaf for one day, with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala, then Allah Ta‘ala will distance him from the fire of Jahannum the distance of three trenches. Each trench will be wider than the distance between the skies and the earth.’ (Shu’abul Imaan #3679)
