The Merchant of Paradise
Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf عَبْد الرَّحْمَن بْن عَوْف
One of the ten promised Paradise and one of the first eight to accept Islam. Arriving in Madinah with nothing, he asked only to be shown the marketplace and rebuilt a fortune through honest trade, then gave it away in staggering quantities for the sake of Allah.
Show Me the Market
When the Prophet ﷺ paired each emigrant with a helper, the wealthy Ansari Sa'd ibn ar-Rabi' offered Abdur-Rahman half of everything he owned. Abdur-Rahman declined graciously: 'May Allah bless your family and wealth — just show me the marketplace.' Within days he was trading, and soon prosperous.
Honest Wealth
His commerce was famously blessed and scrupulously honest. He used to say his trade was so favoured that if he turned over a stone he expected to find gold beneath it — yet his real treasure was how readily he parted with it.
Caravans for the Poor
On one occasion a caravan of seven hundred of his camels, laden with goods, entered Madinah; he gave the entire caravan and its cargo away in charity. He freed slaves by the dozen, supported the widows of the Prophet ﷺ generously, and equipped armies — all while fearing his wealth might be his ruin rather than his salvation.
Trusted to the End
Umar named him to the council of six who chose the third caliph, and it was Abdur-Rahman who carefully consulted the people and nominated Uthman, declining the office himself. He died around 32 AH, mourned as one of the ten promised Paradise.
Lessons
- Dignity prefers honest effort over a handout, however kind.
- Blessing in provision is shown by how easily it is given away.
- Great wealth is safe only in the hands of one who fears it.
Quran references
9:100