“You brought me dates, and you did not remove the seeds from them”
The Generosity of Abu Bakr | Tarikh Dimashq 30/322 | Stories of the Sahaba
“You brought me dates, and you did not remove the seeds from them”
What is the secret behind the popularity of this phrase and who said it?
Omar bin Al-Khattab's (R) attention was drawn to the fact that Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (R) went out to the outskirts of Medina after Fajr prayer, entered a small house for hours, and then he goes to his own house. Omar knew everything that Abu Bakr was doing except for the secret of this house.
Days have passed and the Caliph of the Believers is still visiting this house. Omar still did not know what Abu Bakr was doing inside, so Omar decided to enter the house after Abu Bakr left in order so that he can see with his eyes what is inside, and know what Abu Bakr does after the Fajr prayer.
When Omar entered this little house, he found an old woman who could not move and had no one, and she was also blind. Omar Ibn Al-Khattab was surprised by what he saw.
He wanted to know what is the secret of Abu Bakr's relationship with this blind old woman, so he asked her: "What does this man do here in your house?"
(Meaning Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq)...The old woman answered: "Wa Allahi, I do not know, my son. This man comes every morning and cleans and sweeps the house for me. Then he prepares food for me, and he leaves without talking to me."
When Abu Bakr died, Omar completed the care of the blind old woman.
She said to him: "Did your friend die?"
He said: "How did you know?"
She said: "You brought me dates, and you did not remove the seeds from them."
Omar bin Al-Khattab (R) crouched on his knees and his eyes filled with tears and said his famous phrase:
“The Caliphs are tired after you, O Abu Bakr.”
Should we cry for Abu Bakr (R), or cry for Omar (R), or cry today about the feelings and morals that have collapsed and deteriorated.
May Allah be pleased and satisfied with them.
May Allah bless us with work that brings us closer to His obedience and satisfaction.
Source: Tarikh Dimashq 30/322
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