The Gifted Camel and Hz. Jabir b. Abdullah - Leyletü’l-ba‘îr (Camel Night)

Jabir b. Abdullah (r.a.) is one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Born in Medina sixteen years before the Hijra, Jabir belonged to the Banu Salama clan of the Khazraj tribe. After his father was martyred in the Battle of Uhud, Jabir was left responsible for his father's twelve children, and his financial difficulties never ceased. While returning from the Battle of Zat al-Riqa, the Prophet noticed that Jabir's tired camel had fallen behind the caravan. He approached and gently touched the camel; it suddenly came to life, so much so that it became uncontrollable. During the conversation, when the Prophet learned that Jabir had gotten married, he asked whether he had taken a girl or a widow. Upon learning that Jabir had married a widow, he approved of this decision as it made sense since there was someone to look after his siblings. Then the Prophet made an offer to Jabir, knowing he was in financial distress: he wanted to buy his camel. After a long negotiation, he purchased the camel with the condition that he would take delivery upon reaching Medina. Thus, he prevented Jabir from being left on foot and found a subtle way to alleviate his distress. When they arrived in Medina, Jabir took the camel. The Prophet first paid the full price of the camel and then said, 'Take it, the camel is yours!' This elegant gesture deeply affected the companion. That night went down in history as 'Leyletü'l-ba'îr' or 'Camel Night'. While returning home with the money for the camel, Jabir encountered a familiar Jew and recounted the event. The Jew exclaimed in astonishment, 'He paid the price of the camel and then donated it too?' [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, article 'Jabir b. Abdullah', islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/cabir-b-abdullah; Bukhari, Shurut 4; Muslim, Musakat 109]