The Quran

Preface

وَالَّذينَ تَبَوَّءُوا الدّارَ وَالإيمانَ مِن قَبلِهِم يُحِبّونَ مَن هاجَرَ إِلَيهِم وَلا يَجِدونَ في صُدورِهِم حاجَةً مِمّا أوتوا وَيُؤثِرونَ عَلىٰ أَنفُسِهِم وَلَو كانَ بِهِم خَصاصَةٌ ۚ وَمَن يوقَ شُحَّ نَفسِهِ فَأُولٰئِكَ هُمُ المُفلِحونَ

Yusuf Ali

But those who before them, had homes¹ (in Medīna) and had adopted the Faith,- show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,- they are the ones that achieve prosperity.

This refers to the Anṣār (the Helpers), the people of Medīna, who accepted Islam when it was persecuted in Mecca, and who invited the Prophet to join them and become their Leader in Medīna. The Hijrat was possible because of their good will and their generous hospitality. They entertained the Prophet and all the refugees (Muhājirs) who came with him. The most remarkable ties of full brotherhood were established between individual members of the one group and the other. Until the Ummah got its own resources, the Helpers regularly gave and the Refugees regularly received. The Helpers counted it a privilege to entertain the Refugees, and even the poor vied with the rich in their spirit of self-sacrifice. When the confiscated land and property of Banū Nadir was divided, and the major portion was assigned to the refugees, there was not the least jealousy on the part of the Helpers. They rejoiced in the good fortune of their brethren. And incidentally they were themselves relieved of anxiety and responsibility on their behalf.