ponder! Suppose one becomes an Aalim through the financial support we have rendered him, then we will get the reward of him becoming an Aalim. We will also get the reward of whoever he teaches further. We will also get the reward of all those who listen to him and act upon his teachings; and we will also get the reward of all those whom his teachings will be conveyed to.

If Allah Almighty wills, then this unstoppable chain of reward will begin for us. Since the rewards of spending on Islam for the ‘Ulama (scholars) and its benefits are very great, in view of these benefits, it has been mentioned about some saints that they would spend some of the profits they earned by doing business solely on the ‘Ulama, as the benefits and fruits are many times more than spending on ordinary people.

Imam-e-A’zam رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه spending for the religion

It was the practice of Sayyiduna Imam-e-A’zam رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه himself that he would spend a large portion of his wealth in the service of the ‘Ulama (scholars).

Qays Bin Rabi’ narrates: The great Imam A’zam Abu Hanifah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه used to buy a lot of goods from Baghdad and bring them to Kufa and sell them in the market. Whatever profit he would receive from this, he would buy the necessities of his Mashaaikh and deliver it to them. Then he would buy the necessities for the Muhaddiseen (scholars of Hadith) and deliver it to their homes.  He would send them food and drink, he would sew clothes and have them sent to them and then he would give the remaining money to the ‘Ulama so that they could meet their needs.

He would send this message alongside it saying: ‘I did not send anything on my behalf. All this has been given to you by Allah Almighty, so have gratitude for His blessings. You have a share in all the profits in my business life. Allah Almighty has only made me the means of your service; his provisions have been reaching you through me.’ (Manaqib-e-Imam-e-A’zam, part. 1, p. 262 Summarised)

It has come in another narration: ‘Whenever Sayyiduna Imam A’zam رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه bought clothes or food for himself or his family, he would buy the same amount of that thing for the ‘Ulama and the Shaykhs as well.’ (Manaqib-e-Imam-e-A’zam, part. 1, p. 261 Summarised)