Ibn Majah

Benefits and Issues:

➊ The noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum) used to take care of their slaves in the same way as one takes care of one’s own children. That is why Abu al-Lahm (radi Allahu anhu) would give his slave the best things to eat.

➋ Abu al-Lahm (radi Allahu anhu) forbade his slave from such generosity out of compassion, because he wanted the things given to him to be consumed by himself.

➌ Umair (radi Allahu anhu), due to his spirit of generosity, would give his own things to others. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) approved of this spirit of his.

➍ The sharing of reward is because the generosity was from Umair (radi Allahu anhu), but the wealth belonged to Abu al-Lahm (radi Allahu anhu).

(1) "Abi al-Lahm"—this was his title. His name is reported as Khalaf. There are other opinions as well. The literal meaning is: one who abstains from meat. He was given this title because he did not eat meat. Some scholars have said that in the pre-Islamic era, he would not eat meat slaughtered for idols. In the mentioned hadith, the command to prepare meat indicates that he used to eat ordinary meat. It is possible that he had it prepared for guests or family members. The reference to "the owner" is to him.

(2) "Both will receive the reward." However, the owner's permission is necessary, unless it is something very insignificant. The owner receives the reward for giving the order or being pleased, and the servant receives the reward for carrying it out, but it is not necessary that the reward be equal.