Hazrat Umar Trying to Surpass Abu Bakr r.a
Umar (radiyallahu anhu) narrates: “Once Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked for contributions in the path of Allah, In those days, I was in possession of some wealth. I thought thus, ‘Time and again Abu Bakr (radiyallahu anhu) has surpassed me in spending for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. I shall by the Grace of Allah Ta’ala surpass him this time, because I have just now some wealth with me to spend.’ I went home happy with the idea. I divided my whole property into two exactly equal parts.”
“One I left for my family, and with the other I rejoined Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), who greeted me asking, ‘Did you leave anything for your family, ‘Umar?’ Umar replied: “Yes O Nabi of Allah! Rasulullah asked: ‘How much?” Umar answered: “Exactly half.”
By and by, Abu Bakr (radiyallahu anhu) came along with his load. It so happened that he had brought everything that he possessed. I heard Rasulullah say: “What did you leave for your family, Abu Bakr?” Abu Bakr said: “I have left Allah Ta’ala and his Rasul for them.”
Umar (radiyallahu anhu) says that on that day he admitted to himself that he could never hope to surpass Abu Bakr (radiyallahu anhu).” Encouragement for this is also given in the Quran, e.g.
“Compete one with another in good works” {al-ma’idah48}
Note: Such healthy competition in sacrifice is, therefore, quite desirable and welcome. This incident happened at the time of the Tabuk campaign, when the sahabah in response to Rasulullah’s appeal for help, contributed beyond their means.
May Allah Ta’ala grant them best rewards on behalf of all the Muslims! (Aameen)