Abu Aqil Ansari (رضي الله عنه – may Allah be pleased with him) was one of those companions of the Prophet ﷺ who had the smallest of pockets but the biggest of hearts. When Muhammad ﷺ asked Muslims to bring forth their sadaqah (charity) for the expedition of Tabuk, he had nothing to give. So he went looking for work and found a job with a Jew who needed some water hauling. Abu Aqil was hence among the last to come forth with charity – a Sa
of dates (few dates). He said: O Allah’s Messenger! This is a Sa of dates. I spent the night bringing water and earned two Sa of dates for my work. I kept one Sa (for my family) and brought you the other Sa. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered him to spread it over all the charity (that others brought). His sadaqah was little but carried the weight of Uhud mountain. Some men mocked Abu Aqil, saying, Allah and His Messenger are not in need of this charity. What benefit would this Sa of yours bring’. They laughed at him, saying,Allah does not need the Sa of Abu `Aqil.” – Upon which Allah revealed the verses of the Quran [9:79]