(63) Chapter: Competition in matters of the Hereafter

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "While Ayyub (ﷺ) the Prophet was taking a bath, naked, a large number of gold locusts fell on him. He tried to collect them in a piece of cloth, when he heard his Rubb (Allah) calling him: 'O Ayyub ! Have I not sufficed you to care for what you see (the worldly possessions)?' Ayyub (ﷺ) said: 'Indeed by Your Power, but I can never do away with Your Blessings."' [Al- Bukhari]. Commentary: Prophet Ayyub (PBUH), as the Hadith tells us, started collecting the gold pieces that looked like locusts. As the Hadith involves an aspect of blessedness, it has been included in this chapter. It has two other sides as well: first, one can amass wealth (of course by fair means and by fulfilling the other relevant conditions); second, the Shari`ah allows man to take a bath in the naked state, provided he is all alone and away from all eyes. However, it is commendable if one takes a bath with his private parts being covered, even if there is no one around.