From Surat Al-Jumuah

Question :

Please explain the meaning of this verse:
"And when they see some merchandise or some amusement they disperse headlong to it, and leave you standing. Say: "That which Allah has is better then any amusement or merchandise! And Allah is the best of providers."

Answer:

This noble verse was revealed concerning a specific incident. It was revealed at a time when the Companions were poor and had very little food. On one day during this difficult period, the Messenger of Allah Almighty stood to give the Friday Khutbah (sermon), but while he was giving it, a caravan from Ash-Sham was approaching, and the owner of this caravan had a tradition of beating a Duff to announce his approach to the people, so that they could come and buy from him.

When the Companions heard the sound of the Duff , they left the Masjid, because they were so in need of food that they had to buy some. But in leaving, they left the Messenger of Allah standing on the pulpit, while there remained with him only twelve men from them were Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, and 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him. And so Allâh Almighty revealed the verse:
"And when they see some merchandise or some amusement they disperse headlong to it, and leave you standing. Say: That which Allah has is better then any amusement or merchandise! And Allah is the best of providers."

Meaning: that which Allah Almighty has in terms of provision and in terms of reward for the Hereafter is better than both amusement and trading. The word "Al-Lahuw" literally means amusement, here refers to the Duff the merchant was beating.

Here it is important to note that Allah Almighty said :
"They disperse headlong to it"

He did not say, "headlong to them." This proves that the Companions, may Allah be pleased with him, did not leave because of the sound of the Duff, to enjoy it; rather, they left for a lawful purpose, which is trade.

"Allah is the best of providers"

-best in terms of how much He provides, and best in terms of how many people He provides for. Allah Almighty says:
"Verily, Allah is the All Provider, Owner of Power the Most Strong"

And Allah Almighty says:
"And no living creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit, all is in a clear Book."

But Allah Almighty gives, from His Wisdom and withholds, from His Wisdom; indeed Allâh Almighty provides freely for whomever He wishes and He gives less to whomever He wishes. He Almighty may give to some in order to test them - are they grateful or ungrateful?

And Allah Almighty knows best.