Sayyiduna Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: When this verse was revealed: "O you who believe! When you consult the Messenger in private, offer something in charity before your consultation." The narrator says: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): O Ali, tell the people to give charity (i.e., to offer something in charity). He asked: O Messenger of Allah! How much? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: One dinar. I said: People will not be able to afford that. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Half a dinar. He said: People will not be able to afford that either. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Then how much should it be? He said: Some barley. The narrator says: So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): You are making it too little. The narrator says: Then Allah Almighty revealed this verse: "Are you afraid of offering charity before your private consultation? If you do not do so, then Allah has turned to you in mercy. So establish prayer and give zakat." Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: Because of me, there was a reduction (in obligation) for this Ummah.