Abu Dawud

1608. Commentary: In Surah al-Baqarah it is stated that pure and excellent wealth should be spent. Further, it is said: (And do not aim at the defective thereof to spend [in charity], while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes) (, al-Baqarah: 267). Do not intend to spend inferior and bad wealth, whereas if it were given to you, you would not accept it. At the end of the hadith, there is a very great admonition: that whatever kind of thing a person gives, on the Day of Resurrection he will find the same kind. Therefore, a believer should strive to give only good things in the way of Allah. However, doing so is better. This does not mean that giving charity of a lesser quality item is not permissible, or that there is no reward for it. Whatever is given sincerely in the way of Allah is accepted by Allah.

(1) This was a voluntary charity (nafl sadaqah), because the obligatory tithe (‘ushr) was collected by the government officials themselves.

(2) “He will eat only inferior dates.” That is, he will receive the reward of only inferior dates, because Allah Ta’ala cannot be deceived. Or, it means that he will be given only inferior dates to eat there (in the Hereafter). The second meaning is closer to the apparent wording.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ In the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Nabawi), a rope was tied between two pillars, and people would hang bunches of dates from it so that whoever needed could eat from them as desired, as is clarified in the next hadith.
It is not necessary to give charity (sadaqah) directly into the hand of a deserving person.
If it is placed somewhere in such a manner that it is understood everyone is permitted to use it, then this is also sufficient.
It is better to place food and drink in such a way that, as much as possible, it is protected from dirt and dust, rather than placing it on the ground.
One should give good quality items in charity (sadaqah) so that greater reward is attained.
If inferior items are given in charity, the obligation of charity is fulfilled, but the reward is lessened.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) tapped those bunches with a stick so that everyone would pay attention and listen carefully.
Whoever does not possess something of good quality may also give something of lesser quality in charity.