Mukhtasar Muslim

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: If someone goes in the morning and carries a bundle of wood on his back, and gives charity from it and fulfills his own needs so that he is not dependent on people, this is better for him than going around asking people, whether they give him or not. And indeed, the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (receiving) hand, and first give charity to the one whose expenses are your responsibility.