Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Sanabahi Ahmasi narrates that the gaze of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fell upon a handsome and beautiful camel among the camels of Zakat. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked, "What is this?" The collector of Zakat replied, "I have returned two small camels and taken this camel instead." The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then said, "That is fine."

Hazrat Suwaid bin Ghaflah narrates that the person appointed by our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for the collection of Zakat came. I sat with him; he was saying that indeed I have not collected a milking animal, and the scattered will not be gathered, nor will the gathered be scattered. He narrates that a person brought a large, strong camel, but he refused to take it.

Hazrat Hisham bin Urwah narrates from his father that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent a collector of Zakat and instructed him: Do not take the best of people's wealth, rather take their old and defective animals.

Hazrat Qais narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a beautiful she-camel among the camels of Zakat, so he asked, "What is the matter with this she-camel?" The collector of Zakat replied, "O Messenger of Allah! I had heard that you were in need of a riding animal, so I took this one in exchange for two camels."

It is narrated from Hazrat Qasim that once Hazrat Umar passed by some goats received as zakat and saw a suckling kid among them. He asked, "What is this?" The people replied, "These are goats given as zakat." He said, "Their owners did not give this willingly. Do not put people into trial, and do not take the best of their wealth when collecting zakat. Refrain from eating from it."

It is narrated from Hazrat Mu'adh that when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent him to Yemen, he instructed: (When collecting Zakat) avoid taking the best of people's wealth.