Nasai

(1) The above-mentioned incident pertains to the Children of Israel (Bani Isra'il). As long as our Shari'ah does not refute any matter from the previous Shari'ahs, that previous matter remains authoritative (hujjah). The mentioned incident was also narrated and affirmed by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), therefore it is authoritative. Similarly, someone’s dream is not authoritative in itself, but by the affirmation of the Noble Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), it too became authoritative.

(2) From this incident, it is understood that if, due to a mistake or ignorance, zakat is given to someone who is not deserving, then there is no blame upon the giver, and he is absolved of his obligation (bari’ al-dhimmah), even though it is not permissible for the recipient. However, it is not explicitly stated in this incident whether the charity (sadaqah) was obligatory (fard) or voluntary (nafl). Yes, if someone knowingly gives to a non-deserving person, then he will not be absolved of his obligation.

(3) If the thief and the adulteress were poor, then they were deserving of charity (sadaqah). It is possible that the thief committed theft due to poverty, and the adulteress also committed adultery due to poverty. Even though, in this case as well, these crimes were not permissible for them, despite these crimes, due to their poverty, they were deserving of zakat. The expression of regret by the one giving charity was according to common custom, because generally, charity is not given to people involved in crimes, but there is no such restriction in the Shari'ah. It is possible that helping them may become a means for their reform.