Forty Authentic Ahadith on Charity and Zakat
✍ Written by: Abu Hamzah Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi
Introduction
إن الحمد لله نحمده، ونستعينه، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له ، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأن محمدا عبده ورسوله . أما بعد:
بَابُ صَدَقَةِ التَطَوُّعِ
Section: Voluntary Charity
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ . لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَاهُمْ لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ . الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ۔﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 272–274]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “(O Prophet!) Guiding them is not your responsibility, but Allah guides whomever He wills. And whatever wealth you spend, it is for your own benefit. You do not spend except seeking the Face of Allah. And whatever wealth you spend, it will be fully repaid to you and you will not be wronged. (Charity is) for the needy who are restricted in the path of Allah and cannot move about in the land for livelihood. The ignorant think them wealthy because of their restraint, but you will recognize them by their mark. They do not beg people insistently. And whatever wealth you spend, indeed Allah knows it well. Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and openly, they shall have their reward with their Lord. They will have no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
وَقَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ . أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚ لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ.﴾
[Al-Anfal: 3–4]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “Those who establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them – it is they who are the true believers. For them are ranks with their Lord, forgiveness, and an honorable provision.”
وَقَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۔﴾
[At-Tawbah: 103]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “(O Prophet!) Take charity from their wealth in order to purify and sanctify them through it, and pray for them. Indeed, your prayer is a source of tranquility for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
Showing off in Zakat, Prayer, and Fasting is Shirk
Hadith 1
«عن شداد بن أوس رضى الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: من صلى يرائي فقد أشرك ، ومن صام يرائي فقد أشرك ، ومن تصدق يراني فقد أشرك»
Al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib by Shaykh Muhy al-Din al-Deeb, Hadith No. 43Translation:
Hazrat Shaddad bin Aws رضي الله عنه said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “Whoever performs prayer to show off has committed shirk; whoever fasts to show off has committed shirk; and whoever gives charity to show off has committed shirk.”
Charity or Zakat from Haram Wealth is Not Accepted
Hadith 2
«وعن أسامة بن عمير بن عامر رضى الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: إن الله عز وجل لا يقبل صلاة بغير طهور ولا صدقة من غلول»
Sahih Sunan al-Nasa’i by al-Albani, Hadith No. 2364 Sahih al-Jami’ al-Saghir, Hadith No. 1855Translation:
Hazrat Usamah bin Umair رضي الله عنه said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “Indeed, Allah does not accept prayer without purification, nor charity from unlawful wealth.”
A Small Charity from Lawful Earnings is Multiplied Many Times
Hadith 3
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من تصدق بعدل تمرة من كسب طيب ، ولا يقبل الله إلا الطيب، وإن الله يتقبلها بيمينه ثم يربيها لصاحبه كما يربي أحدكم فلوه حتى تكون مثل الجبل»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Charity from Lawful Earnings, Hadith No. 1410Translation:
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever gives in charity even the equivalent of a single date from lawful earnings – and Allah accepts only what is lawful – Allah takes it in His Right Hand and then nurtures it for its owner, just as one of you raises his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.”
Charity Becomes a Cause of Allah’s Special Blessings
Hadith 4
«وعنه رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: بينا رجل بفلاة من الأرض فسمع صوتا فى سحابة، اسق حديقة فلان، فتنحى ذلك السحاب فافرغ مائه فى حرة فإذا شرجة من تلك الشراج قد استوعبت ذلك الماء كله فتتبع الماء فإذا رجل قائم فى حديقته يحول الماء بمسحاته ...» (حدیث مکمل)
Mukhtasar Sahih Muslim by al-Albani, Hadith No. 354Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: A man was in a barren land when he heard a voice from the clouds saying: “Water the garden of so-and-so.” The cloud moved and poured water over a rocky ground, which collected into a channel. Following the water, the man found a person irrigating his garden. He asked his name, and it matched the one mentioned in the cloud. Upon being asked about his practice, the man said: “I donate one-third of its produce in charity, I and my family consume one-third, and I reinvest one-third into the garden.”
Charity Extinguishes the Anger of Allah
Hadith 5
«و عن أبى سعيد رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: صدقة السر تطفئى عضب الرب، وصلة الرحم تزيد فى العمر وفعل المعروف يقي مصارع السوء»
Sahih al-Jami’ al-Saghir, Hadith No. 3660 Silsilah al-Sahihah, Hadith No. 1908Translation:
Hazrat Abu Sa‘id رضي الله عنه said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Secret charity extinguishes the anger of the Lord, maintaining family ties increases lifespan, and doing good protects one from an evil end.”
Charity Protects from the Fire of Hell
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿وَمَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ وَتَثْبِيتًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةٍ بِرَبْوَةٍ أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ فَآتَتْ أُكُلَهَا ضِعْفَيْنِ فَإِن لَّمْ يُصِبْهَا وَابِلٌ فَطَلٌّ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ . أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُ جَنَّةٌ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ لَهُ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَأَصَابَهُ الْكِبَرُ وَلَهُ ذُرِّيَّةٌ ضُعَفَاءُ فَأَصَابَهَا إِعْصَارٌ فِيهِ نَارٌ فَاحْتَرَقَتْ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ.﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 265–266]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “The example of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s pleasure and to strengthen themselves is like a garden on a high ground; heavy rain falls upon it and it yields double its produce. Even if no heavy rain falls, a drizzle suffices. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. Would any of you wish to have a garden of date-palms and grapevines beneath which rivers flow, having every kind of fruit within it, but then he grows old while having weak offspring, and a whirlwind with fire strikes it and burns it down? Thus does Allah make His signs clear to you, so that you may reflect.”
Hadith 6
«وعن عدي بن حاتم رضي الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Protect Yourself from Fire even with Half a Date, Hadith No. 1417Translation:
Hazrat Adi bin Hatim رضي الله عنه reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “Protect yourselves from the Fire, even if it be with half a date (given in charity).”
The Best Charity is to Provide Water
Hadith 7
«وعن سعد بن عبادة رضي الله عنه أنه قال: يا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ! إن أم سعد ماتت ف أى الصدقة أفضل؟ قال: الماء قال: فحفر بترا، وقال: هذه لأم سعد»
Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud by al-Albani, Hadith No. 1474Translation:
Hazrat Sa‘d bin ‘Ubadah رضي الله عنه reported: He said, “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, Sa‘d’s mother has passed away. Which charity is best?” He ﷺ said: “Water.” So he dug a well and said: “This is for Sa‘d’s mother (as a continuous charity).”
One Who Intercedes for Charity Also Gets Reward
Hadith 8
«وعن أبى بردة بن أبى موسى عن أبيه رضى الله عنه قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا جائه السائل أو طلبت إليه حاجة قال: اشفعوا توجروا ويقضى الله على لسان نبيه صلى الله عليه وسلم ما شاء»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Encouragement on Charity and Interceding in It, Hadith No. 1432Translation:
Hazrat Abu Burdah رضي الله عنه narrated from his father Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari رضي الله عنه: When a beggar came to the Prophet ﷺ or someone requested something, the Prophet ﷺ would say: “Intercede, and you will be rewarded. And Allah will decree on the tongue of His Prophet whatever He wills.”
Charity Does Not Decrease Wealth
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَ فِي أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُو عِندَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَاةٍ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُضْعِفُونَ .﴾
[Ar-Rum: 39]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “And whatever you give in usury, seeking increase in people’s wealth, it does not increase with Allah. But whatever you give in zakat, seeking the Face of Allah – it is they who will have manifold increase.”
Hadith 9
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ما نقصت صدقة من مال ، وما زاد الله عبدا بعفو إلا عزا، وما تواضع احد لله إلا رفعه الله»
Mukhtasar Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1790 Silsilah al-Sahihah, Hadith No. 2328Translation:
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Charity does not decrease wealth. Allah increases the honor of a servant who forgives, and whoever humbles himself for Allah, Allah elevates him.”
Charity Should Be Given Without Delay
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿وَأَنفِقُوا مِن مَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنِي إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ .﴾
[Al-Munafiqun: 10]
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلَا خُلَّةٌ وَلَا شَفَاعَةٌ ۗ وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 254]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “And spend from what We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a short term, I would give charity and be among the righteous.’” [Al-Munafiqun:10]
And He said: “O you who believe! Spend from what We have provided you before there comes a Day when there will be no bargaining, no friendship, and no intercession. And the disbelievers – it is they who are the wrongdoers.” [Al-Baqarah:254]
Hadith 10
«وعنه قال: جاء رجل إلى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: يارسول الله أى الصدقة أعظم أجرا؟ قال: أن تصدق وأنت صحيح شحيح، تخشى الفقر وتأمل الغنى ، ولا تمهل حتى إذا بلغت الحلقوم قلت لفلان كذا، ولفلان كذا، وقد كان لفلان»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: The Virtue of Charity While Being Healthy and Stingy, Hadith No. 1419Translation:
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه said: A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and asked: “O Messenger of Allah, which charity carries the greatest reward?” He ﷺ replied: “To give charity while you are healthy, desiring wealth, fearing poverty, and not delaying until your soul reaches the throat and then you say: ‘Give this much to so-and-so, and this much to so-and-so,’ when it already belongs to so-and-so.”
Whatever Birds Eat from a Muslim’s Crops is Also Charity
Hadith 11
«وعن أنس بن مالك رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما من مسلم يغرس غرسا ، أو يزرع زرعا، فيأكل منه طير ، أو إنسان ، أو بهيمة ، إلا كان له به صدقة»
Mukhtasar Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 978 Silsilah al-Sahihah, Hadith No. 8Translation:
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “No Muslim plants a tree or cultivates crops, from which a bird, human, or animal eats, except that it is counted as charity for him.”
A Woman May Give Charity from Household Provisions
Hadith 12
«وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها ، قالت: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا أنفقت المرأة من طعام بيتها غير مفسدة ، كان لها أجرها بما أنفقت ، ولزوجها أجره بما كسب، وللخازن مثل ذلك لا ينقص بعضهم أجر بعض شيئا»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Whoever Orders His Servant to Give Charity but Does Not Hand It Himself, Hadith No. 1425Translation:
Hazrat Aishah رضي الله عنها reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When a woman spends from the food of her household without causing harm (to her husband), she will have her reward for what she spent, her husband will have his reward for earning it, and the treasurer will also have a similar reward. None of their rewards will diminish the other in the least.”
Taking Back Charity is a Detestable Act
Hadith 13
«وعن عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه يقول: حملت على فرس فى سبيل الله، فأضاعه الذى كان عنده، فأردت أن أشتريه، وظننت أنه يبيعه برخص ، فسألت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: لا تشتر ، ولا تعد فى صدقتك ، وإن أعطاكه بدرهم فإن العائد فى صدقته كالعائد فى قييه»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Can a Man Buy Back His Charity, Hadith No. 1490Translation:
Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab رضي الله عنه said: I gave a horse in charity in the path of Allah. The one who received it neglected it, and I wished to buy it back, thinking he would sell it cheaply. I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about it. He ﷺ said: “Do not buy it back, and do not take back what you have given in charity. Even if he offers it to you for one dirham, for one who takes back his charity is like one who returns to his vomit.”
Giving Charity on Behalf of the Deceased is Permissible
Hadith 14
«وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن رجلا قال: يا رسول الله! إن أمي توفيت أفينفعها إن تصدقت عنها؟ قال: نعم قال: فإن لي مخرفا فأشهدك أني قد تصدقت به عنها»
Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Book of Zakat, Hadith No. 538 Musnad Ahmad 1/333, 370 – Declared Sahih by Ahmad ShakirTranslation:
Hazrat Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, my mother has died. Will it benefit her if I give charity on her behalf?” He ﷺ said: “Yes.” The man said: “I have a garden, so I make you witness that I have given it in charity on her behalf.”
Every Good Deed is Charity
Hadith 15
«وعن حذيفة رضى الله عنه قال: قال نبيكم صلى الله عليه وسلم كل معروف صدقة»
Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Clarifying that the Term Charity Applies to Every Kind of Good, Hadith No. 2328Translation:
Hazrat Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported: Your Prophet ﷺ said: “Every act of goodness is charity.”
Giving Charity and Zakat to Relatives is Superior
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا﴾
[Al-Isra: 26]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “Give the relative his right, and (also) the needy and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully.”
Hadith 16
«وعن سلمان بن عامر ، عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إن الصدقة على المسكين صدقة، وعلى ذى الرحيم ثنتان صدقة، وصلة»
Sahih Sunan al-Nasa’i by al-Albani, Hadith No. 242Translation:
Hazrat Salman bin ‘Amir رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity given to a poor person is (just) charity, but charity given to a relative is charity and also maintaining the ties of kinship.”
Mistakenly Giving Charity to the Undeserving Still Earns Full Reward
Hadith 17
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: قال رجل: لأتصدقن الليلة بصدقة ...»
Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Reward of the Donor Even if Charity Reaches a Sinner, Hadith No. 2362Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: A man said, “Tonight I will give charity.” He gave it to a prostitute, and people said in the morning, “He gave charity to a prostitute!” He said: “O Allah, praise be to You, I will give charity again.” The next night, he gave it to a wealthy man. People said, “He gave charity to a rich man!” He said: “O Allah, praise be to You, I will give charity again.” The third night, he gave it to a thief. People said, “He gave charity to a thief!” He said: “O Allah, praise be to You – to a prostitute, a rich man, and a thief.” Then he was informed: “Your charity has been accepted. The prostitute may refrain from her sin, the wealthy may learn a lesson and spend from what Allah gave him, and the thief may refrain from stealing.”
Obligation of Zakat
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 277]
﴿وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَ فِي أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُو عِندَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَا آتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَاةٍ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُضْعِفُونَ﴾
[Ar-Rum: 39]
﴿قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَاسْتَقِيمُوا إِلَيْهِ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ ۗ وَوَيْلٌ لِّلْمُشْرِكِينَ. الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُم بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَ.﴾
[Fussilat: 6–7]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said:
“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakat – they will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will be upon them, nor will they grieve.” [Al-Baqarah: 277]
“And whatever you give in usury to increase within people’s wealth will not increase with Allah. But whatever you give in zakat, seeking the Face of Allah – it is they who will receive manifold increase.” [Ar-Rum: 39]
“Say: I am only a man like you, to whom it has been revealed that your God is One God. So be steadfast toward Him and seek His forgiveness. And woe to the polytheists – those who do not give zakat, and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.” [Fussilat: 6–7]
Hadith 18
«و عن ابن عمر رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: بنى الإسلام على خمس: شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمدا رسول الله ، وإقام الصلاة ، وإيتاء الزكاة ، والحج، وصوم رمضان»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Iman, Chapter: Islam is Built on Five, Hadith No. 8Translation:
Hazrat Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five: ① Testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah, ② establishing prayer, ③ giving zakat, ④ performing Hajj, and ⑤ fasting in Ramadan.”
Hadith 19
«وعن جرير بن عبد الله رضى الله عنه قال: بايعت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم على إقام الصلاة، وإيتاء الزكاة، والنصح لكل مسلم»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Pledge of Allegiance for Zakat, Hadith No. 1401Translation:
Hazrat Jarir bin ‘Abdullah رضي الله عنه said: “I pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ on establishing prayer, giving zakat, and offering sincere advice to every Muslim.”
Hadith 20
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال لما توفي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وكان أبو بكر رضي الله عنه ...» (حدیث مکمل)
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Obligation of Zakat, Hadith Nos. 1399 & 1400Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه said: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه became Caliph, some Arabs apostatized (refusing to give zakat). Umar رضي الله عنه asked Abu Bakr: “How will you fight the people when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘I have been commanded to fight the people until they say La ilaha illa Allah. Whoever says it has protected his wealth and life from me except by right, and his reckoning is with Allah.’” Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه replied: “By Allah, I will fight those who differentiate between prayer and zakat, for zakat is the due right of wealth. By Allah, if they withhold from me even a rope of a young she-goat that they used to give to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I will fight them for withholding it.” Umar رضي الله عنه then said: “By Allah, it became clear to me that Allah had opened Abu Bakr’s chest for the truth.”
The Virtue of Zakat
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الْأَحْبَارِ وَالرُّهْبَانِ لَيَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ . يَوْمَ يُحْمَىٰ عَلَيْهَا فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكْوَىٰ بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنُوبُهُمْ وَظُهُورُهُمْ ۖ هَٰذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْنِزُونَ.﴾
[At-Tawbah: 34–35]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “O you who believe! Indeed many of the scholars and monks consume people’s wealth unjustly and hinder them from the path of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment. On the Day it will be heated in the Fire of Hell and their foreheads, their sides, and their backs will be branded with it. [It will be said:] This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.”
Hadith 21
«وعن خالد بن أسلم قال: خرجنا مع عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنهما فقال: أعرابي: أخبرني عن قول الله: ﴿وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ﴾ قال ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما ، من كنزها فلم يؤد زكاتها فويل له ، إنما كان هذا قبل أن تنزل الزكاة ، فلما أنزلت جعلها الله طهرا للأموال»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Wealth on Which Zakat is Paid is Not Hoarded, Hadith No. 1404Translation:
Hazrat Khalid bin Aslam رضي الله عنه narrated: We went out with Abdullah bin ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما. An Arab asked him: “Inform me about Allah’s statement: ﴿And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah﴾.” Ibn ‘Umar replied: “Whoever hoards it and does not give its zakat – woe to him. This verse was revealed before zakat was prescribed. When zakat was revealed, Allah made it a purification for wealth.”
The Importance of Zakat
Hadith 22
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما من صاحب ذهب ولا فضة لا يؤدى منها حقها إلا إذا كان يوم القيامة صفحت له صفائح من نار ...» (حدیث مکمل)
Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Chapter: The Sin of One Who Withholds Zakat, Hadith No. 229Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Anyone who owns gold or silver but does not pay its due (zakat), on the Day of Resurrection, plates of fire will be made for him, heated in Hellfire, and with them his sides, his forehead, and his back will be branded. Whenever they cool, they will be reheated, during a Day whose length is fifty thousand years, until judgment is passed among the people. Then he will see his path, either to Paradise or to Hell. The same applies to camels, cows, and sheep: if their due zakat is not paid, they will be brought on the Day of Judgment to trample and gore their owner continuously until the judgment is given.
Hadith 23
«وعن الأحنف بن قيس رضى الله عنه قال: كنت فى نفر من قريش ، فمر أبو ذر رضي الله عنه وهو يقول: بشر الكائزين بكي فى ظهورهم ، يخرج من جنوبهم، وبكي من قبل أقفائهم يخرج من جباههم ...»
Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Harsh Warning to Those Who Hoard Wealth, Hadith No. 2307Translation:
Hazrat al-Ahnaf bin Qais رضي الله عنه said: I was in the company of some people of Quraysh when Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه passed by, saying: “Give glad tidings to those who hoard wealth of branding marks on their backs and sides, and of branding marks on their foreheads and napes.” Then he sat down. I asked: “Who is this?” They said: “This is Abu Dharr.” So I went to him and asked: “What is this that I heard from you?” He said: “I said only what I heard from their Prophet ﷺ.”
Hadith 24
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من آتاه الله مالا فلم يؤد زكاته مثل له ماله يوم القيامة شجاعا أقرع ...»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: The Sin of One Who Withholds Zakat, Hadith No. 1403Translation:
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever is given wealth by Allah and does not pay its zakat, his wealth will be made into a bald serpent on the Day of Resurrection, with two black spots over its eyes. It will encircle his neck, seize him by his jaws, and say: ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” Then the Prophet ﷺ recited: ﴿لَا يَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ﴾ (i.e. those who withhold, thinking it is better for them – Qur’an 3:180).
Hadith 25
«وعنه سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يقول: ” إن ثلاثة فى بني إسرائيل ابرص واقرع واعمى بدا لله عز وجل ان يبتليهم )
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Stories of the Prophets, Chapter: The Story of the Leper, the Bald, and the Blind among Bani Israel, Hadith No. 3464Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Among the Children of Israel there were three men: a leper, a bald man, and a blind man. Allah wished to test them, so He sent an angel who cured the leper and gave him good skin, cured the bald man and gave him hair, and restored the eyesight of the blind man. Each was also granted his most beloved wealth: camels, cows, and sheep respectively. Their herds multiplied until each had a valley full. Then the angel came back in their original forms asking for help. The leper and the bald man denied and were returned to their former afflictions. The blind man admitted his past condition, thanked Allah, and gave freely. Thus Allah was pleased with him and displeased with the others.
Severe Warnings for Withholding Zakat
Hadith 26
«وعن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: مانع الزكاة يوم القيامة فى النار»
Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib by al-Albani, Hadith No. 760Translation:
Hazrat Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The one who withholds zakat will be in the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.”
Hadith 27
«وعن بريدة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما منع قوم الزكاة إلا ابتلاهم الله بالسنين»
Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib, Hadith No. 761Translation:
Hazrat Buraydah رضي الله عنه said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “No people withhold zakat except that Allah tests them with years of drought.”
Hadith 28
«وعن على رضي الله عنه قال: لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا ، وموكله، وشاهده، وكاتبه، والواشمة والمستوشمة ومانع الصدقة والمحلل ، والمحلل له»
Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib, Hadith No. 756Translation:
Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed the one who consumes interest, the one who gives it, the one who witnesses it, and the one who records it. He also cursed the one who tattoos and the one who requests it, the one who withholds charity, and the one who does and allows a ‘tahlil’ marriage.”
Conditions of Zakat
قَالَ الله تَعَالَى:
﴿فَإِن تَابُوا وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ فَإِخْوَانُكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ ۗ وَنُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ﴾
[At-Tawbah: 11]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakat, then they are your brothers in religion. And We explain the signs in detail for a people who know.”
Hadith 29
«وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم بعث معاذا رضي الله عنه إلى اليمن ...» (حدیث مکمل)
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Obligation of Zakat, Hadith No. 1395Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما reported: When the Prophet ﷺ sent Mu‘adh رضي الله عنه to Yemen, he said: “Invite them first to testify that there is no god but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah. If they accept, then inform them that Allah has obligated upon them five prayers every day and night. If they accept that, then inform them that Allah has obligated charity (zakat) upon their wealth, to be taken from their rich and given to their poor.”
Hadith 30
«وعن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من استفاد مالا فلا زكاة عليه حتى يحول عليه الحول عند ربه»
Sahih Sunan al-Tirmidhi by al-Albani, Hadith No. 515Translation:
Hazrat Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever acquires wealth, there is no zakat due on it until a year has passed while it is with him.”
Manners of Giving and Collecting Zakat
Hadith 31
«وعن أبى بن كعب رضي الله عنه قال: بعثني النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم مصدقا ...» (حدیث مکمل)
Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 140Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka‘b رضي الله عنه said: The Prophet ﷺ sent me to collect zakat. I passed by a man who owed a one-year-old she-camel (ibnat makhadh) in zakat. He offered instead a large, fat she-camel, saying: “Take this.” I said: “I cannot take it without the Prophet’s permission.” So he went with me to the Prophet ﷺ and presented the camel. The Prophet ﷺ said: “What was obligatory upon you is the ibnat makhadh, but if you give willingly something better, Allah will reward you for it, and we will accept it.” The man said: “Here it is, O Messenger of Allah.” So the Prophet ﷺ ordered it to be accepted and prayed for blessings in his wealth.
Hadith 32
«وعن عبادة بن صامت رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بعثه على الصدقة ...»
Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib, Hadith No. 778Translation:
Hazrat ‘Ubadah bin Samit رضي الله عنه narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent me to collect zakat and said: “O Abu al-Walid! Fear Allah and do not come on the Day of Resurrection carrying on your back a camel that groans, or a cow that moos, or a sheep that bleats.” I asked: “O Messenger of Allah, will it really be so?” He ﷺ said: “Yes, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul.” He said: “By the One Who sent you with the truth, I will never work as a collector for you again.”
Wealth on Which Zakat is Obligatory
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الْأَحْبَارِ وَالرُّهْبَانِ لَيَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ ...﴾
[At-Tawbah: 34–35]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “O you who believe! Indeed, many scholars and monks consume people’s wealth unjustly and hinder from the path of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment. On the Day it will be heated in Hellfire and their foreheads, sides, and backs will be branded with it. [It will be said:] This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.”
Hadith 33
«وعن عمرو بن شعيب عن أبيه عن جده رضي الله عنه أن امرأة أتت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ...»
Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 1382Translation:
Hazrat ‘Amr bin Shu‘aib narrated from his father, from his grandfather رضي الله عنهم: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with her daughter, and on the daughter’s hands were two thick gold bangles. The Prophet ﷺ asked: “Do you pay zakat on these?” She replied: “No.” He ﷺ said: “Would you like that Allah adorns you with two bangles of fire on the Day of Resurrection?” She immediately removed them and gave them to the Prophet ﷺ, saying: “They are for Allah and His Messenger.”
Hadith 34
«وعن أنس رضى الله عنه ، ان ابا بكر رضى الله عنه كتب له هذا الكتاب ...» (طویل حدیث)
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Zakat of Sheep, Hadith No. 1454Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه said: Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه wrote for him the following when he sent him to Bahrain: “This is the obligation of zakat which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ made obligatory on the Muslims, and which Allah commanded His Messenger ﷺ. Whoever is asked for it in accordance with it, let him give it; and whoever is asked for more than that, let him not give. For camels: up to 24 camels, one sheep for every 5. From 25–35, a one-year-old she-camel; from 36–45, a two-year-old she-camel; from 46–60, a three-year-old she-camel fit for mating; from 61–75, a four-year-old she-camel; from 76–90, two two-year-old she-camels; from 91–120, two three-year-old she-camels; above that, for every 40, a two-year-old she-camel; for every 50, a three-year-old she-camel. For sheep: from 40–120, one sheep; from 121–200, two sheep; from 201–300, three sheep; beyond that, one sheep for every hundred. For silver: one-quarter of one-tenth (2.5%). If the silver is less than 200 dirhams, then no zakat is due unless the owner gives voluntarily.”
Recipients of Zakat
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى:
﴿إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا ...﴾
[At-Tawbah: 60]
Translation:
Allah Almighty said: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, to free captives, for those in debt, in the path of Allah, and for the traveler – an obligation imposed by Allah. And Allah is Knowing, Wise.”
Hadith 35
«وعن زياد بن الحارث الصدائي رضي الله عنه قال: أتيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ...»
Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, Book of Zakat, Hadith No. 1630Translation:
Hazrat Ziyad bin al-Harith as-Suda’i رضي الله عنه said: I came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and pledged allegiance to him. Later, a man came and asked: “Give me from the charity (zakat).” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed Allah has not entrusted the ruling concerning zakat to any Prophet nor to anyone else. He Himself has given the judgment about it, dividing it into eight categories. If you fall into one of these categories, I will give you your right.”
Recipients of Zakat (continued)
Hadith 36
«وعن قبيصة بن مخارق الهلالي رضي الله عنه قال: تحملت حمالة ، فاتيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ...»
Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Who Is Permitted to Beg, Hadith No. 2404Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Qabisah bin Mukhariq al-Hilali رضي الله عنه said: I became responsible for a debt (as a guarantor), so I came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked him. He ﷺ said: “Stay with us until the charity (zakat) comes, then we will give you from it.” Then he ﷺ said: “O Qabisah, begging is not lawful except for three: a man who takes on a debt (as guarantor) – for him begging is permissible until he pays it off, then he must stop; a man who is struck by a calamity that destroys his wealth – he may beg until he attains what will sustain him; and a man who is struck by poverty, confirmed by three wise men of his people, that he is indeed in need – he may beg until he attains what will sustain him. Whatever is beyond these is unlawful, O Qabisah, and the one who takes it consumes what is unlawful.”
Hadith 37
«وعن أبى سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه قال: أصيب رجل فى عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فى ثمار ابتاعها ...»
Sahih Muslim, Book of Musaqah, Chapter: Recommendation of Reducing Debt, Hadith No. 3981Translation:
Hazrat Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه said: A man during the time of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ suffered a loss in the fruits he had purchased, and his debt increased. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Give charity to him.” So the people gave him charity, but it was not enough to pay off his debt. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ then said to his creditors: “Take what you find, and you have nothing beyond that.”
Hadith 38
«وعنه رضي الله عنه قال: بعث على رضي الله عنه وهو باليمن بذهبة فى تربتها إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ...»
Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Giving to Those Whose Hearts Are to Be Reconciled, Hadith No. 2451Translation:
Hazrat Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه said: Ali رضي الله عنه, while in Yemen, sent some gold in its dust to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ divided it among four men: al-Aqra‘ bin Habis al-Hanzali, ‘Uyainah bin Badr al-Fazari, ‘Alqamah bin ‘Ulathah al-‘Amiri, and Zayd al-Khayr at-Ta’i. Quraysh became angry and said: “He gives to the chiefs of Najd and leaves us?” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “I only did that to win their hearts over.”
Hadith 39
«وعن البراء رضي الله عنه قال: جاء رجل إلى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: يا رسول الله دلني على عمل يقربني من الجنة ...»
Musnad Ahmad 4/299, Sunan al-Daraqutni 2/135 – graded sahih by Shaykh Hamzah ZaynTranslation:
Hazrat al-Bara’ رضي الله عنه said: A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and asked: “O Messenger of Allah, guide me to a deed that will bring me close to Paradise and keep me away from Hellfire.” He ﷺ said: “Freeing a soul and ransoming a slave.” The man asked: “Are these not the same?” He ﷺ said: “No. Freeing a soul means you set one free entirely. Ransoming means you help pay towards his price.”
Hadith 40
«وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: بينما نحن جلوس عند النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم إذ جاءه رجل، فقال: يا رسول الله! هلكت ...»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Fasting, Chapter: One Who Has Intercourse in Ramadan, Hadith No. 1937Translation (Summary):
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه said: We were sitting with the Prophet ﷺ when a man came and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I am ruined!” He ﷺ asked: “What happened?” He replied: “I had intercourse with my wife while fasting.” The Prophet ﷺ asked: “Can you free a slave?” He said: “No.” The Prophet ﷺ asked: “Can you fast two consecutive months?” He said: “No.” The Prophet ﷺ asked: “Can you feed sixty poor people?” He said: “No.” Later, a basket of dates was brought to the Prophet ﷺ. He asked: “Where is the questioner?” The man said: “Here I am.” He ﷺ said: “Take these and give them in charity.” The man said: “To someone poorer than me, O Messenger of Allah? By Allah, there is no household between the two plains of Madinah poorer than mine.” The Prophet ﷺ laughed until his molar teeth were visible, then said: “Feed it to your family.”
Condemnation of Begging
Hadith 41
«وعن حكيم بن حزام رضي الله عنه ، عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: اليد العليا خير من اليد السفلى ...»
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Zakat, Chapter: No Charity Except from Surplus Wealth, Hadith No. 1427Translation:
Hazrat Hakim bin Hizam رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “The upper hand (the giver) is better than the lower hand (the receiver). Start with those whom you support. The best charity is that which is given while one is self-sufficient. Whoever refrains from asking, Allah will make him content. Whoever seeks independence, Allah will make him independent.”
❖ Closing Blessing
وصلى الله تعالى على خير خلقه محمد وآله وصحبه أجمعين
And may Allah’s blessings be upon His best creation, Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions.
