The Reasons for Which We Should Pay Zakat/Obligatory Charity to the Poor
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 2: Belief, Number 7:
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but ALLAH [S.W.T] and Muhammad [S.A.W.S] is ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage toMecca)
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 2: Belief, Number 47:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
One day while the Prophet [S.A.W.S] was sitting in the company of some people, (The Angel) Gabriel (P.B.U.H) came and asked, “What is faith?” ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] replied, ‘Faith is to believe in ALLAH [S.W.T], HIS Angels (P.B.U.T), (the) meeting with HIM, HIS Apostles (P.B.U.T), and to believe in Resurrection.” Then he further asked, “What is Islam?” ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] replied, “To worship ALLAH [S.W.T] Alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.” Then he further asked, “What is Ihsan (perfection)?” ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] replied, “To worship ALLAH [S.W.T] as if you see HIM, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that HE is looking at you.” Then he further asked, “When will the Hour be established?” ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] replied, “The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.
1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except ALLAH [S.W.T]. The Prophet [S.A.W.S] then recited: “Verily, with ALLAH [S.W.T] (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour–.” (31. 34) Then that man (Gabriel (P.B.U.H)) left and the Prophet [S.A.W.S] asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “That was Gabriel (P.B.U.H) who came to teach the people their religion.” Abu ‘Abdullah (R.A) said: He (the Prophet [S.A.W.S]) considered all that as a part of faith.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 12: Characteristics of Prayer, Number 804:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
Some poor people came to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] and said, “The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money by which they perform the Hajj, and ‘Umra; fight and struggle in ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Cause and give in charity.” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would overtake you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say “Subhan-ALLAH”, “Alhamdu-lillah” and “ALLAHU Akbar” thirty three times each after every (compulsory) prayer.” We differed and some of us said that we should say, “Subhan-ALLAH” thirty three times and “Alhamdu-lillah” thirty three times and “ALLAHU Akbar” thirty four times. I went to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] who said, “Say, “Subhan-ALLAH”, “Alhamdu-lillah” and “ALLAHU Akbar” all together for thirty three times.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 23: Funerals (Al-Janaa’iz), Number 444:
Narrated ‘Ali (R.A):
“We were accompanying a funeral procession in Baqi-I-Gharqad. The Prophet [S.A.W.S] came to us and sat and we sat around him. He had a small stick in his hand then he bent his head and started scraping the ground with it. He then said, “There is none among you, and not a created soul, but has place either inParadiseor in Hell assigned for him and it is also determined for him whether he will be among the blessed or wretched.” A man said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! Should we not depend on what has been written for us and leave the deeds as whoever amongst us is blessed will do the deeds of a blessed person and whoever amongst us will be wretched, will do the deeds of a wretched person?” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “The good deeds are made easy for the blessed, and bad deeds are made easy for the wretched.” Then he recited the Verses: – “As for him who gives (in charity) and is ALLAH [S.W.T]-fearing and believes in the Best reward from ALLAH [S.W.T].” (92.5-6)
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 485:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “(On the Day of Resurrection) camels will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had (in the world), and if he had not paid their Zakat (in the world) then they would tread him with their feet; and similarly, sheep will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had in the world, and if he had not paid their Zakat, then they would tread him with their hooves and would butt him with their horns.” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] added, “One of their rights is that they should be milked while water is kept in front of them.” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] added, “I do not want anyone of you to come to me on the Day of Resurrection, carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating. Such a person will (then) say, ‘O Muhammad [S.A.W.S]! (Please intercede for me,) I will say to him. ‘I can’t help you, for I conveyed ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Message to you.’ Similarly, I do not want anyone of you to come to me carrying over his neck a camel that will be grunting. Such a person (then) will say “O Muhammad [S.A.W.S]! (Please intercede for me).” I will say to him, “I can’t help you for I conveyed ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s message to you.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 486:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “Whoever is made wealthy by ALLAH [S.W.T] and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’ “Then the Prophet [S.A.W.S] recited the holy verses: – ‘Let not those who withhold . . .’ (to the end of the verse). (3.180).
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 487:
Narrated Abu Said (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “No Zakat is due on property mounting to less than five Uqiyas (of silver), and no Zakat is due on less than five camels, and there is no Zakat on less than five Wasqs.” (A Wasqs equals 60 Sa’s) & (1 Sa=3 K gms App.)
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 490:
Narrated Ibn Masud (R.A):
I heard the Prophet [S.A.W.S] saying, “There is no envy except in two: a person whom ALLAH [S.W.T] has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom ALLAH [S.W.T] has given wisdom (i.e. religious knowledge) and he gives his decisions accordingly and teaches it to the others.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 500:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
A man came to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] and asked, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! Which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ And it has already belonged to such and such (as it is too late).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 502:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “A man said that he would give something in charity. He went out with his object of charity and unknowingly gave it to a thief. Next morning the people said that he had given his object of charity to a thief. (On hearing that) he said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]! All the praises are for you. I will give alms again.” And so he again went out with his alms and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulteress. Next morning the people said that he had given his alms to an adulteress last night. The man said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]! All the praises are for you. (I gave my alms) to an adulteress. I will give alms again.” So he went out with his alms again and (unknowingly) gave it to a rich person. (The people) next morning said that he had given his alms to a wealthy person. He said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]! All the praises are for you. (I had given alms) to a thief, to an adulteress and to a wealthy man.” Then someone came and said to him, “The alms which you gave to the thief, might make him abstain from stealing, and that given to the adulteress might make her abstain from illegal sexual intercourse (adultery), and that given to the wealthy man might make him take a lesson from it and spend his wealth which ALLAH [S.W.T] has given him, in ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s cause.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 504:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “Seven people will be shaded by ALLAH [S.W.T] under HIS shade on the day when there will be no shade except HIS. They are:
(1) A just ruler;
(2) A young man who has been brought up in the worship of ALLAH [S.W.T], (i.e. worship ALLAH [S.W.T] (Alone) sincerely from his childhood),
(3) A man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque);
(4) Two persons who love each other only for ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s sake and they meet and part in ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s cause only;
(5) A man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of ALLAH [S.W.T];
(6) A person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity).
(7) A person who remembers ALLAH [S.W.T] in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 506:
Narrated ‘Aisha (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “When a woman gives in charity some of the foodstuff (which she has in her house) without spoiling it, she will receive the reward for what she has spent, and her husband will receive the reward because of his earning, and the storekeeper will also have a reward similar to it. The reward of one will not decrease the reward of the others.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 508:
Narrated Hakim bin Hizam (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money which is left after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, ALLAH [S.W.T] will give him and save him from asking others, ALLAH [S.W.T] will make him self-sufficient.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 517:
Narrated Hakim bin Hizam (R.A):
I said to ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S], “Before embracing Islam I used to do good deeds like giving in charity, slave-manumitting, and the keeping of good relations with Kith and kin. Shall I be rewarded for those deeds?” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] replied, “You became Muslim with all those good deeds (Without losing their reward).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 522:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “Every day two Angels (P.B.U.T) come down from Heaven and one of them says, ‘O ALLAH [S.W.T]! Compensate every person who spends in Your Cause,’ and the other (Angel) says, ‘O ALLAH [S.W.T]! Destroy every miser.’ “
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 523:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “The example of a miser and an alms-giver is like the example of two persons wearing iron cloaks.” ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] also said, “The example of an alms-giver and a miser is like the example of two persons who have two iron cloaks on them from their breasts to their collar bones, and when the alms-giver wants to give in charity, the cloak becomes capacious till it covers his whole body to such an extent that it hides his fingertips and covers his footprints (obliterates his tracks). (1) And when the miser wants to spend, it (the iron cloak) sticks and every ring get stuck to its place and he tries to widen it, but it did not become wide.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 531:
Narrated Anas (R.A):
Abu Bakr (R.A) wrote to me what ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] has made compulsory (regarding Zakat) and this was mentioned in it: If a property is equally owned by two partners, they should pay the combined Zakat and it will be considered that both of them have paid their Zakat equally.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 537:
Narrated Ibn Abbas (R.A):
When ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] sent Muadh toYemen, he said (to him), “You are going to people of a (Divine) Book. First of all invite them to worship ALLAH [S.W.T] (alone) and when they come to know ALLAH [S.W.T], inform them that ALLAH [S.W.T] has enjoined on them, five prayers in every day and night; and if they start offering these prayers, inform them that ALLAH [S.W.T] has enjoined on them, the Zakat. And it is to be taken from the rich amongst them and given to the poor amongst them; and if they obey you in that, take Zakat from them and avoid (don’t take) the best property of the people as Zakat.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 540:
Narrated Ishaq bin ‘Abdullah bin Al Talha (R.A):
I heard Anas bin Malik (R.A) saying, “Abu Talha (R.A) had more property of date-palm trees gardens than any other amongst the Ansar inMedinaand the most beloved of them to him was Bairuha garden, and it was in front of the Mosque of the Prophet [S.A.W.S]. ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] used to go there and used to drink its nice water.” Anas (R.A) added, “When these verses were revealed:–’By no means shall you attain righteousness unless You spend (in charity) of that Which you love.’ (3.92) Abu Talha (R.A) said to ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] ‘O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! ALLAH [S.W.T], the Blessed, theSuperiorsays: By no means shall you attain righteousness, unless you spend (in charity) of that which you love. And no doubt, Bairuha’ garden is the most beloved of all my property to me. So I want to give it in charity in ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Cause. I expect its reward from ALLAH [S.W.T]. O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! Spend it where ALLAH [S.W.T] makes you think it feasible.’ On that ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, ‘Bravo! It is useful property. I have heard what you have said (O Abu Talha (R.A)), and I think it would be proper if you gave it to your Kith and kin.’ Abu Talha (R.A) said, I will do so, O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S].’ Then Abu Talha (R.A) distributed that garden amongst his relatives and his cousins.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 542:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “There is no Zakat either on a horse or a slave belonging to a Muslim”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 544:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri (R.A):
Once the Prophet [S.A.W.S] sat on a pulpit and we sat around him. Then he said, “The things I am afraid of most for your sake (concerning what will befall you after me) is the pleasures and splendors of the world and its beauties which will be disclosed to you.” Somebody said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! Can the good bring forth evil?” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] remained silent for a while. It was said to that person, “What is wrong with you? You are talking to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] while he is not talking to you.” Then we noticed that he was being inspired divinely. Then the Prophet [S.A.W.S] wiped off his sweat and said, “Where is the questioner?” It seemed as if the Prophet [S.A.W.S] liked his question. Then he said, “Good never brings forth evil. Indeed it is like what grows on the banks of a water-stream which either kill or make the animals sick, except if an animal eats its fill the Khadira (a kind of vegetable) and then faces the sun, and then defecates and urinates and grazes again. No doubt this wealth is sweet and green. Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to the poor, the orphans and to needy travelers. (Or the Prophet [S.A.W.S] said something similar to it) No doubt, whoever takes it illegally will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied, and his wealth will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 545:
Narrated ‘Amr bin Al-Harith (R.A):
Zainab (R.A), the wife of ‘Abdullah (R.A) said, “I was in the Mosque and saw the Prophet [S.A.W.S] saying, ‘O women! Give alms even from your ornaments.’ “Zainab (R.A) used to provide for ‘Abdullah (R.A) and those orphans who were under her protection. So she said to ‘Abdullah (R.A), “Will you ask ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] whether it will be sufficient for me to spend part of the Zakat on you and the orphans who are under my protection?” He replied “Will you yourself ask ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]?” (Zainab (R.A) added): So I went to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] and I saw there an Ansari woman who was standing at the door (of the Prophet [S.A.W.S]) with a similar problem as mine. Bilal (R.A) passed by us and we asked him, ‘Ask the Prophet [S.A.W.S] whether it is permissible for me to spend (the Zakat) on my husband and the orphans under my protection.’ And we requested Bilal (R.A) not to inform the Prophet [S.A.W.S] about us. So Bilal (R.A) went inside and asked the Prophet [S.A.W.S] regarding our problem. The Prophet [S.A.W.S] asked, “Who are those two?” Bilal (R.A) replied that she was Zainab (R.A). The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “Which Zainab?” Bilal (R.A) said, “The wife of ‘Adullah (bin Masud (R.A)).” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “Yes, (it is sufficient for her) and she will receive a double rewards (for that): One for helping relatives, and the other for giving Zakat.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 548:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri (R.A):
Some Ansari persons asked for (something) from ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] and he gave them. They again asked him for (something) and he again gave them. And then they asked him and he gave them again till all that was with him finished. And then he said “If I had anything. I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever abstains from asking others, ALLAH [S.W.T] will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, ALLAH [S.W.T] will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, ALLAH [S.W.T] will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 549:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “By HIM in Whose Hand my life is, it is better for anyone of you to take a rope and cut the wood (from the forest) and carry it over his back and sell it (as a means of earning his living) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 552:
Narrated ‘Umar (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] used to give me something but I would say to him, “would you give it to a poorer and more needy one than l?” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said to me, “Take it. If you are given something from this property, without asking for it or having greed for it take it; and if not given, do not run for it.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 554:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “The poor person is not the one who asks a morsel or two (of meals) from the others, but the poor is the one who has nothing and is ashamed to beg from others.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 560:
Narrated Salim bin ‘Abdullah (R.A) from his father:
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “On a land irrigated by rain water or by natural water channels or if the land is wet due to a near by water channel Ushr (i.e. one-tenth) is compulsory (as Zakat); and on the land irrigated by the well, half of an Ushr (i.e. one-twentieth) is compulsory (as Zakat on the yield of the land).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 567:
Narrated ‘Umar (R.A):
Once I gave a horse in ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Cause (in charity) but that person did not take care of it. I intended to buy it, as I thought he would sell it at a low price. So, I asked the Prophet [S.A.W.S] about it. He said, “Neither buy, nor take back your alms which you have given, even if the seller were willing to sell it for one Dirham, for he who takes back his alms is like the one who swallows his own vomit.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 571:
Narrated Um ‘Atiyya Al-Ansariya (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] went to ‘Aisha (R.A) and asked her whether she had something (to eat). She replied that she had nothing except the mutton (piece) which Nusaiba (Um ‘Atiyya (R.A)) had sent to us (Buraira) in charity.” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “It has reached its place and now it is not a thing of charity but a gift for us.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat), Number 574i:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (R.A):
Whenever a person came to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] with his alms, the Prophet [S.A.W.S] would say, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]! Send your Blessings upon so and so.” My father went to the Prophet [S.A.W.S] with his alms and the Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]! Send your blessings upon the offspring of Abu Aufa (R.A).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 25: Obligatory Charity Tax After Ramadaan (Zakat ul Fitr), Number 579:
Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] enjoined the payment of one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the ‘Id prayer. (One Sa’ = 3 Kilograms approx.)
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 25: Obligatory Charity Tax After Ramadaan (Zakat ul Fitr), Number 587:
Narrated Nafi’ (R.A):
Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) said, “The Prophet [S.A.W.S] made incumbent on every male or female, free man or slave, the payment of one Sa’ of dates or barley as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (or said Sadaqa-Ramadan).” The people then substituted half Sa’ of wheat for that. Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) used to give dates (as Sadaqat-ul Fitr). Once there was scarcity of dates inMedinaand Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) gave barley. ‘And Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for every young and old person. He even used to give on behalf of my children. Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) used to give Sadaqatul-Fitr to those who had been officially appointed for its collection. People used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (even) a day or two before the ‘Id.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 26: Pilgrimage (Hajj), Number 765:
Narrated ‘Ali (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] ordered me to give in charity the skin and the coverings of the Budn which I had slaughtered.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 28: Pilgrims Prevented from Completing the Pilgrimmage, Number 43:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Ma’qal (R.A):
I sat with Ka’b bin ‘Ujra (R.A) and asked him about the Fidya. He replied, “This revelation was revealed concerning my case especially, but it is also for you in general. I was carried to ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] and the lice were falling in great number on my face. The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “I have never thought that your ailment (or struggle) has reached to such an extent as I see. Can you afford a sheep?” I replied in the negative. He then said, “Fast for three days, or feed six poor persons each with half a Sa of food.” (1 Sa = 3 Kilograms approx.)
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 31: Fasting, Number 115:
Narrated Talha bin ‘Ubaid-Ullah (R.A):
A bedouin with unkempt hair came to ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] and said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! Inform me what ALLAH [S.W.T] has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers.” He replied: “You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Inform me what ALLAH [S.W.T] has made compulsory for me as regards fasting.” He replied, “You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Tell me how much Zakat ALLAH [S.W.T] has enjoined on me.” Thus, ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] informed him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, “By HIM Who has honored you, I will neither perform any Nawafil nor will I decrease what ALLAH [S.W.T] has enjoined on me. ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be grantedParadise).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 31: Fasting, Number 121:
‘Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “Whoever gives two kinds (of things or property) in charity for ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Cause, will be called from the gates ofParadiseand will be addressed, ‘O slaves of ALLAH [S.W.T]! Here is prosperity.’ So, whoever was amongst the people who used to offer their prayers, will be called from the gate of the prayer; and whoever was amongst the people who used to participate in Jihad, will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was amongst those who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan; whoever was amongst those who used to give in charity, will be called from the gate of charity.” Abu Bakr (R.A) said, “Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any one who will be called from all these gates?” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] replied, “Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 46: Manumission of Slaves, Number 715:
Narrated Hisham (R.A):
My father told me that Hakim bin Hizam (R.A) manumitted one-hundred slaves in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance and slaughtered one-hundred camels (and distributed them in charity). When he embraced Islam he again slaughtered one-hundred camels and manumitted one-hundred slaves. Hakim (R.A) said, “I asked ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S], ‘O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! What do you think about some good deeds I used to practice in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance regarding them as deeds of righteousness?’ ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, “You have embraced Islam along with all those good deeds you did.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 51: Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa), Number 5:
Narrated Sad bin Abu Waqqas (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] came visiting me while I was (sick) inMecca, (‘Amir (R.A) the sub-narrator said, and he disliked to die in the land, whence he had already migrated). He (i.e. the Prophet [S.A.W.S]) said, “May ALLAH [S.W.T] bestow HIS Mercy on Ibn Afra (Sad bin Khaula (R.A)).” I said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! May I will all my property (in charity)?” He said, “No.” I said, “Then may I will half of it?” He said, “No”. I said, “One third?” He said: “Yes, one third, yet even one third is too much. It is better for you to leave your inheritors wealthy than to leave them poor begging others, and whatever you spend for ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s sake will be considered as a charitable deed even the handful of food you put in your wife’s mouth. ALLAH [S.W.T] may lengthen your age so that some people may benefit by you, and some others be harmed by you.” At that time Sad (R.A) had only one daughter.
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 51: Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa), Number 11:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
A man asked the Prophet [S.A.W.S], “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! What kind of charity is the best?” He replied. “To give in charity when you are healthy and greedy hoping to be wealthy and afraid of becoming poor. Don’t delay giving in charity till the time when you are on the death bed when you say, ‘Give so much to so-and-so and so much to so-and so,’ and at that time the property is not yours but it belongs to so-and-so (i.e. your inheritors).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 51: Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa), Number 20:
Narrated Kab bin Malik (R.A):
I said, “O ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S]! For the acceptance of my repentance I wish to give all my property in charity for ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s sake through HIS Apostle [S.A.W.S].” He said, “It is better for you to keep some of the property for yourself.” I said, “Then I will keep my share in Khaibar.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 52: Fighting for the Cause of ALLAH [S.W.T] (Jihaad), Number 141:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “Charity is obligatory everyday on every joint of a human being. If one helps a person in matters concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, all this will be regarded charity. A good word, and every step one takes to offer the compulsory Congregational prayer, is regarded as charity; and guiding somebody on the road is regarded as charity.”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 56: Virtues and Merits of the Prophet [S.A.W.S] and his Companions, Number 839:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “A horse may be kept for one of three purposes: for a man it may be a source of reward; for another it may be a means of living; and for a third it may be a burden (a source of committing sins). As for the one for whom it is a source of reward, he is the one who keeps his horse for the sake of Jihad in ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Cause; he ties it with a long rope on a pasture or in a garden. So whatever its rope allows it to eat, will be regarded as good rewardable deeds (for its owner). And if it breaks off its rope and jumps over one or two hillocks, even its dung will be considered amongst his good deeds. And if it passes by a river and drinks water from it, that will be considered as good deeds for his benefit) even if he has had no intention of watering it. A horse is a shelter for the one who keeps it so that he may earn his living honestly and takes it as a refuge to keep him from following illegal ways (of gaining money), and does not forget the rights of ALLAH [S.W.T] (i.e. paying the Zakat and allowing others to use it for ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Sake). But a horse is a burden (and a source of committing sins for him who keeps it out of pride and pretense and with the intention of harming the Muslims.” The Prophet [S.A.W.S] was asked about donkeys. He replied, “Nothing has been revealed to be concerning them except this comprehensive Verse (which covers everything):–’Then whosoever has done good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), Shall see it (its reward) And whosoever has done evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small) ant), Shall see it (Its punishment).” (99.7-8)
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 73: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Number 51:
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (R.A):
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] said, “On every Muslim there is enjoined (a compulsory) Sadaqa (alms).” They (the people) said, “If one has nothing?’ He said, “He should work with his hands so that he may benefit himself and give in charity.” They said, “If he cannot work or does not work?” He said, “Then he should help the oppressed unhappy person (by word or action or both).” They said, “If he does not do it?” He said, “Then he should enjoin what is good (or said what is reasonable).’ They said, “If he does not do that”’ He said, “Then he should refrain from doing evil, for that will be considered for him as a Sadaqa (charity).”
Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 73: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Number 156:
Narrated Abu Shuraih Al-Ka’bi (R.A):
ALLAH [S.W.T]‘s Apostle [S.A.W.S] said, whoever believes in ALLAH [S.W.T] and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously. The guest’s reward is: To provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day and a guest is to be entertained with food for three days, and whatever is offered beyond that, is regarded as something given in charity. And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host for such a long period so as to put him in a critical position.”
Sahih Muslim: Chapter 1, Book 2: Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah), Number 0432:
Abu Malik at-Ash’ari (R.A) reported:
The Messenger of ALLAH [S.W.T] [S.A.W.S] said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to ALLAH [S.W.T]) fills the scale, and Subhan ALLAH [S.W.T] (Glory be to ALLAH [S.W.T]) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to ALLAH [S.W.T]) fill up what is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one’s faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur’an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.
Sahih Muslim: Chapter 19, Book 5: Zakat (Kitab Al-Zakat), Number 2219:
Mundhir b. Jarir (R.A) reported on the authority of his father:
While we were in the company of the Messenger of ALLAH [S.W.T] [S.A.W.S] in the early hours of the morning, some people came there (who) were barefooted, naked, wearing striped woolen clothes, or cloaks, with their swords hung (around their necks). Most of them, nay, all of them, belonged to the tribe of Mudar. The color of the face of the Messenger of ALLAH [S.W.T] [S.A.W.S] underwent a change when he saw them in poverty. He then entered (his house) and came out and commanded Bilal (R.A) (to pronounce Adhan). He pronounced Adhan and Iqima, and he (the Holy Prophet [S.A.W.S]) observed prayer (along with his Companion (R.A)) and then addressed (them reciting verses of the Holy Qur’an): ‘”O people, fear your LORD, WHO created you from a single being” to the end of the verse, “ALLAH is ever a Watcher over you” (4. 1). (He then recited) a verse of Sura Hashr: “Fear ALLAH. And let every soul consider that which it sends forth for the tomorrow and fear ALLAH” (59. 18). (Then the audience began to vie with one another in giving charity.) Some donated a dinar, others a dirham, still others clothes, some donated a sa’ of wheat, some a sa’ of dates; till he (the Holy Prophet [S.A.W.S]) said: (Bring) even if it is half a date. Then a person from among the Ansar came there with a money bag which his hands could scarcely lift; in fact, they could not (lift). Then the people followed continuously, till I saw two heaps of eatables and clothes, and I saw the face of the Messenger [S.A.W.S] glistening, like gold (on account of joy). The Messenger of ALLAH [S.W.T] [S.A.W.S] said: He who sets a good precedent in Islam, there is a reward for him for this (act of goodness) and reward of that also who acted according to it subsequently, without any deduction from their rewards; and he who sets in Islam an evil precedent, there is upon him the burden of that, and the burden of him also who acted upon it subsequently, without any deduction from their burden.
Sahih Muslim: Chapter 34, Book 20: On Government (Kitab Al-Imara), Number 4655:
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira (R.A):
That the Messenger of ALLAH [S.W.T] [S.A.W.S] said: Of the men he lives the best life who holds the reins of his horse (ever ready to march) in the way of ALLAH [S.W.T], flies on its back whenever he hears a fearful shriek, or a call for help, flies to it seeking death at places where it can be expected. (Next to him) is a man who lives with his sheep at a hill-top or in a valley, says his prayers regularly, gives Zakat and worships his Lord until death comes to him.
Tags: Charity, Inspiration, Life, Muslim, Peace, Religion, Soul, Zakat
