When this verse was revealed: "And those who hoard gold and silver," the Muslims were grieved about it. Umar said: I shall dispel your care. He, therefore, went and said: Prophet of Allah, your Companions were grieved by this verse. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Allah has made zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining property, and He made inheritances obligatory that they might come to those who survive you. Umar then said: Allah is most great. He then said to him: Let me inform you about the best a man hoards; it is a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives her a command, and guards his interests when he is away from her.
Zakat (Kitab Al-Zakat) - Sunan Abi Dawud 1664
When this verse was revealed: "And those who hoard gold and silver," the Muslims were grieved about it. Umar said: I shall dispel your care. He, therefore, went and said: Prophet of Allah, your Companions were grieved by this verse. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Allah has made zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining property, and He made inheritances obligatory that they might come to those who survive you. Umar then said: Allah is most great. He then said to him: Let me inform you about the best a man hoards; it is a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives her a command, and guards his interests when he is away from her.
Contextual Background
This narration addresses the initial apprehension among the Companions regarding the Quranic prohibition against hoarding wealth without paying zakat. The verse referenced (At-Tawbah 9:34) sternly warns those who amass gold and silver without spending in Allah's cause.
Umar ibn al-Khattab's intervention demonstrates his concern for the community's spiritual well-being and his role as a mediator between the Prophet and the Muslims.
Scholarly Commentary on Zakat
The Prophet's explanation reveals the divine wisdom behind zakat: it serves as purification (tathir) for one's remaining wealth rather than punishment. This transforms zakat from a burden into a blessing that cleanses both wealth and soul.
The mention of inheritance laws alongside zakat shows the comprehensive Islamic economic system - zakat circulates wealth in society during one's lifetime, while inheritance distributes it fairly after death.
The Virtuous Woman as True Treasure
The Prophet's concluding wisdom redirects the concept of "hoarding" from material wealth to spiritual and domestic blessings. A righteous wife represents the ultimate treasure that brings continuous benefit.
Three qualities define this treasure: visual pleasure through modesty and beauty, obedience in lawful matters, and protection of husband's rights and property in his absence - encompassing the complete spousal relationship.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes that zakat is not a penalty but a purification, making it easier for Muslims to fulfill this pillar of Islam with proper intention.
The comparison between material hoarding and valuable relationships teaches prioritization in life - seeking lasting spiritual treasures over temporary worldly accumulations.