Ibn 'Abbas said, "There are 360 joints and each of them owes sadaqa every single day. Every good word is sadaqa. A man's helping his brother is sadaqa. A drink of water which he gives is sadaqa. Removing something harmful from the road is sadaqa."
The Hadith of Ibn 'Abbas on Daily Charity
Narrated by the esteemed companion 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 422: "There are 360 joints and each of them owes sadaqa every single day. Every good word is sadaqa. A man's helping his brother is sadaqa. A drink of water which he gives is sadaqa. Removing something harmful from the road is sadaqa."
Commentary on the Human Structure
The mention of 360 joints reflects the miraculous creation of the human body, where each joint requires gratitude through charitable acts. This precise number demonstrates the perfection of divine design and our continuous obligation to worship through physical and spiritual means.
The Expansive Nature of Sadaqa
This hadith beautifully expands the conventional understanding of charity beyond monetary giving. The Prophet (peace be upon him) teaches that sadaqa encompasses all forms of goodness: kind speech, physical assistance, providing nourishment, and ensuring public safety.
Practical Implementation
Every good word uttered with sincerity becomes charity. Assisting one's brother in faith constitutes charity. Offering water to quench thirst qualifies as charity. Clearing pathways of harm serves as charity. Thus, Muslims can fulfill their daily charitable obligations through simple, accessible acts of kindness.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars emphasize that this teaching makes charity achievable for all people, regardless of wealth. It transforms daily interactions into acts of worship and reminds believers that their entire existence - down to each joint - requires continuous gratitude to the Creator through service to creation.