The Prophet (ﷺ) appointed a man from the tribe of Bani Asad, called Ibn Al-Utabiyya to collect the Zakat. When he returned (with the money) he said (to the Prophet), "This is for you and this has been given to me as a gift." The Prophet (ﷺ) stood up on the pulpit (Sufyan said he ascended the pulpit), and after glorifying and praising Allah, he said, "What is wrong with the employee whom we send (to collect Zakat from the public) that he returns to say, 'This is for you and that is for me?' Why didn't he stay at his father's and mother's house to see whether he will be given gifts or not? By Him in Whose Hand my life is, whoever takes anything illegally will bring it on the Day of Resurrection by carrying it over his neck: if it is a camel, it will be grunting: if it is a cow, it will be mooing: and if it is a sheep it will be bleating!" The Prophet (ﷺ) then raised both his hands till we saw the whiteness of his armpits (and he said), "No doubt! Haven't I conveyed Allah's Message?" And he repeated it three times.
Context and Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7174 addresses the critical matter of trust in public office, specifically concerning Zakat collection. The Prophet appointed Ibn Al-Utabiyya from Bani Asad tribe for this sacred trust, but he breached this responsibility by misappropriating funds under the guise of "gifts."
Scholarly Commentary on the Incident
The Prophet's public sermon from the pulpit demonstrates the gravity of this offense. By ascending the minbar, he emphasized this as a matter of public concern affecting the entire Ummah's trust in governance.
The rhetorical question "Why didn't he stay at his father's and mother's house..." exposes the illegitimacy of such "gifts" given to public officials. Scholars explain that any benefit received due to one's official position constitutes bribery or misappropriation, not legitimate gift-giving.
Legal Rulings Derived
Imam Al-Nawawi states this hadith establishes that anything taken by a public official beyond their legitimate compensation is unlawful (haram). This includes so-called "gifts" which are effectively bribes.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that the vivid description of animals groaning on Judgment Day illustrates how illicit wealth becomes a burden for its possessor in the afterlife, bearing witness against them.
Contemporary Application
This ruling extends to all public servants, government employees, and anyone in positions of trust. Modern scholars apply this to corruption, embezzlement, bribery, and any unauthorized benefits derived from one's position.
The Prophet's triple confirmation "Haven't I conveyed Allah's Message?" underscores the finality and seriousness of this prohibition, making it binding until the Day of Judgment.