Hadith Text and Context

"Whenever Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) ordered us to give in charity, we used to go to the market and work as porters and get a Mudd (a special measure of grain) and then give it in charity. (Those were the days of poverty) and today some of us have one hundred thousand." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1416)

Commentary on the Companions' Struggle

This narration demonstrates the extraordinary commitment of the early Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations. When commanded to give charity, they did not make excuses of poverty but actively sought lawful means to earn so they could give in charity.

Working as porters (hammalun) was considered humble labor, yet the Companions embraced it willingly to obey Allah's command through His Messenger. This reflects their complete submission (islam) and the purity of their faith (iman).

Significance of the Mudd

The Mudd was approximately 0.688 liters of grain - a modest amount by material standards, but immense in spiritual value when given sincerely. This teaches us that in charity, the intention and effort matter more than the quantity.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The most beloved charity is that which is given when you are wealthy, and you should start with those for whom you are responsible." This hadith complements our text by showing that charity in times of need has special merit.

Contrast Between Eras

The narrator's remark about some Companions later possessing "one hundred thousand" serves as a divine lesson: those who sacrifice for Allah's sake are often rewarded with increase in this world and the next.

This contrast highlights Allah's wisdom in testing people with poverty and wealth. The early Muslims were tested with hardship to purify their faith, while later generations were tested with wealth to see if they would remain grateful and charitable.

Practical Lessons for Zakat

This hadith emphasizes that Zakat and charity are obligatory regardless of one's financial situation. If one lacks funds, they should seek lawful employment to fulfill this pillar of Islam.

The effort expended to earn for charity carries its own reward separate from the reward of giving. This encourages Muslims to be proactive in fulfilling their financial obligations to Allah and to the needy.

The transformation from poverty to wealth among the Companions demonstrates Allah's promise: "And whatever you spend of anything (in Allah's Cause), He will replace it." (Saba 34:39)