I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) while he was on the pulpit speaking about charity, to abstain from asking others for some financial help and about begging others, saying, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is that of the giver and the lower (hand) is that of the beggar."
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1429 was delivered by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from the pulpit (minbar), emphasizing the virtue of self-sufficiency and the spiritual merit of giving over receiving.
Explanation of "Upper Hand" and "Lower Hand"
The "upper hand" (al-yad al-'ulyā) symbolizes the giver—one who possesses dignity, fulfills religious obligations like Zakat, and actively supports others. This hand is elevated in status before Allah.
The "lower hand" (al-yad al-suflā) represents the beggar—one who extends their hand to receive, which, while permissible in genuine need, holds a lower spiritual rank than the hand that gives.
Scholarly Commentary on Self-Reliance
Classical scholars interpret this hadith as a strong encouragement to avoid begging when one has sufficient means. It promotes personal effort (kasb) and reliance on Allah (tawakkul) over dependence on people, preserving individual dignity (ʿizzah).
Begging is only condoned in cases of dire necessity (ḍarūrah), such as starvation or overwhelming debt. Even then, one should seek help discreetly from authorities or known benefactors rather than public begging.
Connection to Zakat and Charity
This teaching directly relates to the Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat) by highlighting the superiority of the giver—those who purify their wealth through Zakat and voluntary charity (ṣadaqah). It motivates Muslims to be among the contributors to society, not perpetual recipients.
The hadith does not condemn receiving Zakat rightfully due to the needy, but elevates the state of those who, when able, transition from receiving to giving—embodying the Prophetic ideal of the "upper hand."