Once the Prophet (ﷺ) offered the `Asr prayer and then hurriedly went to his house and returned immediately. I (or somebody else) asked him (as to what was the matter) and he said, "I left at home a piece of gold which was from the charity and I disliked to let it remain a night in my house, so I got it distributed . "
Textual Analysis
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1430 demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous adherence to zakat regulations. The phrase "hurriedly went" indicates the urgency with which he treated charitable funds, emphasizing that zakat wealth should not be retained unnecessarily by those charged with its distribution.
Legal Implications
Scholars derive from this hadith that zakat funds must be distributed promptly to eligible recipients. The Prophet's action establishes that delaying distribution without valid reason is reprehensible.
The term "disliked" (kariha) indicates the strong religious discouragement of retaining zakat overnight when distribution is possible, though it does not reach the level of absolute prohibition.
Spiritual Dimensions
The Prophet's haste teaches that purification of wealth through zakat requires both timely action and sincere intention. His personal involvement demonstrates that leaders must be most scrupulous in handling public trusts.
This incident exemplifies the Islamic principle that charitable funds are a sacred trust (amanah) that must be handled with utmost care and expediency.