that his father said, "Whenever a beggar came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) or he was asked for something, he used to say (to his companions), "Help and recommend him and you will receive the reward for it; and Allah will bring about what He will through His Prophet's tongue."
Hadith Context and Transmission
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1432, transmitted through Abdullah ibn Umar from his father Umar ibn al-Khattab, demonstrates the Prophet's comprehensive approach to charity beyond mere financial giving.
Scholarly Commentary on Assistance
Imam al-Nawawi explains that the Prophet's instruction to "help and recommend" encompasses multiple forms of assistance: direct financial aid, guiding the needy to other potential helpers, speaking kindly to them, and making sincere supplication for their relief.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari emphasizes that this teaching establishes the communal responsibility in addressing poverty, where even those unable to give financially can participate through referral and recommendation.
Theological Implications
The phrase "Allah will bring about what He will through His Prophet's tongue" indicates divine confirmation of the Prophet's statements regarding charity. Al-Qurtubi notes this demonstrates how Allah validates the truthfulness of His Messenger's pronouncements on religious matters.
This establishes that recommendations for charitable causes carry religious weight when made sincerely, as they operate within the framework of divine will and prophetic guidance.
Practical Application in Zakat
Classical scholars derive from this hadith that directing others to legitimate charitable causes constitutes a form of sadaqah (charity) itself. This is particularly relevant in Zakat administration, where knowledgeable individuals should guide donors to worthy recipients.
The Maliki school specifically references this hadith when discussing the permissibility of intermediaries in Zakat distribution, provided they act with integrity and proper intention.