The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(On the Day of Resurrection) camels will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had (in the world), and if he had not paid their Zakat (in the world) then they would tread him with their feet; and similarly, sheep will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had in the world, and if he had not paid their Zakat, then they would tread him with their hooves and would butt him with their horns." The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "One of their rights is that they should be milked while water is kept in front of them." The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "I do not want anyone of you to come to me on the Day of Resurrection, carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating. Such a person will (then) say, 'O Muhammad! (please intercede for me,) I will say to him. 'I can't help you, for I conveyed Allah's Message to you.' Similarly, I do not want anyone of you to come to me carrying over his neck a camel that will be grunting. Such a person (then) will say "O Muhammad! (please intercede for me)." I will say to him, "I can't help you for I conveyed Allah's message to you."
Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1402
Hadith Commentary
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari illustrates the severe consequences of neglecting Zakat obligations. The Prophet (ﷺ) describes how livestock will testify against their owners on Judgment Day if Zakat was withheld.
The imagery of camels and sheep appearing in their prime condition emphasizes that blessings received in this world become witnesses against those who failed to fulfill their religious duties. The treading and butting symbolize the punishment for withholding what rightfully belongs to Allah.
The Prophet's statement about milking animals while providing water demonstrates the comprehensive nature of animal rights in Islam, showing that Zakat is part of a broader system of rights and responsibilities.
Most significantly, the Prophet's refusal to intercede for such individuals underscores that divine messages were clearly delivered, making each person accountable for their own deeds. This serves as a powerful warning about the finality of prophetic guidance and individual responsibility.
Legal Rulings
Zakat is obligatory (fard) upon Muslims who possess wealth exceeding the nisab threshold for one lunar year.
The hadith specifically addresses Zakat on livestock (camels, sheep, goats), which have detailed nisab calculations and payment rates established in Islamic jurisprudence.
Withholding Zakat constitutes a major sin and betrayal of trust, as it deprives the poor of their rightful share in the community's wealth.
Spiritual Dimensions
This narration highlights the Islamic concept of creation's testimony on Judgment Day, where Allah will give speech to all creatures to testify for or against humans.
It emphasizes that wealth is a divine trust (amanah) and Zakat purifies both wealth and soul from greed and attachment to worldly possessions.
The inability of even the Prophet (ﷺ) to intercede for Zakat evaders demonstrates the gravity of this obligation in divine judgment.