from his father from his grandfather that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people asked, "O Allah's Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?" He said, "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked, "If he cannot find even that?" He replied, "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked, "If he cannot do that?" He replied, "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds."
Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1445
Hadith Text
From his father from his grandfather that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people asked, "O Allah's Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?" He said, "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked, "If he cannot find even that?" He replied, "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked, "If he cannot do that?" He replied, "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds."
Commentary on the Universal Obligation of Charity
This noble hadith establishes that charity (sadaqah) in its comprehensive sense is incumbent upon every Muslim, regardless of their financial situation. The Prophet ﷺ begins with a general principle that encompasses both obligatory zakat and voluntary charity, demonstrating Islam's concern for social welfare and mutual support among believers.
The Hierarchy of Charitable Acts
The Companions' questions reveal their deep understanding that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. The Prophet's ﷺ responses establish a merciful hierarchy: First, one gives from their wealth. If unable, they work to earn and give. If still unable, they offer physical assistance. Finally, if all else fails, abstaining from evil and performing good deeds becomes their charity.
Scholarly Interpretation of Working with Hands
Scholars explain that "working with his hands" includes all lawful occupations through which a person can earn sustenance. This teaching elevates the status of labor and emphasizes self-reliance while maintaining the spirit of generosity. The earnings should first cover one's necessities, then be shared as charity.
The Expansive Definition of Charity
This hadith beautifully demonstrates that charity in Islam extends beyond monetary giving. Assisting others physically, offering kind words, preventing harm, and even restraining oneself from wrongdoing - all constitute forms of charity. This comprehensive approach ensures that no Muslim is excluded from the rewards of charitable giving.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Jurists derive from this hadith that while specific amounts of zakat are obligatory only on those possessing the nisab (minimum threshold), the spirit of charity remains a continuous obligation for all. The final level - performing good and avoiding evil - serves as a constant reminder that our entire lives can be transformed into acts of worship and charity.