We went out with 'Abdullah bin 'Umar and a bedouin said (to 'Abdullah), "Tell me about Allah's saying: "And those who hoard up gold and silver (Al-Kanz - money, gold, silver etc., the Zakat of which has not been paid) and spend it not in the Way of Allah (V.9:34)." Ibn 'Umar said, "Whoever hoarded them and did not pay the Zakat thereof, then woe to him. But these holy Verses were revealed before the Verses of Zakat. So when the Verses of Zakat were revealed, Allah made Zakat a purifier of the property."
Commentary on Hadith Regarding Hoarding Wealth
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1404 presents a crucial clarification regarding the interpretation of Quranic verses about hoarding wealth. The bedouin's inquiry refers to Surah At-Tawbah, verse 34, which contains severe warning for those who accumulate gold and silver without spending in Allah's cause.
Contextual Understanding of Revelation
Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) provides essential historical context: the verse about hoarding was revealed before the detailed legislation of Zakat was established. This demonstrates the principle of progressive revelation in Islamic law, where general principles preceded specific regulations.
The initial warning served as a moral foundation, preparing the Muslim community for the subsequent obligation of Zakat. This chronological understanding prevents misinterpretation of the verse's application.
Zakat as Spiritual Purification
Ibn Umar emphasizes that when the verses of Zakat were revealed, Allah designated it as a means of purifying wealth. This transforms the understanding of wealth accumulation - from being inherently condemned to being regulated through divine prescription.
The payment of Zakat serves as both a spiritual cleansing for the owner and a practical mechanism for wealth circulation in society, fulfilling the dual purpose of individual purification and social welfare.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The commentary establishes that the severe warning applies specifically to those who withhold Zakat after its obligation was made clear. This reflects the Islamic principle that warnings follow the establishment of obligations.
The narration underscores that properly paid Zakat transforms accumulated wealth from being "hoarded" into being "purified," demonstrating Islam's balanced approach to material possessions - neither complete renunciation nor unconditional accumulation.