Once I went to him (the Prophet (ﷺ) ) and he said, "By Allah in Whose Hands my life is (or probably said, 'By Allah, except Whom none has the right to be worshipped) whoever had camels or cows or sheep and did not pay their Zakat, those animals will be brought on the Day of Resurrection far bigger and fatter than before and they will tread him under their hooves, and will butt him with their horns, and (those animals will come in circle): When the last does its turn, the first will start again, and this punishment will go on till Allah has finished the judgments amongst the people."
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1460, transmitted by Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him), presents a severe warning from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding the neglect of Zakat payment on livestock.
Scholarly Commentary on the Punishment
The Prophet's oath "By Allah in Whose Hands my life is" emphasizes the absolute certainty and gravity of this warning, indicating this is a matter of fundamental belief and consequence.
The transformation of the animals into "far bigger and fatter than before" signifies how the very wealth from which Zakat was withheld becomes the instrument of punishment. What was a source of worldly pleasure becomes a source of eternal torment.
The specific mention of hooves trampling and horns butting indicates a physical, painful punishment that matches the nature of the sin - neglecting the rights of creatures Allah entrusted to one's care.
Theological Significance
The cyclical nature of the punishment ("when the last does its turn, the first will start again") demonstrates its continuous, unending nature during the judgment process, reflecting the seriousness of withholding what rightfully belongs to Allah and the poor.
This punishment occurs before entering the final abode, during the judgment phase, indicating that such sins require purification before one can proceed to their ultimate destination.
Legal Implications from Classical Scholars
Imam al-Nawawi commented that this hadith proves the obligation of Zakat on camels, cows, and sheep when they reach the nisab (minimum threshold) and hawl (completion of lunar year).
Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained that this punishment applies to those who deny the obligation of Zakat or those who recognize its obligation but withhold it out of greed and negligence.
The specification of these three types of animals indicates that similar punishment applies to all categories of wealth subject to Zakat, including gold, silver, and commercial goods.
Spiritual Lessons
This narration serves as a powerful reminder that wealth is an amanah (trust) from Allah, and Zakat is the means of purifying both the wealth and the soul of the owner.
The punishment illustrates the principle of appropriate recompense - the very possession through which one disobeyed Allah becomes the means of one's punishment.
It emphasizes that financial worship is not secondary to other acts of worship but carries equal weight in the sight of Allah and has severe consequences if neglected.