Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till your wealth increases so much so that one will be worried, for no one will accept his Zakat and the person to whom he will give it will reply, 'I am not in need of it.'"

Source Reference

Book: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 1412

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith describes one of the minor signs of the Hour, indicating a time of unprecedented material abundance. The scholars explain that this signifies a complete transformation in societal conditions where poverty is eliminated and wealth becomes so widespread that even those designated to receive zakat refuse it, declaring themselves self-sufficient.

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari comments that this demonstrates how the natural order will be overturned before the Day of Judgment. The very purpose of zakat - to redistribute wealth and assist the needy - becomes irrelevant when everyone possesses abundant means.

This prophecy serves as both a warning and a reminder of the transient nature of worldly possessions. It teaches Muslims that true wealth lies not in material abundance but in spiritual richness and preparedness for the Hereafter.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

Scholars derive from this hadith that zakat remains obligatory even in times of abundance, though its distribution may become challenging.

The hadith emphasizes the Islamic principle that wealth is a trust from Allah and must be used in accordance with His commandments, regardless of changing economic circumstances.

This prophecy encourages believers to maintain their religious obligations consistently and not be deceived by material conditions, remembering that all worldly states are temporary and the Hereafter is eternal.