Hadith Commentary on Zakat Prohibition for Prophet's Family

This noble hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih 1823 establishes a fundamental principle regarding the purification of wealth and the special status of the Prophet's household. The term "sadaqat" here refers specifically to obligatory zakat, not voluntary charity.

Spiritual Purification Through Zakat

When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) described zakat as "people's impurities," he illuminated its essential nature as a means of cleansing one's wealth from spiritual contamination. Just as physical impurities require purification, wealth accumulated through permissible means still carries spiritual impurities that must be purified through zakat.

This purification serves as an atonement for the owner's shortcomings in financial matters and reinforces the concept that all blessings ultimately belong to Allah. The payment of zakat thus becomes an act of worship that purifies both wealth and soul.

Prohibition for the Prophet and His Family

The prohibition against the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his family receiving zakat reflects their elevated spiritual status. As the purest of creation, they are above receiving what is designated as purification for others' impurities.

This ruling applies to Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib, as established in other authentic narrations. Their honor is preserved by being excluded from receiving zakat, while other forms of voluntary charity remain permissible for them.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

Scholars derive from this hadith that zakat is fundamentally different from other forms of charity. Its specific nature as purification necessitates these special restrictions.

This ruling also teaches humility to the Prophet's family, preventing any sense of entitlement to public funds while ensuring their dignity is maintained through other lawful means of sustenance.