The Book of Zakah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2538

"Every Muslim must give charity." It was said: "What if he cannot find (anything to give)? "He said: "Let him work with his hands and benefit himself and give in charity." It was said: "What if he cannot do that?" He said: "Let him help someone who is in desperate need." It was said: "What if he cannot do that?" He said: "Let him enjoin good." It was said: "What if he cannot do that? He said: "Let him refrain from doing evil, for that is an act of charity."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the comprehensive nature of charity in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) outlines a hierarchy of charitable acts, beginning with material giving and extending to spiritual and moral actions.

The first level is financial charity - the traditional understanding of zakah and sadaqah. When this is impossible, one should engage in honest labor to become self-sufficient and thereby able to give charity. This emphasizes the dignity of work and self-reliance in Islamic teachings.

If physical labor is impossible, assisting others in dire need through service or support becomes the charitable act. This includes helping the distressed, aiding the oppressed, or supporting those in difficulty.

When even this is beyond one's capacity, enjoining good (al-amr bil-ma'ruf) becomes the charitable act. This includes encouraging righteousness, teaching beneficial knowledge, and guiding others to virtue.

Finally, at the most fundamental level, refraining from evil itself becomes an act of charity. This profound teaching shows that every Muslim, regardless of circumstance, can participate in the continuous cycle of charity through mere self-restraint from wrongdoing.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

This hadith expands the classical definition of charity beyond material giving to encompass the entire spectrum of virtuous action. The scholars understand this as emphasizing that charity is not limited to wealth but includes all forms of benevolence.

The hierarchical structure demonstrates Islam's practical approach to worship - providing alternatives when primary obligations cannot be fulfilled. This ensures that no Muslim is excluded from the rewards of charity due to circumstances beyond their control.

The final level - refraining from evil - transforms ordinary self-restraint into active worship, making every moment of moral consciousness an opportunity for spiritual reward and drawing closer to Allah.