Hadith Text & Context

"Protect yourselves from the Fire, even with half a date." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2552)

This profound narration from The Book of Zakah in Sunan an-Nasa'i emphasizes the immense spiritual value of even the smallest charitable acts in securing divine protection from Hellfire.

Linguistic Analysis

The Arabic term "tasadduqū" (تَصَدَّقُوا) derives from "sadaqah," meaning voluntary charity beyond obligatory zakah, indicating the comprehensive nature of protection through giving.

"Bi-niṣfi tamrah" (بِنِصْفِ تَمْرَة) - "with half a date" - employs the smallest conceivable unit of value, demonstrating that no amount is too insignificant when offered with sincere intention.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi explains this hadith demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, accepting even minimal charity and rewarding it with protection from the greatest punishment.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes the hadith encourages continuous charity, as frequent small acts accumulate greater spiritual protection than rare large donations.

Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that the protection is proportional to the sincerity (ikhlas) behind the charity, not merely the material value.

Practical Implications

This teaching removes barriers to charity, empowering even the poorest believers to participate in divine protection through whatever they can spare.

Scholars conclude that the hadith establishes the principle of "qillah ma'a dawam" (little with consistency) as superior to occasional large donations in spiritual benefit.

The protection extends beyond the giver to include their wealth, family, and spiritual state through Allah's comprehensive mercy.