Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Hasan. Hasan hadiths are considered good and acceptable in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Jami` at-Tirmidhi, which contains 4,053 hadiths across 49 books. It is hadith number 681 in the Book of The Book on Zakat.

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations (USC-MSA, Dar as-Salam, Fath al-Bari, and others). If you followed a link citing a different number but landed here, you may have been redirected to the canonical version in our library. If you were looking for a different hadith entirely, use the search bar to find it by text.

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#680

#681

Jami` at-Tirmidhi

#682

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Jami` at-Tirmidhi #681

Q: What is Jami` at-Tirmidhi 681 about?

This hadith from Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Book of The Book on Zakat), narrated by Samurah bin Jundub narrated that :, states: "the Messenger of Allah said: "Asking is a labor that toils on a man's face, except if a man asks for something from the Sultan (ruler), or he asks for something that he cannot do without.""

The Book on Zakat

Hasan

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيِعٌ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ جُنْدَبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ الْمَسْأَلَةَ كَدٌّ يَكُدُّ بِهَا الرَّجُلُ وَجْهَهُ إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ الرَّجُلُ سُلْطَانًا أَوْ فِي أَمْرٍ لاَ بُدَّ مِنْهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏

the Messenger of Allah said: "Asking is a labor that toils on a man's face, except if a man asks for something from the Sultan (ruler), or he asks for something that he cannot do without."

Narrated by Samurah bin Jundub narrated that :

Context

In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasizes the effort involved in asking for help or resources. He acknowledges that asking can be a burden on a person, akin to labor, unless it is for something essential or from a ruler. This highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and the dignity of labor while also recognizing that there are exceptions where asking is necessary.

Modern Application

In today's society, this principle can be seen in the way individuals approach seeking help. Many prefer to work hard and provide for themselves rather than ask for assistance, reflecting a sense of pride and independence. However, in situations of genuine need, reaching out for help is not only acceptable but encouraged.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds because it encourages self-reliance while acknowledging that seeking help is permissible in necessary situations.

Good Deeds