(the slave of Ibn `Abbas) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to Mu`adh when he sent him to Yemen, "You will go to
the people of the Scripture. So, when you reach there, invite them to testify that none has the right to
be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle. And if they obey you in that, tell them
that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night. And if they obey you in that tell
them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakat which will be taken from the rich
among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, then avoid taking the best of
their possessions, and be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between
his invocation and Allah."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Ma`bad:
Context
This hadith recounts the advice given by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to Mu`adh ibn Jabal as he was sent to Yemen. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed him to first invite the people to the testimony of faith, then to prayer, and finally to the obligation of Zakat. This structured approach highlights the importance of prioritizing faith and community welfare in Islamic teachings.
Modern Application
In contemporary life, this hadith serves as a reminder for community leaders and individuals to prioritize spiritual education and social responsibility. Engaging with others about faith and encouraging charitable giving can foster a more supportive and cohesive community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Zakat and Divine Revelation because it outlines the divine obligations of prayer and charity as fundamental aspects of Islamic practice, as revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ).
Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah 's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
So to that [religion of Allah] invite, [O Muhammad], and remain on a right course as you are commanded and do not follow their inclinations but say, "I have believed in what Allah has revealed of the Qur'an, and I have been commanded to do justice among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us are our deeds, and for you your deeds. There is no [need for] argument between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is the [final] destination."
And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.