When `Umar got a piece of land in Khaibar, he came to the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "I have got a piece of
land, better than which I have never got. So what do you advise me regarding it?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
"If you wish you can keep it as an endowment to be used for charitable purposes." So, `Umar gave the
land in charity (i.e. as an endowments on the condition that the land would neither be sold nor given
as a present, nor bequeathed, (and its yield) would be used for the poor, the kinsmen, the emancipation
of slaves, Jihad, and for guests and travelers; and its administrator could eat in a reasonable just
manner, and he also could feed his friends without intending to be wealthy by its means."
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Context
When `Umar ibn Al-Khattab acquired a valuable piece of land, he sought the Prophet's (ﷺ) guidance on how to use it. The Prophet advised him to dedicate it as a charitable endowment, ensuring that its benefits would serve the needy and the community. This hadith emphasizes the importance of using one's resources for the greater good and the significance of charitable acts in Islam.
Modern Application
This principle encourages individuals today to think about how they can use their assets for charitable purposes. Whether through donations, endowments, or community projects, utilizing resources to help others fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion in society.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity because it highlights the act of dedicating property for charitable purposes and ensuring its benefits serve the community.
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion - the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent.
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.
They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it."