The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ حَفْصٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو صَالِحٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم
" أَفْضَلُ الصَّدَقَةِ مَا تَرَكَ غِنًى، وَالْيَدُ الْعُلْيَا خَيْرٌ مِنَ الْيَدِ السُّفْلَى، وَابْدَأْ بِمَنْ تَعُولُ ". تَقُولُ الْمَرْأَةُ إِمَّا أَنْ تُطْعِمَنِي وَإِمَّا أَنْ تُطَلِّقَنِي. وَيَقُولُ الْعَبْدُ أَطْعِمْنِي وَاسْتَعْمِلْنِي. وَيَقُولُ الاِبْنُ أَطْعِمْنِي، إِلَى مَنْ تَدَعُنِي فَقَالُوا يَا أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ سَمِعْتَ هَذَا مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم. قَالَ لاَ هَذَا مِنْ كِيسِ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ.
"The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best alms is that which is given when one is rich, and a giving hand is better
than a taking one, and you should start first to support your dependents.' A wife says, 'You should
either provide me with food or divorce me.' A slave says, 'Give me food and enjoy my service." A son
says, "Give me food; to whom do you leave me?" The people said, "O Abu Huraira! Did you hear that
from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ?" He said, "No, it is from my own self."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the importance of giving charity, particularly when one is financially stable. He highlights that the best form of charity is that which is given out of wealth rather than from a position of need. Additionally, he advises prioritizing the support of one's dependents, illustrating the significance of caring for family and those who rely on us.
Modern Application
This principle encourages individuals to be proactive in their charitable actions, especially when they are in a position to give. In daily life, this can manifest as budgeting for donations or helping family members and friends in need, ensuring that we first take care of our loved ones before extending help to others.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Family because it highlights the importance of giving alms when one is wealthy and emphasizes the need to prioritize the support of one's dependents.
O Prophet, say to your wives, "If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release.
And do not give the weak-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of sustenance for you, but provide for them with it and clothe them and speak to them words of appropriate kindness.
Say, "Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers."
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."
Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted - let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it. Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease.
