The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commissioned me as a collector of zakat. I visited a man. When he had collected his property of camels, I found that a she-camel in her second year was due from him.
I said to him: Pay a she-camel in her second year, for she is to be paid as sadaqah (zakat) by you.
He said: That one is not worthy of milking and riding. Here is another she-camel which is young, grand and fat. So take it.
I said to him: I shall not take an animal for which I have not been commanded. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is here near to you. If you like, go to him, and present to him what you presented to me. Do that; if he accepts it from you, I shall accept it; if he rejects it, I shall reject it.
He said: I shall do it. He accompanied me and took with him the she-camel which he had presented to me. We came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said to him: Prophet of Allah, your messenger came to me to collect zakat on my property. By Allah, neither the Messenger of Allah nor his messenger has ever seen my property before. I gathered my property (camels), and he estimated that a she-camel in her second year would be payable by me. But that has neither milk nor is it worth riding. So I presented to him a grand young she-camel for acceptance as zakat. But he has refused to take her. Look, she is here; I have brought her to you, Messenger of Allah. Take her.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: That is what is due from you. If you give voluntarily a better (animal) Allah will give a reward to you for it. We accept her from you.
She is here, Messenger of Allah; I have brought her to you. So take her. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then ordered me to take possession of it, and he prayed for a blessing on his property.
Narrated by Narrated Ubayy ibn Ka'b:
Context
Ubayy ibn Ka'b narrates an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was approached by a man who wanted to give his zakat. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of voluntary giving beyond obligatory zakat, encouraging generosity among his followers.
Modern Application
In contemporary society, this hadith inspires individuals to not only fulfill their zakat obligations but also to engage in additional acts of charity, fostering a culture of generosity and support within the community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Supplication because it highlights the importance of prayer and blessings associated with charitable acts.
It is that of which Allah gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only good will through kinship." And whoever commits a good deed - We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative.
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.