The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عُبَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ ثَوْرٍ، عَنْ مَعْمَرٍ، قَالَ وَأَخْبَرَنِي الزُّهْرِيُّ، عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ أَعْطَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رِجَالاً وَلَمْ يُعْطِ رَجُلاً مِنْهُمْ شَيْئًا فَقَالَ سَعْدٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَعْطَيْتَ فُلاَنًا وَفُلاَنًا وَلَمْ تُعْطِ فُلاَنًا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ . فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " أَوْ مُسْلِمٌ " . حَتَّى أَعَادَهَا سَعْدٌ ثَلاَثًا وَالنَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " أَوْ مُسْلِمٌ " . ثُمَّ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِنِّي أُعْطِي رِجَالاً وَأَدَعُ مَنْ هُوَ أَحَبُّ إِلَىَّ مِنْهُمْ لاَ أُعْطِيهِ شَيْئًا مَخَافَةَ أَنْ يُكَبُّوا فِي النَّارِ عَلَى وُجُوهِهِمْ " .
The Prophet (May peace be upon him) gave some people and did not give anything to a man of them. Sa’d said : Messenger of Allah! You gave so and so, so and so, but did not give anything to so and so while he is a believer. The Prophet (May peace be upon him) said : Or he is a Muslim. Sa’d repeated it thrice and the Prophet (May peace be upon him) then said : I give some people and leave him who is dearer to me than them. I do not give him anything fearing lest he should fall into Hell on his face.
Narrated by Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas said :
Context
In this hadith, Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas observes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) distributing gifts to certain individuals while withholding from another who is also a believer. Sa’d questions this decision, prompting the Prophet (ﷺ) to emphasize that he gives to those he believes will benefit from it, while withholding from those he fears may misuse the blessings, potentially leading them to Hell. This illustrates the wisdom in the Prophet's choices and the importance of intention behind giving.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith encourages us to consider the impact of our generosity. It reminds us that giving should be thoughtful, ensuring that our actions lead to positive outcomes for both the giver and the receiver. We should strive to support those who will appreciate and use our help wisely.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Decree and Reward of Deeds because it highlights the importance of divine wisdom in the distribution of blessings and the consequences of one's actions.
And Allah has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who were favored would not hand over their provision to those whom their right hands possess so they would be equal to them therein. Then is it the favor of Allah they reject?
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.
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
This hadith is #4685 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas said :.
