"I heard that you have been doing some work for the Muslims, and you are given payment for that, but you do not accept it. "I said: "Yes (that is so); I have horses and slaves and am well-off, and I wanted my work to be an act of charity toward the Muslims." 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "I wanted the same thing as you. The Prophet used to give me money, and I would say: 'Give it to someone who is more in need of it than I am. Once he gave me money and I said: 'Give it to someone who us more in need of it that I am, and he said: 'Whatever Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, gives you of this wealth without you asking for it or hoping or it, take it and keep it, or give it in charity, and whatever. He does not give you then do not hope for it or wish for it."'
Narrated by 'Abdullah bin As-Sa'di narrated that he came to 'Umar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, from Ash-Sham, and he said:
Context
In this narration, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab discusses the acceptance of payment for work done for the Muslim community. He expresses his desire for his efforts to be a form of charity, highlighting the noble intention behind his actions. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advises that one should accept what is given without asking, as it is a blessing from Allah. This illustrates the balance between charitable intentions and the acceptance of rightful earnings.
Modern Application
In contemporary society, this principle can be applied to the practice of giving and receiving in charitable contexts. It encourages individuals to accept help or compensation when offered, as it can be a means of support for oneself and others. This acceptance can also pave the way for more charitable acts and community support.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Wages and Labor because it highlights the importance of intention behind work and the acceptance of earnings as a form of support for oneself and the community.
And if you turn away [from my advice] then no payment have I asked of you. My reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of the Muslims."
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.
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.
[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.
This hadith is #2610 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Zakah. It is graded Sahih and narrated by 'Abdullah bin As-Sa'di narrated that he came to 'Umar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, from Ash-Sham, and he said:.
