Narrated by the Companion Jareer (RA):
I was in the presence of the Prophet (sal) during the middle of the day. At that time, a group of people from the Mudhar tribe arrived. They were barefoot, lacked upper garments to cover their bodies, and were visibly starving.
When the Prophet (sal) witnessed their severe poverty, his radiant face changed with deep sorrow. He then got up and went inside his home (perhaps to see if there was anything available to give them).
Afterward, he returned to the mosque and instructed Hazrat Bilal (RA) to call the Adhan (call to prayer). He then led the Dhuhr (afternoon) prayer. Following the prayer, he ascended the pulpit (minbar), praised Allah, and recited a few verses from the Quran.
Then, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) commanded the people to give charity (Sadaqah), saying:
“Give charity before a time comes when you are unable to do so! Give charity before you become incapable of giving! Let everyone give whatever they can—whether it is a Dinar, a Dirham, a garment, a measure of wheat, a measure of corn, or a date, even if it is just a small piece of a date, let them bring it forward!”
Immediately, an Ansari companion stood up and brought a large bundle that was almost too heavy for him to carry, placing it before the Prophet (sal) Upon seeing this, the radiant face of the Prophet Muhammad (sal) beamed with joy.
The Prophet (sal) then said:
“Whoever initiates a good practice (Sunnah Hasanah) will earn its reward, as well as the rewards of all those who act upon it after him, without their rewards being diminished in the slightest. Conversely, whoever initiates an evil practice will bear its sin, as well as the sins of all those who act upon it after him, without their sins being diminished in the slightest.”
– An-Nasa’i
Following this, everyone dispersed to gather charity. Some brought Dinars, some brought Dirhams, and others brought grain. Within a short time, two large heaps of foodgrain and clothing accumulated in front of the Prophet (sal). The Prophet (sal) then distributed all of it among the poor from the Mudhar tribe.
The Prophet (sal) has said:
“O son of Adam! Spending your surplus wealth in charity is better for you, and withholding it is bad for you.”
– Mishkat
