“Two men approached the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, during the Farewell Pilgrimage while he was distributing charity. They asked him for a share. He looked us up and down, seeing that we were strong and robust. He then said: 'If you wish, I can give you from it, but there is no share in it for the wealthy, nor for the strong, and able to earn’”.
Narrated by Aḥmad (no. 17972), Abū Dāwūd (no. 1633), this is his wording, and an-Nasā’ī (no. 2598), on the authority of two male companions (may Allah be pleased with them both).
Authenticated in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ (no. 1419), and Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd (no. 1443).
Brief Explanation of the Hadith
Zakāh has specific categories of eligible recipients, as outlined in the Noble Qur’ān. The purified Sunnah further clarifies that certain groups are not permitted to receive zakāh—among them are the wealthy and those who possess the strength and ability to earn a living. Two men once approached the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) while he was distributing zakāh. They asked him for a share of it. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) looked at them closely and attentively, raising and lowering his gaze—examining them carefully. He observed that they were strong, capable, and vigorous, clearly displaying signs of strength and the ability to work and earn their daily provision. Then, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) gave them the choice—he informed them that he could give them from the zakāh, but left the matter to what they knew of their own condition. If they were not truly eligible, the sin of taking it would be upon them. In doing so, he referred the matter back to them, so that refraining from taking would be based on their own choice, not simply a denial on his part. However, he informed them of the legal ruling (ḥukm sharʿī): that zakāh has no share or portion for a wealthy person—meaning one who possesses enough to support himself and his dependents for a full year—and likewise, there is no entitlement to it for one who is strong and capable of earning what suffices him. Because the first is self-sufficient through his wealth, and the second through his strength and ability to earn. Both conditions—physical ability and actual earning—must be present to prohibit receiving zakāh. If either condition is absent, then it is permissible to give zakāh to such a person. Therefore, zakāh is prohibited for the wealthy and for the strong, earning individual.
The ḥadīth imparts a prophetic lesson in cultivating self-respect in the Muslim—encouraging generosity and giving rather than taking and asking, and promoting diligence and earning rather than ease and laziness. It also serves as a directive for those overseeing the distribution of zakāh to prioritize those most rightfully entitled to it.