Hadith on Charity: Recommendation to Donate Excess Property

📖Sahih Muslim 1728 
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: While we were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on a journey, a person came upon his mount and began to stare on the right and on the left, (it was at this moment) that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: He who has an extra mount should give that to one who has no mount for him, and he who has surplus of provisions should give them to him who has no provisions, and he made mention of so many kinds of wealth until we were of the opinion that none of us has any right over the surplus.

From this hadith, we can learn several important lessons that are relevant today:

1. Generosity: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the virtue of generosity. He encouraged those who had extra wealth, such as extra mounts or surplus provisions, to give to those who were in need. This teaches us the importance of sharing our resources with those who are less fortunate.
2. Care for Others: The hadith highlights the need to be mindful of the needs of others. The person mentioned in the hadith was staring around, indicating that he was in need. The Prophet (peace be upon him) immediately drew attention to this behavior and reminded the companions about their obligation to assist those who lack basic necessities.
3. Redistribution of Wealth: The hadith implies a concept of wealth redistribution and social justice. It suggests that those who have an abundance should consider the needs of those who have less. This principle can be applied in modern society by advocating for fair economic systems, supporting welfare programs, and engaging in charitable activities.
4. Selflessness: The hadith encourages selflessness and the eradication of any sense of entitlement or ownership over surplus wealth. The companions, upon hearing the Prophet’s words, realized that none of them had any right over the surplus wealth they possessed. This teaches us to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and to be willing to give up excess for the benefit of others.

Overall, this hadith promotes the values of generosity, compassion, and social responsibility. It serves as a reminder for us to be aware of the needs of others, share our resources, and work towards a more equitable society.