12/20. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1016a — Half a Date Can Matter
Encouragement to give charity even if it is with half a date or a kind word. And charity is a shield against the fire.
Hadith About Half a Date Charity
Sahih Muslim : 1016a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1016a
حَدَّثَنَا عَوْنُ بْنُ سَلاَّمٍ الْكُوفِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ مُعَاوِيَةَ الْجُعْفِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَعْقِلٍ، عَنْ عَدِيِّ بْنِ حَاتِمٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْكُمْ أَنْ يَسْتَتِرَ مِنَ النَّارِ وَلَوْ بِشِقِّ تَمْرَةٍ فَلْيَفْعَلْ " .
`Adi bin Hatim Narrated from:
Adi b. Hatim reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him) as saying: He who among you can protect himself against Fire, he should do so, even if it should be with half a date.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1016aIn-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 84USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 5, Hadith 2215
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1016a
This hadith about half a date charity gives a clear and simple message: do whatever good you can, even when it looks small. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that whoever can protect himself from the Fire should do so, even with half a date. The wording teaches that charity is not only for people with large wealth. A small sadaqah still has meaning when it is given sincerely. The hadith does not speak about showing off, large donations, or special conditions. It points to personal action and personal care for the Hereafter. The main lesson is easy to understand: do not wait until you have a lot. If you can give even a little, give it for Allah and seek safety from the Fire.
What we learn from this hadith
- Small charity should not be looked down upon when it is given sincerely.
- A believer should look for any good deed that may help protect from the Fire.
- Giving according to ability is valued in this hadith, even if the amount is small.
