23/85. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 2589 — Firewood Better Than Asking
To Refrain From Asking
Hadith About Firewood and Self-Reliance
Sunan an-Nasai : 2589
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 2589
أَخْبَرَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا مَعْنٌ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لأَنْ يَأْخُذَ أَحَدُكُمْ حَبْلَهُ فَيَحْتَطِبَ عَلَى ظَهْرِهِ خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ رَجُلاً أَعْطَاهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ فَيَسْأَلَهُ أَعْطَاهُ أَوْ مَنَعَهُ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if one of you were to take a rope and gather firewood on his back that would be better for him than coming to a man to whom Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has given of His bounty and asking him (for help). Which he may or may not give.
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2589In-book reference : Book 23, Hadith 155English translation : Vol. 3, Book 23, Hadith 2590
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 2589
This hadith about firewood and self-reliance repeats a strong lesson in a vivid way. The Prophet swore by the One in Whose hand is his soul that taking a rope, gathering firewood on one’s back, and carrying it is better than going to a man whom Allah has given bounty and asking him. That person may give, or he may refuse. The focus is on choosing work over avoidable begging. The hadith does not insult poverty. It honors effort, even when the work is physically hard and simple. For anyone searching for a hadith about earning a living in Islam, this narration shows that honest work protects dignity better than depending on uncertain help from people.
What we learn from this hadith
- Working with one’s own hands is better than needless asking.
- Depending on people is uncertain because they may give or refuse.
- Simple, honest effort has value in Islam.
