23/90. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 2597 — Who May Receive Charity
If He Does Not Have Any Dirhams But He Has The Equivalent
Hadith About Who Is Eligible for Charity
Sunan an-Nasai : 2597
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 2597
أَخْبَرَنَا هَنَّادُ بْنُ السَّرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي حَصِينٍ، عَنْ سَالِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لاَ تَحِلُّ الصَّدَقَةُ لِغَنِيٍّ وَلاَ لِذِي مِرَّةٍ سَوِيٍّ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'It is not permissible to give charity to a rich man (or one who is independent of means) or to one who is strong and healthy.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2597In-book reference : Book 23, Hadith 163English translation : Vol. 3, Book 23, Hadith 2598
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 2597
This hadith about who is eligible for charity is very direct. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said charity is not permissible for a rich man, or for one who is strong and healthy. The narration sets a boundary around charity. It points to the idea that charity should reach those who truly need it, not those who already have enough or are able to earn. The text is short, so the explanation should stay close to it. For people searching for charity eligibility in Islam, this hadith gives a simple rule: wealth and physical ability matter when deciding whether a person should take charity.
What we learn from this hadith
- Charity is not lawful for a rich person according to this hadith.
- A strong and healthy person is also mentioned as not eligible.
- Charity should be directed to those who truly need support.
