38/1. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4142 — Khumus and Its Use
The Book Of The Distribution Of Al-Fay'
Khumus in Islam: How the One-Fifth Share Was Used
Sunan an-Nasai : 4142
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4142
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَحْبُوبٌ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ، عَنْ زَائِدَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ أَبِي سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ عَطَاءٍ، فِي قَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ { وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَىْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَى } قَالَ خُمُسُ اللَّهِ وَخُمُسُ رَسُولِهِ وَاحِدٌ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَحْمِلُ مِنْهُ وَيُعْطِي مِنْهُ وَيَضَعُهُ حَيْثُ شَاءَ وَيَصْنَعُ بِهِ مَا شَاءَ .
'Ata Narrated from:
It was narrated that 'Ata' said concerning the saying of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime: "And know that whatever of spoils of war that you may gain, verily, (1/5th) of it is assigned to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the near relatives (of the Messenger (Muhammad)" "The Khumus (one-fifth) of Allah and of His Messenger is the same. The Messenger of Allah used to provide mounts (for jihad) with it, and give some (to the poor), and distribute it however he wanted, and do with it whatever he wanted."
[1] Al-Anfâl 8:41.Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4142In-book reference : Book 38, Hadith 10English translation : Vol. 5, Book 38, Hadith 4147
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4142
This report explains Khumus in Islam through the statement of Ata concerning the Quranic verse about one-fifth of spoils. Ata said that the share of Allah and the share of His Messenger were treated as one. According to the text, the Messenger of Allah used this Khumus to provide mounts, give assistance, and place the wealth wherever he chose. The wording stresses his authority to manage that share and use it for the purposes he considered proper. The report does not list every person who received from it, nor does it set out a full legal code for spoils of war. Its main teaching is about the Prophet’s control over the one-fifth share and the practical ways it could support equipment, giving, and other needs.
What we learn from this hadith
- The report discusses the Quranic one-fifth share of spoils.
- Ata treated the share of Allah and His Messenger as one share.
- The Prophet used it to provide mounts and to give to others.
- The text describes broad authority in placing the Khumus where he chose.
