Arabic Text
English Translation
— Abu Dharr (RA) (Muslim)
Commentary
Equal access to reward — wealth is one path, but only one.
Extended Explanation
The poor companions felt left behind: the wealthy could pray, fast, and also give in charity from their excess. The Prophet ﷺ levelled the playing field — every tasbīḥ, takbīr, taḥmīd, taḥlīl is a ṣadaqah. Even intimate relations between spouses, when intended for chastity and Allah’s pleasure, is rewarded.
Ibn Rajab observes the radical implication: the poor man with a moving tongue may overtake the rich man with an open wallet. ‘Ṣadaqah’ is broadened from money to every act of good — opening the gates of competition to all.
From the Scholars
"Even removing harm from the road, smiling at your brother, a kind word — all are ṣadaqāt that the poor can match the rich in."
"The hadith establishes that intention transforms permissible acts into worship — and even wealth-charity is exceeded by the consistency of the tongue’s charity."
Fiqh & Rulings
- •Tasbīḥ, taḥmīd, takbīr, and tahlīl after prayer are sunnah — 33, 33, 33, with the hundredth being lā ilāha illa-Llāh.
- •Sexual intimacy with one’s spouse, intended for chastity and family, is rewarded — Islam dignifies this domain.
- •Enjoining good and forbidding evil is a daily ṣadaqah — even when it costs nothing financially.
Qur'ān Cross-References
Key Arabic Vocabulary
the people of wealth
a glorification (subḥān Allāh)
a magnification (Allāhu akbar)
intimate relation (with spouse)
Today's Reflection
Pick three new sadaqāt (without spending money) for today.
Key Benefits
- 1Reward is not bought — it is earned.
- 2The poor and the wealthy compete on equal grounds.
Common Mistakes & Warnings
- ⚠Do not despise small acts — the Prophet ﷺ said even removing a thorn from the road is ṣadaqah.
- ⚠Wealth-ṣadaqah and tongue-ṣadaqah are not in conflict — the wealthy are encouraged to do both.
Related Hadiths
Memorization Progress