if there is a greater benefit or a more pressing need. Otherwise, so long as eligible recipients exist, he may not remove it; the zakah must be paid in the very locality where the wealth is found.

The ḥadith also proves the prohibition of wrongdoing and that the zakah collector is not allowed to take more than what is due. For that reason the Prophet ﷺ cautioned Muʿādh, saying, “Beware of taking their choicest property.” The word karaʾim (plural of karīmah) refers to the prized, desirable animals or goods.

It likewise indicates that the supplication of an oppressed person is answered, for the Prophet said, “There is no barrier between it and Allah.”

Furthermore, it shows that one must guard himself against committing injustice and fear the prayer of the oppressed, because the Messenger ﷺ commanded, “Beware the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no veil between it and Allah.”

210 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever has wronged his brother, whether concerning his honor or anything else, must seek his pardon today, before a time comes when there will be neither dinar nor dirham. If he possesses righteous deeds, they will be taken from him in proportion to the injustice; and if he has no good deeds, some of the wronged person’s sins will be taken and laid upon him.” Recorded by al-Bukhārī.

[Explanation]

The author (may Allah have mercy on him) said, relating from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ stated: “Whoever has committed an injustice against his brother—whether regarding his honor or anything else—”