When Abd al-Rahmān ibn Awf died leaving wealth behind, Abū Dharr regarded it (1) as hoarded treasure for which one would be punished. Uthmān debated him about this until Ka‘b entered the discussion and agreed with Uthmān, whereupon Abū Dharr struck him. A dispute had already arisen between him and Mu‘āwiyah in Syria for the same reason.

A group of ascetics agreed with Abū Dharr on this matter, as is related of Abd al-Wāhid ibn Zayd and others like him. Some people count al-Shiblī among the proponents of this view. The Rightly Guided Caliphs, however, and the overwhelming majority of the Companions and Followers held the contrary view.

[For it is established] in an authentic report (2) that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“No zakat is due on less than five wasqs; no zakat is due on fewer than five camels; and no zakat is due on less than five (3) awāq.” (4)

He thus denied that zakat was obligatory on less than two hundred dirhams, without stipulating whether or not the owner needed them.

The majority of the Companions said, “Hoarded treasure is wealth whose dues have not been paid,” and has apportioned