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It is permissible to devote moveable property as an endowment for Allah’s cause.
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The Prophet’s defence of al-‘Abbās may be understood in two ways: it may show that zakat may be paid in advance, or it may show that one may assume another person’s zakat obligation on his behalf. It is highly unlikely that al-‘Abbās would have withheld zakat without a valid excuse.
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A paternal uncle is to be greatly honoured, for his right is like that of a father.
The Fourth Ḥadīth
‘Abdullāh ibn Zayd ibn ‘Āṣim al-Māzinī (may Allah be pleased with him) related:
When Allah bestowed the spoils of the Day of Hunayn upon His Prophet ﷺ, he divided them among the people and among those whose hearts were to be reconciled, but he gave nothing to the Anṣār. It seemed that they felt some misgiving within themselves, because they had not received what the others had. He therefore addressed them, saying:
“O assembly of the Anṣār! Did I not find you astray and Allah guided you through me? Were you not divided and Allah united you through me? Were you not poor and Allah enriched you through me?”
Each time he mentioned a favour they replied, “Allah and His Messenger have shown the greater favour.”
He then said, “What prevents you from replying to the Messenger of Allah?”
They answered, “Allah and His Messenger have shown the greater favour.”
He continued, “Had you wished, you could have said—and you would have spoken the truth and been believed—‘You came to us in such-and-such a state.’ Are you not content that people return with sheep and camels while you return with the Prophet to your homes? Were it not for the Hijrah I would have been one of the Anṣār; and if all people were to take a valley or a mountain pass, I would take the valley and mountain pass of the Anṣār.
“The Anṣār are the inner garment (shi‘ār), while the rest of the people are the outer cloak (dithār). You will meet with favouritism after I am gone, so be patient until you meet me at the Pond.”
Unfamiliar terms
Hunayn: A valley on the route from Mecca to al-Ṭā’if, in the direction of al-Sayl al-Kabīr. It lies between al-Sharā’i‘ and the village of al-Zīmah and is now called Wādī Yad‘ān. A fierce battle was fought there between the Prophet ﷺ and the tribes of Hawāzin, joined by Thaqīf, in Shawwāl of the eighth year AH.
Those whose hearts are to be reconciled: Influential figures who are given a share of the spoils or of the charity to incline them—and those under their authority—toward Islam, or to enlist their prestige and strength in defence of Islam.
‘Ālah: The poor.
Aman: The comparative form of mannah (favor), meaning “you have bestowed the greatest favor upon us.” The intent is descriptive, not comparative.
Shi‘ār: The garment that touches the skin, pronounced with a kasra on the initial sīn.