If you wish, I will give you, but there is no share in it for the rich, nor for the strong and capable of earning

Two men came to the Prophet (ﷺ) during the Farewell Pilgrimage while he was distributing charity, and they asked him to give them some of it. The Prophet (ﷺ) repeatedly looked at them to assess their situation and determine whether they were eligible for charity or not. He saw that they were two strong men and said: If you wish, I will give you from the charity, but there is no share in it for one who possesses sufficient wealth, nor for those who are capable of striving and earning money, even if they do not currently possess wealth that would classify them as rich.

1. It is prohibited for a wealthy person or a capable earner to ask for charity.
2. The basic rule regarding someone whose financial status is unknown is that he is considered poor and eligible for charity.
3. Mere physical strength does not automatically preclude eligibility for charity; rather, it must be coupled with the actual ability to earn a livelihood.
4. One who is capable of earning enough to suffice himself is not permitted to take from the obligatory charity (Zakah), because he is self-sufficient through his earnings, just as the wealthy person is self-sufficient through his wealth.
5. The great Prophetic education of the Muslim personality is in self-respect, and in giving—not in taking, begging, and laziness.

سنن أبي داود (3/ 75) (1633). سنن النسائي (5/ 99) (2598). ذخيرة العقبى في شرح المجتبى (23/ 210). شرح أبي داود للعيني (6/ 374).