Is this Hadith authentic?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The parable of the one who frees a slave [or gives charity] at the time of his death is that of the one who gives a gift [only after] he is satiated” [i.e. This type of charity is not the ideal. A person should give charity when he is fit and healthy]
Answer
Imam Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abud Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
Imam Tirmidhi has declared the Hadith authentic (hasanun sahih) and Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has also declared the Hadith authentic.
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2123, Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 3964, Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 3336. Refer: Tuhfatul Ahwadhi, Hadith: 2123)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,
Authentic Hadiths encourage us to give charity when we are well and healthy.