Jarir b. ‘Abdallah told of some people, meaning nomadic Arabs, who came to God’s messenger and said, “Collectors of sadaqa come to us and act unjustly.” He told them to please the collectors who came to them, and when they asked if they must do so even if they wronged them, he replied,
“Please those who collect sadaqa from you, even if you are wronged.”
Jabir b. ‘Atik reported God’s messenger as saying,
“Riders who are rendered objects of dislike to you* will come to you, but you must welcome them when they come to you and give them a free hand regarding what they desire. If they are just they will receive credit for it, but if they are unjust they will be held responsible. Please them, for the perfection of your zakat consists in their good pleasure, and let them ask a blessing for you."
Bashir b. al-Khasasiya said they told how the collectors of sadaqa went over the score and asked whether they might conceal their property to the extent to which they went over the score, but told them that they must not.
Ibn ‘Abbas told how, when this verse was revealed, "And those who hoard gold and silver…”* the Muslims were grieved about it and ‘Umar told them he would dispel their care. He therefore went and told God’s Prophet that his companions were grieved by this verse, and received the reply,
"God has made the zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining property, and He made inheritances obligatory (mentioning a word)** that they might come to those who survive you.”
'Umar then said, "God is most great,” after which he said to him, "Let me inform you about the best a man hoards; it is a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives her a command, and guards his interests when he is away from her."
Abu Dawud transmitted it.
* Qur'an 9: 34.
** i.e. a word about which Ibn ‘Abbas was uncertain.
