Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari reported God’s messenger as saying that every Muslim must give <i>sadaqa</i>. He was asked how this could apply to one who had nothing and replied that he should work with his hands, gaining benefit for himself thereby, and give <i>sadaqa</i>. He was asked what would happen if he were unable to do this or did not do it, and replied that he should help one who was in need and sad. He was asked what he should do if he did not do that and replied that he should enjoin what is good. He was asked what he should do if he did not do that, and replied that he should refrain from evil, for that would be <i>sadaqa</i> for him. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى الْأَشْعَرِيِّ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ صَدَقَةٌ» . قَالُوا: فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ؟ قَالَ: «فَلْيَعْمَلْ بِيَدَيْهِ فَيَنْفَعَ نَفْسَهُ وَيَتَصَدَّقَ» . قَالُوا: فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ؟ أَوْ لَمْ يَفْعَلْ؟ قَالَ: «فيعين ذَا الْحَاجَةِ الْمَلْهُوفَ» . قَالُوا: فَإِنْ لَمْ يَفْعَلْهُ؟ قَالَ: «فيأمر بِالْخَيرِ» . قَالُوا: فَإِن لمي فعل؟ قَالَ: «فَيمسك عَن الشَّرّ فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ صَدَقَة»