Half a Date / a Kind Word

Ḥadīth

ʿAdī ibn Ḥātim (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“There is none among you but that his Lord will speak to him, without there being any interpreter between Him and him. He will look to his right and will see nothing but what he has sent forth, and he will look to his left and will see nothing but what he has sent forth. He will look in front of him and will see nothing but the Fire facing him. So protect yourselves from the Hellfire, even if it is by giving half a date; and whoever cannot find even that, then with a kind word.”

— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (1417, 7512) & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (1016)

Commentary

Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī and Imām an-Nawawī (رحمهم الله) explain that the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned “half a date” to indicate the smallest possible act of charity, so that no one—rich or poor—would think themselves excluded from doing good. Ibn Ḥajar notes that this reflects the vast mercy of Allah, who accepts and multiplies even minimal deeds when they are done sincerely, and it teaches believers not to delay goodness while waiting for greater means. Imām an-Nawawī emphasizes that this ḥadīth establishes the principle that no good deed should ever be belittled, for even a small act may become a means of protection from the Hellfire. He further highlights the continuation of the ḥadīth—“and if he cannot find even that, then with a kind word”—as proof that charity is not limited to wealth, but includes good speech and character, ensuring that every believer always has a path to reward and salvation.

May Allah ﷻ accept from us.

Aameen!