The Hadith of the Empty Charity

Abu Hurairah reported that every joint in the body owes charity each day, but the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, named something surprising that counts. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet spoke of the day the sun rises, and of people who might have no money to give. Making peace between two people is charity. Helping someone onto their mount, or lifting their belongings onto it, is charity too. Even walking towards prayer and clearing something harmful from a path count. These acts turn ordinary moments into opportunities to help. And the surprising charity the Prophet named can be given without spending anything at all: a kind word.