Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that there came a person to the Messenger of Allah ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) and said: Messenger of Allah, which charity is the best? Upon this he said: That you should give charity (in a state) when you are healthy and close-fisted, one haunted by the fear of poverty, hoping to become rich (charity in such a state of health and mind is the best). And you must not defer (charity to such a length) that you are about to die and would he saying: This is for so and so, and this is for so and so. Lo, it has already come into (the possession of so and so).

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that a person came to the Apostle of Allah ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) and said: Messenger of Allah, which charity is the greatest in reward? (The Holy Prophet ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) said): By your father, beware, you should give charity (in a state when you are) healthy and close-fisted, haunted by the fear of poverty, and still hoping to live (as rich). And you must not defer charity (to the time) when you are about to die, and would then say: "This is for so and so, and this for so and so." It has already become the possession of so and so.

This hadith has been narrated with the same chain of transmitters except with this change (of words): "Which charity is most excellent?"