It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: "O Messenger of Allah! Which charity is the most excellent?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The hard-earned effort of one who has little (given in charity), and begin with those whose upkeep is your responsibility." This hadith is sahih on the condition of Imam Muslim, but the two Shaykhs did not record it.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: One day the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered us to give charity, and at that time I happened to have some wealth. I said (to myself): If I am ever to outdo Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), today I will get ahead of him. So I came with half of my wealth, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "What have you left for your family?" I said: "The same amount (that is, half of my wealth)." And Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came with all his wealth, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "O Abu Bakr! What have you left for your family?" He said: "I have left Allah and His Messenger for them." Then I said (to myself): I can never beat you in anything. This hadith is sahih on the condition of Imam Muslim, but the two Shaykhs did not record it.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Sa'd bin Ubadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: "Which charity is most beloved to you?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Giving water to drink."