Ibn Sa'di narrates: He came from "Syria" to the service of Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), so Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: I have come to know that you have been performing some official duties, and when you were given a salary, you did not accept it? I replied: Yes, I have horses. (The narrator is unsure, perhaps these are the words) "I have slaves and I am in good condition." So I wish that my salary be given as charity for the Muslims. Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Do not do so, because I once had the same intention as you have now. Whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would give me something, I would request him to give it to someone who needed it more than I did. Once, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave me wealth, so I said: Please give it to someone who needs it more than I do. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "O Umar! Whatever wealth Allah gives you without you asking for it and without you showing interest in it, take it, and increase your wealth with it, give it in charity, and do not pursue the wealth that is not given to you in this way."