The Prophet ﷺ said, "Charity is due from every Muslim."They asked, "Prophet of Allah, what about one who has nothing to give?"He replied, "Let him work with his hands to benefit himself and give in charity."They asked, "What if he is unable to do so?"He replied, "Let him help someone in distress who is in need."They asked, "What if he cannot do that either?"He replied, "Then let him do what is right and refrain from evil, for that will count as charity for him."
ى، عن النبي ﷺ قال: على كل مسلم صدقة. فقالوا: يا نبي الله، فمن لم يجد؟ قال: يعمل بيده فينفع نفسه ويتصدق. قالوا: فإن لم يجد؟ قال: يعين ذا الحاجة الملهوف. قالوا: فإن لم يجد؟ قال: فليعمل بالمعروف وليمسك عن الشر فإنها له صدقة.
Bukhari related it in the Book of Zakat (1445), and Muslim in the Book of Zakat (1008), both through the route of Shuba, who said, Saeed bin Abu Burda told us, from his father, from his grandfather, and he mentioned it.As for his saying, "he helps the distressed person in need," the word "distressed" means one who seeks help.