Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Book 10, Hadith 9 (In-Book) ⓘ
Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked, "What action is best?" He replied, "Belief in Allah and jihad in His way." He was asked, "Which slaves are best?" He replied, "The highest in price and most precious to their people." He said, "What do you think I should do if I am unable to fight?" He replied, "Help someone in trouble or work for someone who does not work." He asked, "What do you think that I should do if I am too weak (to act accordingly)?" He replied, "Spare people your evil. That is a sadaqa which you bestow on yourself."
حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أُوَيْسٍ قَالَ: حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُرَاوِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم، قِيلَ: أَيُّ الأَعْمَالِ خَيْرٌ؟ قَالَ: إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ، وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، قِيلَ: فَأَيُّ الرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: أَغْلاَهَا ثَمَنًا، وَأَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا، قَالَ: أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ لَمْ أَسْتَطِعْ بَعْضَ الْعَمَلِ؟ قَالَ: فَتُعِينُ ضَائِعًا، أَوْ تَصْنَعُ لأَخْرَقَ، قَالَ: أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ ضَعُفْتُ؟ قَالَ: تَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنَ الشَّرِّ، فَإِنَّهَا صَدَقَةٌ تَصَدَّقُ بِهَا عَلَى نَفْسِكَ.
also referenced under: Hadith 220 (Reference) & Book 10, Hadith 220 (English)