The Book of Zakat (Kitab Al-Zakat)

Muslim :: Book 5 : Hadith 2250

Abu Huraira reported that there came a person to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) 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).