Is charitable giving (Sadaqah) entirely prohibited for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The apparent ruling is that all forms of charity, both obligatory (Fard) and voluntary (Nawafil), were prohibited for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This prohibition served as a clear sign and evidence of his prophethood. Evidence includes the narration from Salman al-Farisi's conversion, stating the Prophet eats gifts but not charity. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet would ask about food; if it was charity, he would tell his companions to eat and he would not partake, but if it was a gift, he would eat with them (Bukhari). Furthermore, the Prophet stated regarding meat given as charity to Barirah that it was charity for her but a gift for them, and he recounted fearing to eat a date found on his bedding lest it was charity (Muslim). The prohibition extends because the Prophet was the most noble of creation, receiving the fifth of spoils (Khums) and the chosen portion (Safi), while his household shared only the Khums and were prohibited from one type of charity (obligatory Sadaqah).
Supporting text
A narration from Ahmad suggests that voluntary Sadaqah was not prohibited for the Prophet. Al-Maimuni reported Ahmad stating that Sadaqah (including Zakat al-Fitr and wealth Zakat) is prohibited for the Prophet and his household, but acts considered 'good' (Ma'ruf) which are sometimes called Sadaqah, such as loans or gifts, are not prohibited because they are not charity in the context of immediate need.