(99) بَابُ نَفَقَةُ الرَّجُلِ عَلَى عَبْدِهِ وَخَادِمِهِ صَدَقَةٌ
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah blesshim and grant him peace, said, "The best sadaqa is that which leavesyou free of want. The upper hand is better than the lower hand. Begin withthose you look after. Your wife says, 'Spend on me or divorce me.' Yourslave says, 'Spend on me or sell me.' Your child asks, 'On whom can werely?'"
Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 196
In-book reference: Book 9, Hadith 41
English translation: Book 9, Hadith 196