The inquirer asks for the meaning of the hadith that states, “Removing harmful objects from the road is a charity.” Does this include everything that harms people?

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Removing harmful objects from a path is a charity” (recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih). Scholars have said that the hadith means the removal of anything that harms passersby, even objects as small as thorns, as well as cutting down trees in rough areas, widening roads, and similar actions.

The hadith scholar al-Iraqi noted in Tarf Al-Tathrib fi Sharh Al-Taqrib (2:304) that the phrase, ‘removing harmful objects from the path” refers to the removal of anything that may harm passersby, such as stones or thorns. It also refers to the removal of rocks from rough areas, sweeping paths to remove dust that may inconvenience passersby, filling any holes or depressions, cutting down trees that may obstruct a path, and removing vendors from the middle of public pathways.

Imam al-Nawawi said in Sharh Muslim (2:6) said, “What is meant by ‘harmful objects’ is anything that causes harm, such as stones, clods of earth, thorns, or the like.” According to Imam Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani in Fath al-Bari (5:114) stated that the act of removing harmful objects from a path is regarded as a charitable act because it ensures the safety of passersby, as if they had given charity  to them through their action. Consequently, they receive the reward of charity.  

And Allah Almighty knows best