Question

muhammad said, \every muslim has to give in charity.\ the people asked, \...if someone has nothing to give, what will he do?\ he said, \he should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).\ the people further asked, \if he cannot do even that?\ he replied, \he should help the needy who appeal for help.\ then the people asked, \if he cannot do that?\ he replied, \then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charity.\

give in charity: help people in need
appeal: ask

sahih al-bukhari 24.31 in muhammad mubsin khan, the translation of the meanings of sahih al-bukhari, volume 2. copyright 1977 by kazi publications.

according to this passage, what did muhammad say his followers should do if they are too poor to give money to people in need?

they should not worry about helping others if they are poor themselves.
they should find other ways to help people.
they should steal from a rich person to give to the poor.
they should ask god to make them rich so they can help the poor.

Explanation:

The passage states that if followers have nothing to give (too poor for monetary charity), Muhammad advised working with hands to benefit themselves and give from earnings; if that's not possible, helping the needy who ask; if not, doing good deeds and avoiding evil (all counted as charity). These are alternative non-monetary ways to help.

Answer:

They should find other ways to help people.