Why did the Prophet not eat from charity (sadaqah), and is it permissible not to eat from charity, following his example?

The wisdom behind the prohibition of sadaqah (charity) for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his household, has been previously explained. As for refraining from eating from sadaqah as an emulation of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, it is permissible as a form of self-restraint, as long as it does not cause harm to oneself or to dependents. Otherwise, it is closer to being impermissible, and it might fall under the category of prohibiting what Allah has made lawful, or it could be an act of arrogance. For the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There are three whom Allah will not speak to on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them," and he mentioned among them: "an arrogant poor person."