English Translation

It is narrated by Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be well pleased with him) that a man mentioned charity before the Beloved Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and he stated, 'Among the givers of charity was a man who went out with his charity and unknowingly placed it in the hand of a thief. In the morning, people said: Charity was given to a thief last night! He said: O Allah, all praise is Yours — to a thief! I shall give charity again. He went out with his charity and placed it in the hands of an adulteress. In the morning, people said: Charity was given to an adulteress last night! He said: O Allah, all praise is Yours — to an adulteress! I shall give charity again. He went out with his charity and placed it in the hands of a wealthy person. In the morning, people said: Charity was given to a wealthy man last night! He said: O Allah, all praise is Yours — to a thief, an adulteress, and a wealthy man! Then he was told in a dream: As for your charity to the thief, perhaps it will cause him to desist from stealing. As for the adulteress, perhaps it will cause her to desist from her immorality. And as for the wealthy person, perhaps he will take a lesson and spend in the way of Allah himself.'