Abu Huraira said that God’s messenger told of a man who expressed his intention to give sadaqa, and who when he took it out placed it in a thief’s hand. In the morning the people were talking and saying, “Sadaqa was given to a thief last night.” The man said, “O God, to Thee be the praise—to a thief!’’ He then expressed his intention to give sadaqa and when he took it out he placed it in a prostitute’s hand. In the morning the people were talking and saying, “Sadaqa was given to a prostitute last night." The man said, "O God, to Thee be the praise— to a prostitute!" He then expressed his intention to give sadaqa and when he took it out he placed it in a rich man’s hand. In the morning the people were talking and saying, “Sadaqa was given to a rich man last night." The man said, “O God, to Thee be the praise—to a thief, a prostitute and a rich man!” He then had a vision in which he was told that his sadaqa to a thief might result in his refraining from his theft, the prostitute might perhaps refrain from her immorality, and the rich man might perhaps pay heed and spend from what God had given him. (Bukhari and Muslim, the wording being Bukhari’s.)
Zakat - Mishkat al-Masabih 1876
This profound hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih reveals the divine wisdom behind charitable giving that transcends human judgment. The man's frustration arises from his limited perception, while Allah's knowledge encompasses all potential outcomes.
Divine Wisdom in Distribution
The donor's repeated exclamation "To Thee be the praise" demonstrates proper tawakkul (reliance on Allah), even when confused by apparent misplacement of his charity. This teaches us that sincere intention (niyyah) coupled with submission to divine will perfects the act of sadaqa.
The three recipients—thief, prostitute, and rich man—represent categories typically deemed ineligible by human standards. Yet Allah's wisdom shows how charity can transform souls in ways beyond our comprehension.
Transformative Potential of Charity
For the thief: The sadaqa might awaken his conscience, leading him to abandon theft through experiencing unexpected kindness.
For the prostitute: The unearned gift could inspire moral reflection, potentially redirecting her from sin toward righteousness.
For the rich man: Receiving charity might humble him, reminding him of his duty to distribute wealth and recognize Allah's provisions.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith emphasizes Allah's acceptance of sincere charity regardless of recipient, as the divine purpose may be hidden from human perception.
Al-Nawawi comments in Sharh Sahih Muslim that the vision clarifies how sadaqa serves as divine guidance, potentially reforming sinners and awakening the negligent.
The lesson: Muslims must give charity with pure intention and trust in Allah's wisdom, avoiding judgment of recipients while hoping for their spiritual transformation.