Prophetic Lesson in Giving more than Money

In the blessed city of Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) would walk amongst his people, never distinguishing himself from the poor or the rich. He was a leader, yet he lived simply, eating what they ate and sitting where they sat. One day, a man came to him in great distress, his clothes worn and his face pale with hunger. He had nothing left to provide for his family.

The Prophet did not turn him away. He asked his companions if anyone could assist, but many were also in hardship. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) himself gave the man what little he had. Yet he wanted to do more than just provide a moment’s relief. He asked: “What do you have in your home?”

The man replied, “Only a small bowl and a piece of cloth.” The Prophet asked for them and auctioned them in the mosque. A companion bought them. With part of the money, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) told the man to buy food for his family, and with the other part he told him to purchase an axe. “Go and gather firewood, sell it, and do not let me see you for fifteen days,” he instructed gently.

The man returned after two weeks, his face shining, having earned ten dirhams. He had bought food, clothes, and dignity. The Prophet smiled with joy and said: “This is better for you than begging, for begging will be a blemish on your face on the Day of Judgement.”

Through this act, the Prophet not only gave charity but also restored a man’s self-worth, showing us that true giving uplifts both body and spirit.

Source: Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Vol. 4, p. 362, Hadith 19482)