(Haarithah bin Nu’maan [radhiyallahu ‘anhu] #2)
At some point in his life, Sayyiduna Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) lost his sight. When this happened, he placed a basketful of dates and other similar items near his musalla, and tied a string between his musalla and the door of his home.
When a beggar knocked on the door, Sayyiduna Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would take some dates from the basket and using the string as a guide, he would make his way to the door to see to the beggar. In this manner, he ensured that he personally gave the beggar something with his own hand.
When his family would see him undertaking such difficulty to give the sadaqah to the beggar, they would pity him and say, “We will give the charity to the beggar on your behalf!” However, he would insist on personally giving the sadaqah to the beggar and would say, “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mention, ‘Giving something to a beggar with your own hand (is an action that) saves one from an evil death’.”
(Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #4683)
Lessons:
1. If a person is blind, handicapped or challenged in some way, he can still find a way to carry out righteous deeds. In fact, since he has to overcome difficulties that others do not face, his reward will be greater.
2. As far as possible, avoid turning a beggar away empty handed. We do not always have to give money to a beggar. Instead, we can give him something to eat. However, if we do not wish to give him anything, we should politely and gently decline, without being abusive or vulgar and without shouting at him.
3. Apart from ensuring that we personally give sadaqah to beggars with our own hands to receive the promise mentioned in the hadeeth, we should also train our children in this regard. We should encourage them to give the sadaqah to the beggar, under our watch and supervision, so that they practically learn to show kindness to others.