Hidden Lessons

 *Hidden Lessons*

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The 4th Khaleefah of Islam is ʿAli ibn Abu Talib. It is related that once, somebody presented 300 gold coins to the Holy Prophet (pbuh), who made a present of them to Ali. On the way home, Ali saw a harlot to whom he gave one hundred coins. The next day the whole town was gossiping about Ali's misplaced charity for giving the money to a woman of ill repute. Ali felt offended and decided that he would give another hundred coins to a worthier person this time he met a thief and he gave him one hundred coins. The people were critical of Ali squandering the money by giving it to a brigand. Ali decided that whatever money was left with him he would give it to a deserving person. This time he gave the money to a person who happened to be rich man. The people became loud in the criticism of Ali in his charity to undeserving persons. It was, however, revealed to the Holy Prophet that God had accepted the charity of Ali. The harlot after getting the money gave up her profession and decided to lead a chaste life. The thief after getting the money gave up robbery, the rich man on getting the alms felt so repentant that he distributed all his wealth among the poor.

Furthermore,

It is related that at one time while the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and Ali (R.A.) were offering prayers in a mosque, a supplicant came and said, *"O God, bear witness that I have asked everyone of the congregation to give me something in alms, but none has offered anything."* Ali, who was prostrating on the prayer mat at that time, held out his finger which bore a gold ring, and pointed it out towards the beggar, who took it off.

*LESSONS:*

A. Charity is Based on Sincerity, Not Public Approval.

Ali (رضي الله عنه) gave charity to a *harlot, a thief, and a rich man*—people society would deem "undeserving." Yet, Allah accepted his charity because his *intention was pure*

Besides,

True charity is for Allah’s sake, not to please people. What matters is the *giver’s sincerity*, not the recipient’s apparent worthiness. 

B. Allah’s Wisdom is Beyond Human Judgment

People criticized ʿAli (رضي الله عنه) for giving to "wrong" people, but Allah knew the hidden outcomes. Yes. The *harlot* abandoned her sinful life. The *thief* repented from stealing. The *rich man* was humbled and gave away his wealth. 

Humans judge superficially, but Allah (swt) knows the *greater good* in every action. 

C. Small Acts Can Lead to Massive Change

Ali’s charity seemed "wasted" in people’s eyes, but it *transformed lives*. So, never underestimate the power of a good deed—it may be the key to someone’s guidance. 

D. Repentance is Always Possible

The harlot, thief, and rich man all changed after receiving charity. At least, no one is beyond redemption—kindness can soften hearts and lead to repentance. 

E. Criticism Should Not Stop Good Deeds

Despite public backlash, ʿAli (رضي الله عنه) continued giving. So, do good *even if people misunderstand you*—Allah’s approval is what counts. 

Slaves of Allah!

ʿAli’s story teaches us that *true charity is about trust in Allah’s wisdom*, not human validation. What seems like a "waste" to people may be the means of *guidance, repentance, and reform* in Allah’s plan.