Fath al-Rabbani

Narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: A man said, "Tonight I will certainly give charity." So he went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulterous woman. In the morning, people began to say that last night charity was given to an adulteress. He decided again that he would certainly give charity that night (so that it might reach someone deserving). So he took out charity, but unknowingly gave it to a thief. When morning came, people began to say that last night charity was given to a thief. He thought again that he would give charity that night. So he went out with charity and unknowingly gave it to a wealthy man. When morning came, people said: Last night charity was given to a wealthy man. He said: In every case, all praise is due to Allah; charity has been given to an adulteress, a thief, and a wealthy man. Then someone came and informed him (perhaps it was said to him in a dream): Your charity has been accepted. By giving charity to the adulteress, it is possible that she may become chaste; likewise, it is possible that the thief may refrain from stealing, and the wealthy man may take a lesson and spend from what Allah has given him.