Ibn Hibban

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A man resolved that he would certainly give charity. He went out with his charity and (due to darkness and unawareness) placed it in the hand of an adulteress. The next day, people were talking among themselves that last night, charity was given to an adulteress. So the man said: O Allah! Praise is for You alone (even though my charity) reached an adulteress. I will certainly give charity again. Then the man went out with his charity and (due to darkness and unawareness) placed it in the hand of a thief. The next day, people were talking that last night, charity was given to a thief. So the man said: O Allah! Praise is for You alone (even though my charity) reached a thief. I will certainly give charity today as well. Then the man went out with his charity and placed it in the hand of a wealthy person. The next day, people were talking that last night, charity was given to a wealthy person. So the man said: O Allah! Praise is for You alone (even though my charity) reached a wealthy person. Then he was brought (before Allah Almighty), and it was told to him: As far as your charity is concerned, it has been accepted. The one given to the adulteress was accepted so that perhaps, because of receiving it, she may refrain from adultery; the one given to the thief was accepted so that perhaps, because of it, he may refrain from stealing; and the one given to the wealthy person was accepted so that he may take heed from it and spend from what Allah Almighty has given him."