An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
3. Worship
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single person, would enter hell, I would be hopeful
of being that person.
(HILYAT AL-AULIYA)
THERE IS CHARITY IN FORGIVENESS
Abu Abbas ibn Hibr relates that one day the
Prophet exhorted people to donate something
towards the struggle for God’s cause, and people
gave according to their means. One of the Prophet’s
Companions Ulbah ibn Zayd ibn Haritha, did not,
however, have anything to give. He arose that night
and, weeping before God, prayed to Him: “Lord I
have nothing to give to charity. Instead Lord, I
forgive whoever has brought me dishonour.” In the
morning when the Companions had gathered, the
Prophet asked them, “where is the one who gave
something to charity last night?” When no one
arose, the Prophet repeated his question. Still no
one answered. Then, when the Prophet had
repeated his question for the third time, Ulbah ibn
Zayd Haritha arose. “Rejoice,” said the Prophet,
“for your gift to charity has been accepted.”
(AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)
