Understanding Islam — Page 232
230 and Muslim). Bukh ā r ī ’s version concludes with: Allah appreciated his action, forgave his sins and admitted him to Paradise. Another version is: A dog was going round the brink of a well in an extremity of thirst, when a loose woman of the Bani Israel espied it. She lowered her leather sock into the well, drew up some water and gave the dog to drink. She was forgiven on account of this. #126 J ā bir ra relates that the Holy Prophet sa said: If a Muslim plants a tree, then whatever is eaten from it is charity on his part and whatever is stolen is charity and whatever is subtracted from it is charity (Muslim). Another version is: If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity on his part. #135 Ab ū M ū s ā Ash‘ar ī ra relates that the Holy Prophet sa said: Charity is incumbent upon every Muslim. He was asked: If a person should have nothing? He answered: He should work with his hands to his own benefit and also give alms. If he is not able to work? He should help a needy helpless one. If he cannot do even that? He should urge others to