Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helped a companion to buy an axe when he was seeking for help

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helped a companion to buy an axe when he was seeking for help

The story you mentioned is a beautiful example from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that teaches self-reliance, dignity, and practical charity. Here's the account:


The Story of the Axe and the Companion

A man once came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asking for financial help because he was struggling to make ends meet. Instead of simply giving him charity, the Prophet (PBUH) took a practical approach to empower the man to earn his livelihood.

  1. The Prophet’s Inquiry:

    • The Prophet (PBUH) asked the man, “Do you have anything in your house?”
    • The man replied, “Yes, I have a piece of cloth, a part of which we wear and a part of which we spread (on the ground), and a wooden bowl from which we drink water.”
  2. The Auction:

    • The Prophet (PBUH) asked the man to bring these items to him, and he auctioned them to the companions present.
    • The items were sold for two dirhams (a small sum of money).
  3. The Advice and Action:

    • The Prophet (PBUH) gave one dirham to the man and told him to buy food for his family.
    • With the other dirham, the Prophet (PBUH) helped the man buy an axe.
    • He then advised the man, “Go and gather firewood and sell it. Do not come back to me for fifteen days.”
  4. The Outcome:

    • The man followed the Prophet’s advice and began gathering and selling firewood. After two weeks, he returned with ten dirhams, which he used to buy food and clothing for his family.
    • The Prophet (PBUH) said to him, “This is better for you than coming (to others) and begging, for it will leave a mark on your face on the Day of Judgment.”

Lessons from the Story:

  1. Empowerment Over Dependence: The Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated that teaching someone to earn their livelihood is more sustainable and dignified than merely providing financial aid.

  2. Practical Charity: Charity is not just about giving money but also about enabling someone to become self-sufficient.

  3. Respect for Labor: No work is too small or menial when it is done with dignity to earn an honest living.

  4. Islam’s Emphasis on Self-Reliance: Islam encourages individuals to work and avoid unnecessary dependence on others, fostering a productive and self-sustaining society.


This story is a timeless lesson in how to approach poverty alleviation with wisdom and compassion. It also reflects the Prophet’s (PBUH) deep understanding of human dignity and the practicalities of life. Would you like to explore more stories with similar lessons?

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