English Translation

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'There were three men among the Children of Israel: a leper, a bald man, and a blind man. Allah wanted to test them, so He sent an angel to them. The angel came to the leper and said: What thing would you most like? He said: Good color, good skin, and to be rid of what makes people find me repulsive. So the angel wiped him and his ailment was removed, and he was given good color and good skin. The angel said: What wealth would you most like? He said: Camels. So he was given a pregnant she-camel. The angel said: May Allah bless it for you. Then the angel went to the bald man and asked the same. He said: Good hair and to be rid of what makes people find me repulsive. So the angel wiped him and he was given good hair. He said: What wealth would you most like? He said: Cattle. So he was given a pregnant cow. The angel went to the blind man and said: What thing would you most like? He said: For Allah to restore my sight so I can see people. So the angel wiped his eyes and Allah restored his sight. The angel said: What wealth would you most like? He said: Sheep. So he was given a pregnant ewe. All three animals produced offspring, and the first man had a valley full of camels, the second a valley of cattle, and the third a valley of sheep. Then the angel came to the leper in his former appearance and said: I am a poor man, my means of travel have been cut off, and I have no way to reach my destination today except through Allah and then through you. I ask you, by the One who gave you the good color, good skin, and wealth, for a camel to carry me on my journey. The man said: I have many obligations. The angel said: I think I know you — were you not the leper whom people found repulsive, the poor man whom Allah gave wealth? He said: I inherited this wealth from my forefathers. The angel said: If you are lying, may Allah return you to what you were. Then the angel went to the bald man and said the same thing. He responded similarly. The angel said: If you are lying, may Allah return you to what you were. Then the angel went to the blind man and said: I am a poor man and a wayfarer, my means of travel have been cut off. I ask you, by the One who restored your sight, for a sheep by which I can reach my destination. The man said: I was indeed blind and Allah restored my sight. Take whatever you wish and leave whatever you wish. By Allah, I will not make things difficult for you today regarding anything you take for the sake of Allah the Almighty. The angel said: Keep your wealth. You have only been tested. Allah is pleased with you and displeased with your two companions.'