A villager requested Sadaqah from Hazrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu). Hazrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) said: “I take an oath by Allah! I don’t have any food left from last night’s meal.”
As he departed, the villager said: “I take an oath by Allah! On the Day of Qiyaamah Allah will question you about me.”
Hearing this comment, Hazrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) began to shed tears in profusion. He ordered that the villager be recalled. When he came back, Hazrat Ali instructed his servant to bring his (Hazrat Ali’s) armour.
He then presented the armour to the villager and said: “Don’t let anyone deceive you regarding its price. I have several times protected the Mubaarak face of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) with this armour.”
The servant said: “O Ameerul Mu’mineen! Twenty Dirhams will suffice for this villager.”
In other words, there is no need to give him the expensive and prized armour.
Hazrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) said: “O Qumbar! (This was the name of the slave) By Allah! I am not pleased to have any stock of worldly wealth which I do not spend in Sadaqah. I fear being questioned on the Day of Qiyaamah about this A’raabi (villager).”
(Source: Subulas-Salaam, page 51)