Is this a reliable incident?
At some point in his life, Sayyiduna Harithah ibn Nu’man (radiyallahu ‘anhu) lost his sight. After losing his sight, he placed a basket filled with dates and other similar items near his musallah and also had a string tied between his musallah and the door of his home.
When any beggar would knock on the door of Harithah (radiyallahu ‘anhu), he would take some dates from the basket and then use the string to find his way to the door of his home where the beggar awaited him. [In this manner, he would ensure that he personally gave the beggar something from his own hand]
When his family would see him [undertaking so much of difficulty to give the sadaqah to the beggar], they would pity him and say, “We will give the charity to the beggar on your behalf!” However, he would say, “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) mention, ‘Giving something to a beggar [with your own hand] will prevent an evil death’.”
Answer
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration with a weak chain.
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 3228, 3233. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 3 pg. 112)
Giving charity secretly with one’s own hand is indeed encouraged in the Hadith of Sahih Bukhari.
Charity in general [whether given with one’s own hands or any other means] will also prevent an evil death as mentioned in the following Hadith:
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Certainly charity increases one’s lifespan, prevents an evil death, and Allah removes through it pride and arrogance.”
See here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar