When the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) migrated to Madeenah Munawwarah, many of them were not used to the water of Madeenah Munawwarah. However, one of the water sources from which the Muhaajireen (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were able to drink comfortably was a certain well which belonged to a Sahaabi from the tribe of Ghifaar. The name of the well was ‘Roomah’, and this Sahaabi would earn his livelihood by selling the water of this well.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) approached this Sahaabi and asked him, “Will you exchange this well (by giving it in the path of Allah Ta‘ala for the benefit of the Muslims) for a well in Jannah?” The Sahaabi replied, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! My dependents and I do not have any means of income besides this well.”

Hearing of what had transpired, ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) went to the Sahaabi who was the owner of the well and paid him thirty-five thousand dirhams (silver coins) for the well of Roomah.

‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter went to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and asked, “Will you promise me the same reward that you promised him? (i.e. If I acquire the well and give it in the path of Allah Ta‘ala for the benefit of the Muslims, will I also receive a well in Jannah?)” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Yes.” ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “I have given the well of Roomah in the path of Allah Ta‘ala.”
(Fat-hul Baari vol. 5, pg. 511)

Lessons:

1. We should always be on the lookout for opportunities to reap great rewards and earn Jannah. When ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard of the reward promised by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he immediately used his wealth to purchase the well and give it in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, thereby earning the reward promised by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

2. Bringing comfort to people who are in discomfort and difficulty is a means of earning great reward from Allah Ta‘ala. This can be done in numerous ways such as giving alms and charity, feeding, physically assisting those in need, etc.