In the quiet solitude of his humble abode, an earnest man devoted his life to worship, detached from the worldly affairs of the bustling town. The revered Hazrat Syedna Abu Bakr (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) once shared a profound tale when the time of Hazrat Syedna Abu Musa’s (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) demise drew near. He called his sons to him and said, “I shall narrate to you the story of the ‘Sahib al-Raghayb,’ the one who provides bread. Keep this story forever etched in your memory.”
The Pious Hermit
For seventy long years, an ascetic lived in seclusion, dedicating his life to worship within the confines of his modest hermitage. During this period, he never once abandoned his devotion nor stepped out of his sanctuary. However, one fateful day, he emerged from his retreat, only to fall victim to the wiles of Satan. Ensnared by temptation, he spent seven days and seven nights in the company of a sinful woman.
A Change of Heart
Upon realizing the gravity of his sins, the hermit repented sincerely, seeking forgiveness from the Almighty. Overwhelmed by remorse, he left the company of the sinful woman and set off on a new path. He was now a man burdened by his past, repenting and seeking redemption.
The Encounter with the Needy
One night, he arrived at a place where twelve destitute souls resided. Exhausted and hungry, he found himself in close proximity to these needy individuals. His weariness was palpable, and he yearned for sustenance.
The Generous Ascetic
A devout monk, who was accustomed to providing each of the twelve beggars with a piece of bread daily, happened to return from his errands. As he began distributing the bread, he noticed the ascetic in distress. Moved by compassion, he extended a loaf of bread to the ascetic as well, considering him one of the needy.
An Unexpected Gesture
One of the beggars, however, received no bread that day. Perplexed, he questioned the generous monk, “Why did I not receive my portion today?” The monk replied, “I have already distributed twelve loaves of bread, one to each of you.” Hearing this, the ascetic approached the beggar and said, “Perhaps you wish to have another. Go ahead, for after today, you shall receive no more.”
A Humbling Act of Charity
The ascetic’s unexpected act of generosity humbled the beggar, who accepted the bread gratefully. The ascetic, on the other hand, went hungry that night. His deed, performed in the presence of the Almighty, was accepted, and his repentance was granted. The seventy years of worship and the seven days of sin were weighed against the single act of charity, and the scales tipped in his favor.
The Message of Compassion
This story illustrates the profound message that humanity is the vessel of Allah’s divine love. He delights in those who show kindness to His creations, for when you touch someone’s heart, you draw closer to the Divine. Remember that your acts of benevolence and compassion can speak louder than any prayer or devotion.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, as you embark on your journey of faith and devotion, do not forget the power of human kindness and charity. Let your prayers and acts of goodwill be a testament to your reverence for Allah and your love for humanity. After all, Allah is pleased not only with our worship but also with the compassion we extend to our fellow beings.