During the era of Hafez al-Assad, a renowned businessman from Damascus embarked on a late-night stroll through the city’s streets. Despite the pleasant weather, his thoughts weighed heavily upon him. He was suffering from a terminal illness with only a short time left, perhaps a week or ten days. Despite his worldly comforts, he felt utterly powerless, as if everything was coming to an end prematurely. The doctors had given their prognosis – an impending end to his life. Amidst his contemplation, he found himself on a dimly lit bridge. Across the street, a woman engaged in a conversation with a man. The woman, around thirty years old, appeared desperate, while the man seemed indifferent to her plea. As he listened, his pace slowed down, and her voice gradually reached his ears.
She beseeched the man, “For the sake of God, I need the money desperately. My children are hungry. I am willing to do whatever it takes.” The man, dismissive and callous, offered her a paltry sum, asserting that she was worth even less than that. With a shrug of his shoulders, he walked away, leaving the woman standing in regret.
He continued to walk towards her until he was near. Offering a friendly smile, he approached her with meaningful eyes, asking, “Is everything alright?”
Taken aback and uncertain, the woman looked at him hopefully. With a gentle voice, he said, “I overheard your conversation. Can you share your problem with me, sister?”
Initially defensive, she retorted, “I am not the kind of woman who discusses her matters with strangers on the road.”
Sympathetic, he assured her, “Allah knows what lies in hearts. Tell me, what troubles you?”
She revealed her plight – a widow with young children struggling to make ends meet. Her husband had passed away a year ago, and initial support from neighbors and relatives had waned. She was left without even basic necessities, and her landlord’s patience was wearing thin. Eviction loomed if she couldn’t pay the rent by tomorrow evening. She had run out of options.
As she shared her story, her voice trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. He felt a pang in his heart. Gently, he offered, “It’s alright, sister. Don’t worry.” Lost in thought, he realized he had little money on him due to his preoccupation. “Keep this for now,” he said, putting whatever money he had in her hand. “Give me your address. Don’t worry, things will get better, Insha’Allah.”
The woman looked at him with uncertainty, torn between trust and skepticism. He reassured her once again and she reluctantly shared her address. With those details in hand, he turned and walked away.
Back home, he gathered a substantial sum and arranged for a van. Loading it with essential provisions from a 24-hour store, he made his way to the woman’s address. He delivered the groceries and handed her the rest of the money. Promising to speak to her landlord in the morning and ensure the rent issue was resolved, he assured her of continued support.
As he left, he heard her voice trailing behind him, expressing gratitude and uncertainty. The image of her tearful eyes lingered as he disappeared from view.
His demeanor had changed, happiness now radiating from his face. Just hours ago, he had been in a completely different state. He sat down to write, noting the woman’s address and drafting a will. He pledged to provide monthly financial assistance for her and her family’s needs beyond reasonable expenses. Placing the note in an envelope, he tucked it into his wallet, feeling prepared for his final journey.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The generous contributions continued without fail for a year, then five, then ten. And after twenty years of silent charity, he passed away in the early hours of the morning while engaged in Tahajjud prayers.
The story, however, does not conclude here. After his passing, his family discovered the envelope, which held his handwritten note and instructions for sustained charity. The woman had received these funds for two decades, and upon reading the letter, they found that the payment had been seven days late – a reflection of his meticulous commitment to helping others.
Upon delivering the delayed payment, the woman, now over fifty, conveyed her gratitude. Her eldest son had recently found employment, and seven days earlier, he had received his first salary.
Touched by her words, the family realized the profound impact their father had made. The woman’s statement echoed in their minds: “Seven days ago, my son got his first salary.”
The saying of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) held true: “Secret charity quenches the wrath of the Lord.” The businessman’s silent generosity had left an enduring legacy, touching lives beyond his own.