We wish you a happy new year, a year full of generosity…
A Turkish child has reminded us one of values that we lost – generosity. He had just 2 million Turkish Lira (almost $1.5), of which he donated half to the victims of the earthquake in Pakistan and bought stamp with the other half (to mail his donation). He is poor, does not have father and his mother is sick. Further, he will break his fast with some bread that he found in the garbage.
Below is his letter and its translation:
“I am the son of a poor family. I don’t have father, my mother is sick. We have two millions to buy bread. I am sending you 1 million of it because today I found bread in the garbage. Tonight we will break our fast with that, with this one million buy bread for the children in the earthquake areas. This money is "halal". I cannot send all of my money as I will be paying for the stamp (to send the letter) as well. I am sorry for that that.”
you can find his story here:
http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/NewsEventsDetail.aspx?NewsEventID=2636#
This story has also reminded one of the stories from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Abu Huraira reported that a person came to God’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: I am hard pressed by hunger. Prophet Muhammad had nothing but some water at home and he (the Holy Prophet) said: Allah would show mercy to him who will entertain this guest tonight. A person (he is said to be Abu Talha) stood up and said: Messenger of God, I (am ready to entertain). He took him to his house and said to his wife: Is there anything with you (to serve the guest)? She said: No, but a little for our children. He said: Distract their attention with something and let them sleep. When the guest enters, extinguish the lamp and give him the impression that we are eating. So they sat down and the guest had his meal. When it was morning he went to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) who said: God was well pleased with what you both did for your guest this night and He revealed the verse: "Those who prefer the needy to their own selves in spite of the fact that they are themselves in pressing need (Qur’an 59:9)"
Is there difference between the stories? THERE IS HOPE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE…
