~Stories of the Pious ~

REPENTANCE

A person once heard a pious Muslim say that “For the last thirty years
I am repenting for a sin and I don’t know how Allah will deal with me regarding it?”
The listener asked: “What was your sin?”
The pious Muslim said: “I used to have a shop in the Bazaar. One day I heard that the
whole Bazaar was burning so I rushed to see my shop. When I reached there I saw that
except my shop all the shops were razed to the ground. I said ‘Al-Hamdo lillah’ (All praise to Allah);but immediately I realized my mistake. How can I call myself a Muslim when I couldn’t feel the lossof my neighbors? That is why I am repenting for that lapse on my part for the last thirty years.”


A BOY WITH STRONG BELIEF

Shaykh Fath al-Mowsily relates, once I saw a young boy walking through the jungle. It appeared asif he was uttering some words. I greeted him with Salaam and he replied accordingly. I inquired,“Where are you going?” He retorted, “To the house of Allah(Makkah).” I further asked, “What are you reciting?”“The Qur’an” he replied. I remarked, “You are at a tenderage, it is not an obligation that you are required to fulfill.”He said, “I have witnessed death approach people youngerthan me and therefore would like to prepare if death was toknock on my door.” I astoundingly commented, “Your steps are small and your destination far.” He responded, “My duty
is to take the step and it remains the responsibility of Allah to take me to my destination.” I continued to ask, “Where is your provision and conveyance (means of transport).”He replied, “My Yaqeen (belief) is my provision and my feet’s are my conveyance.” I explained, “I am asking you regarding bread and water.”
He replied! “Oh Shaykh if someone invited you to his house, would it be appropriate to take your own food?” I exclaimed, “No!” “Similarly, My Lord has invited His servant to His house, it is only the weakness of your Yaqeen that makes us carry provisions. Despite this, do you think Allah willlet me go to waste?” “Never” I replied. He then left. Sometime later I saw him in Makkah. He
approached me and inquired, “Oh Shaykh are you still of weak belief?”

Source: Stories of the Pious by Shaikh Ahmad Ali.