One day, Shaqeeq Balkhi (rahimahullah) and a few others were in the company of the great saint, Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah), when a labourer passed by.
Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah) recognised him and asked, “Is this not so-and-so?” When they confirmed that it was, he said to one of his companions, “Go after him and tell him that Ebrahim is asking you, ‘Why did you not make salaam?’”
The companion went after the man and conveyed the message. The man replied, “No, by Allah, my wife gave birth last night and I have nothing. I therefore came out in a state like that of a madman.”
The companion returned and told Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah) what had happened. Hearing this, Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah) exclaimed, “Innaa lillah! How could we have been so unmindful of our companion that such a situation has befallen him?”
Thereupon, he instructed one of his companions to go to the owner of an orchard and borrow two dinaars (gold coins) from him. He should then go to the marketplace, purchase with one gold coin everything that the man would need and give him the other gold coin.
The companion went to the marketplace and purchased a large quantity of provisions with one gold coin. He then proceeded to the man’s home and knocked on the door.
The man’s wife asked who was at the door. He told her that he was looking for her husband, but she informed him that he was not there. She told him to open the door and she stepped aside. He then brought everything he had purchased, placed it in the courtyard of the house and handed the woman the remaining gold coin.
She asked, “Who has sent this? May Allah have mercy on you.” He responded, “Convey salaam to your husband and tell him that this is from Ebrahim bin Ad-ham.” Hearing this, the woman made du‘aa, saying, “O Allah, do not forget this day for Ebrahim bin Ad-ham.”
The companion thereafter returned to Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah) and related everything that had happened, including the woman’s du‘aa.
Hearing what transpired and the du‘aa she made for him, Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah) was overcome with joy. Shaqeeq Balkhi (rahimahullah) says that he had never seen him so happy before.
Later that day, the labourer returned home with nothing. When he entered, he found the courtyard of his home filled with bread. His wife then handed the gold coin to him. He asked her, “Who has sent all of this?” She replied, “Your brother, Ebrahim bin Ad-ham.” Hearing this, the man made the same du‘aa: “O Allah, do not forget this day for Ebrahim.”
(Hilyatul Awliyaa vol. 6, pg. 229 and Taareekh Ibni ‘Asaakir vol. 6, pg. 310)
Lessons:
1. Bringing relief and ease to those facing difficulty is a simple means of earning great rewards from Allah Ta‘ala. Moreover, by assisting others, we attract the mercy, aid and assistance of Allah Ta‘ala even in this world. This assistance can take many forms, whether physical, financial or emotional. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever relieves a believer of a worldly burden, Allah Ta‘ala will relieve him of a burden from the burdens of the Day of Qiyaamah … Allah Ta‘ala helps His slave as long as that slave is engaged in helping his brother.” (Saheeh Muslim #6853)
2. Having genuine concern for the affairs and difficulties of fellow Muslims is an essential part of our responsibility towards the Ummah. The heart of a believer should be such that the pain and hardship of another Muslim does not leave him unconcerned. This concern should move us to assist those in difficulty, make du‘aa for those facing hardship and look for opportunities to bring relief to those in need. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever is not concerned about the affairs of the Muslims is not from among them.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaa-id #295) We should therefore strive to develop genuine concern for every believer, regardless of whether we know them personally or not.
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