Original Story: Mohamad Jefri Mohamed Fauzi (Senior Librarian, Digital Resource Management Division)

Adaptation: Nuraida Ibrahim (Senior Librarian, Digital Resource Management Division) and Nurul Ainie Mokhtar (Senior Librarian, Digital Resource Management Division)

Every morning, my daily routine involves getting my children ready for school and dropping them off at their babysitter’s house before heading to work to earn a living for my family. Once the children are taken care of, I continue my journey to the office.

Upon arriving at work, I noticed two missed calls on my phone screen. "Oh, it's a call from my child's babysitter. Maybe there’s something she needs to inform me about," I thought to myself. I immediately called back, but there was no answer. I then checked my phone for any messages. My guess was correct when I saw a text message from the babysitter, informing me that I had forgotten to bring my daughter's milk bottle.

I quickly rushed back home to retrieve the forgotten item and then returned to work. On the way, I noticed that my motorcycle’s fuel gauge was pointing to ‘E’, so I stopped at a nearby gas station to refuel. All the fuel pumps were occupied, so I parked behind a dark red Proton Persona. As I patiently waited for my turn, the car’s owner suddenly called out to me, “Hey, I still have some fuel balance left from my payment. You can use it to refuel your motorcycle.”

I smiled and replied, “Oh, wow! Thank you so much, sis. You really didn’t have to,” expressing my gratitude for her kindness in sharing her blessing that morning.

I could see the satisfaction on her face.

On my way back to work, I reflected on how many different ways we can give charity. The lesson from this story is that when we ease someone else's affairs, InsyaAllah, our affairs will also be made easier. Allah presents us with opportunities, and it is up to us to seize them or not.

Allah says:

"And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'" (Surah Al-Munafiqun, 10)

Charity can take many forms, whether in the form of money or food given to those in need. A hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah explains that giving charity does not decrease one's wealth. In fact, its deeper meaning suggests that charity increases blessings and sustenance.

Allah does not withhold sustenance from those who love to give charity. The more we give, the more Allah provides for us in return. Abu Dzar once recounted a time when he was walking with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

As they arrived at an open field in Madinah overlooking Mount Uhud, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Indeed, wealth is green and sweet. Whoever takes it with a generous heart will be blessed; but whoever takes it with greed will not be blessed. (If it is not blessed, then he) is like a person who eats but is never satisfied. The upper hand (giving) is better than the lower hand (receiving)." (Hadith narrated by Muslim)

Date of Input: 14/03/2025 | Updated: 14/03/2025 | amiruliqhmal