A Tale of Generosity in Times Gone By

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Source: Prayer in the Mosque by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1871, via The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

In the days of old, there lived a man named Abu ‘Amr Ibn Najid, whose heart was filled with kindness and compassion. He bore witness to an act of humility and need, one that would leave a lasting impression on his own life.

It was during a gathering in the mosque when Abu ‘Uthman Al-Maghribi, a respected figure in the community, ascended the pulpit. With a heavy heart and a quiver in his voice, he confessed, “I am indebted for one-thousand dinars, and that makes me live in distress.” These were not words of self-pity but an honest reflection of his situation.

Touched by Abu ‘Uthman’s predicament, Abu ‘Amr decided to take action. He waited until the night had fallen, and in the cover of darkness, he visited Abu ‘Uthman’s home. There, he presented him with one-thousand dinars, sufficient to settle the debt that had weighed so heavily on the worthy man’s shoulders.

Grateful beyond words, Abu ‘Uthman, in a subsequent sermon from the pulpit, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I thank Allah for the good deed of Abu ‘Amr, who eased my heart and paid my debt.” His words resonated through the mosque, touching the hearts of all who listened.

However, Abu ‘Amr, a man of humility and modesty, could not let the spotlight rest on him. He felt that his act of kindness was not intended for public praise. Rising from his place, he addressed the assembly, “O Shaykh, the money I gave you was my mother’s, who felt sorry for your situation. So if you wish to repay it, please do so.”

Later, under the cover of the night once more, Abu ‘Amr visited Abu ‘Uthman. In the quiet of that hour, he shared his concern, “Why have you made my deed public? I did not do it for the sake of people. So, please, keep the money and never mention me again.”

In times long past, these two souls, Abu ‘Amr and Abu ‘Uthman, exemplified the beauty of genuine compassion and selflessness. Their story reminds us that the most profound acts of kindness are often the ones done quietly, without the need for recognition.

This touching tale of generosity can be found in the book “Capture Thought” by Imam Ibn Jawzi, on page 767, where the wisdom of ages past is preserved for us to reflect upon and draw inspiration from.