The First Theft

The First Theft

“Sir! My mother is very ill and is currently admitted to the hospital. Could I get some of my salary in advance?”

Ahmed Ali, the watchman, did not really expect any help from his employer, yet he asked, hoping for some mercy.

“Ugh, you people with your daily problems! Just two days ago, the gardener asked for his salary in advance. You all get your wages regularly every month. Don’t expect anything more from me,” said Chaudhry Karamat Khan in his usual harsh and miserly tone.

Everyone in the household knew how cruel and stingy he was. He would spend millions for his own family but never gave a single penny to the poor. He would insult the needy and dismiss their difficulties as lies.

Disheartened, Ahmed Ali returned to the gate for his duty. He saw the gardener cleaning the garden and went to him.

“What happened? Didn’t the master give you any money?”

“No, brother. I really needed it. My mother is in the hospital…”

“I also needed money badly. I had to pay my son’s school fees, and the roof of my house collapsed. Immediate repairs were needed.”

“Then what happened?” Ahmed asked.

“Nothing. The child was removed from school,” the gardener replied.

Ahmed Ali felt even more sorrow.

“What can we poor, helpless people do?” the gardener said despondently.

“Steal,” he said firmly, in a slow, deliberate voice.

“Steal…?” Ahmed was shocked.

“Yes. I’ve made up my mind. It’s your choice whether to join me or not. Tomorrow morning, Karamat Khan is leaving for another city for two days with his family.”

Ahmed’s heart began to race.

“Then…?”

“I’ll break the glass of the door and go inside. I’ll take four valuable things. Even ordinary items from their house will sell for thousands. I don’t do it out of greed—only out of necessity. You’ll be off duty at that time. If you don’t join me, just stay silent. But if you want to come, reach the back of the house before dawn tomorrow.”

After saying this, the gardener returned to his work, leaving Ahmed Ali’s mind numb with worry.

That night, after finishing his duty at the bungalow, Ahmed Ali went straight to the hospital where his ailing mother was in urgent need of medicine—and he had nothing in his pocket.

“Did the master give you any money?” his wife asked hopefully. Ahmed shook his head.

“They’ll definitely give it tomorrow,” he said confidently.

The next morning, the gardener arrived at the bungalow to carry out the plan. Seeing Ahmed Ali there, he was very surprised.

“Oh! You’re such an honest and loyal man. I didn’t expect you to come.”

“Only necessity tests loyalty,” Ahmed said with sadness. “So, what’s the plan?”

“First, we climb over the wall to get inside.”

“Okay,” Ahmed said, following him.

The door inside was made of strong glass, and the windows were secured, but the gardener had already unlocked one window the previous evening. They pushed it open and entered the house. The gardener brought a large cloth bag and began placing valuable lamps, showpieces, and other items inside.

Suddenly, the siren went off, and the police arrived. There was no time to escape, and Karamat Khan himself came with the police. Only the gardener was taken into custody.

“Thank you, Ahmed Ali!” Karamat Khan said, speaking gently to an employee for the first time in his life. “You have not only shown loyalty, but also earned my eternal gratitude.”

He handed Ahmed a large sum of money: “Here, this is a reward for your loyalty and your rightful share. Give some of this money to the gardener’s family. He is poor and needy, and it was my mistake not to help him when he asked. But still, stealing out of necessity is not justified. Deliver this money to him today. Keep some in custody to make him realize his mistake, then release him.

Two days later, the gardener was freed. He went straight to Karamat Khan’s house and apologized.

Karamat Khan forgave him but did not rehire him, as he was no longer fully trustworthy.

After this incident, Ahmed Ali noticed a complete change in Karamat Khan. He began taking care of all his employees’ needs, providing financial help, and treating the poor better. As a result, Allah blessed him with greater success in his business.