Good Deeds Are Never Wasted

Centuries ago, in the vast lands of India, there was a powerful Maharaja who ruled over many territories. This king was known far and wide for his cruelty. He often acted on whims and would have his ministers executed for the smallest mistakes or disagreements. Fear gripped the hearts of everyone in his court. However, among the ministers, there was one who stood out—not for his power or cunning, but for his wisdom, fairness, and compassion. This minister treated the people with kindness, helped the needy, and always acted justly.

One day, the minister needed to cross a river to attend to some official matters. When he reached the riverbank, he saw a ferryman waiting with a newly crafted boat, ready to help him cross safely. As the minister sailed across, he noticed the king’s men lurking nearby, intending to seize the boat for themselves. Understanding the danger, the minister acted quickly and protected the boat, ensuring that it reached the other side safely. The ferryman, grateful for the minister’s help in safeguarding the boat, thanked him and went on his way.

Time passed, but not all was peaceful. Rumors began to spread against the minister in the king’s court. People whispered false stories, hoping to earn favor with the cruel ruler. The king, ever alert for an excuse to punish his ministers, remembered this minister’s earlier defiance and kindness toward others. He now sought revenge, but he wanted to make it appear as if it were a challenge, not punishment.

Years before, another king had gifted this Maharaja a white elephant. The elephant, once a tiny calf, had grown into a majestic adult. One day, the king, accompanied by his ministers and courtiers, went to see the elephant. Everyone marveled at its grandeur and beauty. Seizing this opportunity, the king confronted his minister with a daunting challenge.

“Tell me the exact weight of this elephant,” the king commanded. “If you fail, you will be executed. You have ten days to find the answer.”

The minister was deeply troubled. He tried to imagine how one could possibly weigh such a massive creature. He consulted books, scribbled ideas, and even considered asking other experts, but nothing seemed practical. Despair filled his mind as the days passed. On the eighth day, he walked to the river to clear his thoughts, sitting quietly and pondering the impossible task

As he sat by the water, lost in thought, he saw the ferryman from before approaching. Bowing respectfully, the ferryman greeted the minister. “You seem troubled, sir. What has caused you such worry?”

The minister sighed and explained the situation. “The king has given me a challenge that seems impossible. I must determine the exact weight of his enormous white elephant—or lose my life.”

The ferryman smiled gently. “Do not worry. This is a simple task. Tomorrow, bring the elephant to the river and place it in a boat. Mark the water level reached by the boat. Then remove the elephant and start placing stones in the boat until the water reaches the same mark. Finally, weigh all the stones together. That will be the elephant’s weight.”

The minister’s eyes widened with relief and understanding. The next day, he followed the ferryman’s instructions. The elephant was placed carefully in the boat, the water level marked, and then replaced with stones. Once the stones matched the water level, they were weighed, revealing the elephant’s exact weight. The minister presented the result to the king, who was astonished and delighted by the clever solution.

Through this act, the minister not only saved his life but also demonstrated that kindness and intelligence together can overcome even the greatest challenges. The good deed he had done for the ferryman was repaid in a crucial moment, proving that good deeds never go to waste.

Moral: Acts of kindness, no matter how small, always return to us in ways we might never expect. The minister helped the ferryman, and in return, the ferryman’s guidance saved his life. May Allah grant us the wisdom and courage to perform good deeds, and may we always remember that no act of kindness is ever lost. Amen.