The Hidden Treasure of Kindness

A Young Orphan’s Struggle

In a quiet village near the great city of Samarkand, there lived a young orphan named Zayd. His parents had passed away when he was a child, leaving him with nothing but a small house and a heart full of dreams.

Zayd worked tirelessly in the marketplace, carrying goods for merchants in exchange for a few coins. Though his earnings were small, he always shared his food with those who had even less than him.

One day, while carrying a heavy load for an impatient merchant, he tripped and fell. The merchant scolded him harshly. “Foolish boy! If you cannot even carry a sack properly, how will you ever survive?”

Zayd bowed his head in shame but did not respond. He simply picked up the sack and continued working.

The Mysterious Old Man

Zayd was sitting by the mosque that evening when an elderly man with a long white beard approached him. The man stated, "Young one, I have been watching you." “You are kind, even when others are cruel to you. But tell me, don't you want a better life? Zayd sighed. “I wish for many things, but wishes do not fill an empty stomach.”

The old man smiled. “Then listen carefully. Outside this village, under the great fig tree by the river, lies a hidden treasure. It belongs to the one with the purest heart. Go and seek it.”

Zayd hesitated. “How do I know you speak the truth?”

The old man’s eyes twinkled. “You do not. But sometimes, faith is all we need.”

And with that, he walked away.

The Journey to the Fig Tree

The next morning, Zayd set out toward the river. After hours of walking, he finally found the great fig tree. It was ancient, its roots deep in the earth.

He began to dig after falling to his knees. Hours passed, and yet, he found nothing.

Zayd leaned against the tree, disappointed and filled with doubt. “Perhaps I was a fool to believe in such tales.”

Just then, he heard a soft cry. Turning around, he saw a small kitten stuck between two rocks. It struggled weakly, unable to free itself.

Zayd rushed forward without hesitation and gently carried the kitten to safety. He wrapped it in his shawl and gave it some of his water.

Something incredible transpired at that precise instant. The ground beneath the fig tree shifted, and a small wooden box appeared.

Zayd gasped as he opened it—inside was a pouch of gold coins and a letter.

The letter read:

“True wealth is found in kindness. You have proven your heart is pure. Use this wisely, and remember: what you give will always return to you.”

A New Beginning, A Thankful Heart Zayd returned to the village, not as a poor orphan, but as a man with purpose. He did not waste the gold on luxury. Instead, he built a small school for orphans, so no child would have to suffer as he did.

Years later, he became known as Zayd the Generous, a man whose kindness had brought him a treasure far greater than gold—the love and respect of his people.

Moral of the Story:

Kindness is the greatest treasure.

We will always receive what we give to others. Faith leads us to rewards we cannot yet see.