The Honest Farmer and the Golden Apple

A Hardworking Man

In a quiet village surrounded by green hills and flowing rivers, there lived a humble farmer named Rahim. He was known for his honesty, kindness, and hard work.

Every morning before sunrise, Rahim would wake up, pray Fajr, and head to his fields. He plowed the land with his bare hands, planting seeds and tending to his crops with patience. Though he was poor, he never complained and always trusted Allah’s blessings.

After a long day at work, he was walking home one evening when he saw a strange tree near the village well that he had never seen before. And on one of its branches hung a single, glowing golden apple.

The Test of Honesty

Rahim’s eyes widened in amazement. He had never seen such a fruit before. Was this a miracle?

As he reached out to pluck it, a thought crossed his mind. “This tree is not mine. How can I take its fruit?”

Even though no one was around, he hesitated. He remembered the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

"A true believer is one who does not take what does not belong to him."

With a heavy heart, he stepped back and decided to find the owner of the land.

Looking for Permission Rahim walked from house to house, asking the villagers if they knew who owned the mysterious tree.

Finally, an old man pointed towards a grand mansion on the hill and said, “That land belongs to Malik, the wealthiest man in the region.”

Rahim nodded and made his way up the hill. He knocked on the large wooden door, and after a few moments, a servant led him inside.

Seated on a silk-covered couch was Malik, the rich landlord. He was dressed in the finest robes and surrounded by trays of food.

Rahim bowed respectfully. “O noble Malik, I seek your permission. I found a golden apple growing on your land. May I accept it?” Malik raised an eyebrow and laughed. “You climbed all the way here just to ask for a single apple?”

Rahim nodded. “I do not take what is not mine.”

His sincerity impressed the wealthy man. He stroked his beard and said, “Very well, I will allow you to take the apple—but on one condition.”

Rahim’s heart raced. “What condition, my lord?”

Malik smirked. “You must marry my daughter.”

An Unexpected Proposal

Rahim was stunned. Heir to his daughter? Why, then? Malik continued, "You see, my daughter is not like other women," recognizing his confusion. She's said to be blind. Some say she is mute. Others say she is deaf.”

Rahim hesitated. He was a poor farmer. How could he marry the daughter of a rich landlord? And if she was truly disabled, would he be able to take care of her?

He looked up and said, “If this is the price of honesty, then I accept.”

Malik clapped his hands. “Good. The wedding will take place tomorrow.”

The Wedding Night

The next evening, Rahim stood nervously in his small cottage as his bride was brought to him.

But when she lifted her veil, he gasped in shock.

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her eyes were clear, her lips gentle, and her face radiant with light.

Confused, Rahim stammered, “But… but your father said you were blind, deaf, and mute!”

His new wife smiled. “My father spoke the truth,” she said softly. “I am blind to falsehood, deaf to evil, and mute when it comes to speaking ill of others.”

With happiness, Rahim's heart swelled. He came to the realization that his honesty had not only brought him a golden apple but also a golden heart. The Blessings of Honesty

Rahim and his wife lived a life full of faith, love, and happiness. His honesty brought barakah (blessings) into his home, and soon, Allah rewarded him with wealth beyond his imagination.

Years later, people would still talk about the honest farmer who gave up a golden apple—but received a lifetime of blessings in return.

Moral of the Story:

Honesty always leads to unexpected rewards.

You won't be able to keep your hopes up if you put your faith in Allah. The true beauty of a person is not in how they look, but in their character.