The Orphan and the Golden Coins

A Lonely Boy in the Marketplace

In the ancient city of Cairo, a young orphan named Ammar lived on the streets. He had no family, no home, and no wealth—only his faith in Allah and his willingness to work hard.

Every day, Ammar helped merchants carry their goods, swept the mosque courtyard, and fetched water from the well. He earned just enough to buy a small loaf of bread, which he often shared with other hungry children.

Despite his struggles, he always smiled and said, “Allah will provide.”

A Mysterious Stranger

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, an old man in fine robes approached Ammar.

“Young boy,” the man said, “I have been watching you. You are kind and hardworking. Tell me, if Allah gave you great wealth, what would you do with it?”

Ammar thought for a moment and said, “I would feed the poor, build a home for orphans, and thank Allah for His blessings.”

The old man smiled and handed Ammar a small pouch. “Take this, but use it wisely.”

Ammar's eyes widened when he opened it because it contained gold coins! The Test of Wealth

For the first time in his life, Ammar had wealth. His heart raced with excitement. He could purchase anything! But as he walked through the marketplace, he heard whispers in his mind:

“Buy fine clothes! Eat the best food! Keep the gold for yourself!”

Then, he saw a starving mother and child sitting by the road. The boy’s stomach was sunken, his eyes filled with sorrow.

Ammar hesitated. He looked at the coins, then at the hungry child.

And without another thought, he handed them half of his gold.

“May Allah bless you,” the mother whispered, tears in her eyes.

A Greater Reward

Ammar continued walking. He passed by the mosque and remembered the old, broken water jugs used by travelers.

He took more gold and bought new jugs so every weary traveler could drink fresh water.

Then, he saw a group of orphans—just like him—shivering in the cold. He bought warm blankets and gave each child a coin.

By the time Ammar reached his small sleeping place under a tree, he had only one coin left.

He smiled and whispered, “I gave for the sake of Allah. He will provide.”

The True Treasure

The next morning, Ammar awoke to find the old man standing before him. However, the man now wore simple white robes and had a wise expression on his face. “Do you know who I am?” the old man asked.

Ammar shook his head.

“I am merely a servant of Allah, sent to test your heart,” the man said. “You were given wealth, but you did not hoard it. You gave with sincerity. The wealth of your soul is something more valuable than gold for that. The old man handed Ammar a sealed letter. “Go to the palace and give this to the Sultan.”

With trembling hands, Ammar did as he was told.

When the Sultan read the letter, his eyes widened in shock. He looked at Ammar and smiled.

“You are now under my protection,” the Sultan declared. “From this day forward, you shall never be poor again.”

And so, Ammar, the orphan who once had nothing, became a trusted advisor to the Sultan, known for his generosity and wisdom.

But even with his new wealth, he never stopped helping the poor.

For he had learned that true riches are not in gold, but in a heart that gives.