Noble Thoughts

While leaving my office to return home, I suddenly remembered a promise I had made to my daughter, Gudiya. She had said, “Abu, please bring me a beautiful and strong school bag today when you come back from work. My bag is torn in many places.”

Remembering this promise, I immediately turned my car toward the market. I parked outside a shop and went inside. It was a large and well-maintained store. The shopkeeper showed me several attractive school bags, and one of them instantly caught my attention. After agreeing on the price, I asked him to pack it.

Just then, I heard a soft, innocent voice behind me.

“Mom, I want the same bag that this uncle has bought,” said a little girl, pointing toward me.

Hearing this, worry appeared on her mother’s face. She replied gently, “My child, that bag is very expensive.”

“But Mom, I want that one,” the girl insisted.

“Zoya, dear, look at this one instead. This is nice too,” her mother said, showing her a cheaper bag.

But Zoya was just a child. She did not understand inflation or financial limitations. She only knew what she wanted. Her mother looked helpless, unsure how to convince her daughter.

I had witnessed the entire scene, and honestly, my heart melted. Zoya was the same age as my daughter, Gudiya. I thought to myself: I will take a bag home for my daughter, but this child will return empty-handed only because her mother cannot afford it. She is also someone’s daughter.

Unfortunately, I did not have enough money at that moment to buy another similar bag. I was torn between thoughts, wondering how I could help. Suddenly, an idea came to my mind: why not give this bag to the little girl? By Allah’s grace, I am financially stable and can buy another bag later, but for her mother, this may not be possible.

With this intention, I approached them and greeted politely.

“Assalamu Alaikum, sister.”

“Wa Alaikum Assalam. Yes, brother?” she replied, surprised.

“I came to buy a school bag for my daughter. My daughter is about the same age as your Zoya. MashaAllah, she is very lovely,” I said, gently placing my hand on Zoya’s head.

Then I continued, “I heard your conversation, and I would like to gift the bag I bought for my daughter to Zoya. I can buy another one later.”

Zoya’s mother looked shocked. She said, “Brother, I truly appreciate your kindness, but this does not feel right. When Zoya’s father finds out, he may be upset. I cannot accept it.”

I replied respectfully, “Sister, I understand your concern. Please believe me, I am doing this only for Allah’s pleasure and my own happiness. Seeing Zoya smile will give me great joy. Kindly accept my request.”

After a pause, she agreed and said, “May Allah reward you for your kindness.”

I handed the bag to Zoya, whose face lit up with happiness.

“Thank you, uncle!” she said cheerfully.

When I reached home, Gudiya was waiting for me. Seeing nothing in my hands, her face fell.

“Abu, did you forget again? You didn’t bring my bag, did you?” she asked sadly.

I sat beside her and told her the entire story. My wife listened attentively as well. When I finished, both of their faces glowed with happiness.

“You did a wonderful deed,” my wife said.

“Yes, Abu,” Gudiya added proudly, “I am proud of you. You are kind not only to your own family but to others as well.”

Gudiya hugged me tightly. I felt peaceful, light-hearted, and content.

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