The Secret Charity

The Secret Charity

Ali loved Ramadan. The bright lanterns hanging in the streets, the smell of fresh samosas in the kitchen, and the sound of the Adhan at Maghrib filled his heart with warmth. It was his favorite time of the year.

One evening, as Ali walked home from the masjid with his father after Taraweeh prayers, he noticed an old man sitting near the bakery. His clothes were worn, and his hands trembled as he held a small cup. Some people walked past without noticing him. A few kind ones dropped a coin or two, but no one really stopped to speak with him.

Ali watched as the man picked up a dry piece of bread from his lap and chewed it slowly. His heart ached. "What if he has no proper food for iftar?" he wondered.

At home, Ali couldn’t stop thinking about the man. His mother had prepared a delicious meal—hot soup, rice, and sweet dates. His family gathered around the table, thanking Allah before breaking their fast. But as Ali ate, he thought of the old man alone near the bakery.

That night, as he lay in bed, he made a decision. "I will help him," he whispered to himself. "But I won’t tell anyone. It will be my secret."

A Special Mission

The next day, just before iftar, Ali quietly took a small plate of food—some dates, a piece of bread, and a bottle of water. He carefully wrapped it in a bag and slipped out of the house.

He ran through the street, his heart beating fast. When he reached the bakery, the old man was sitting in the same spot, his head bowed. Ali placed the bag beside him and whispered, "For you, uncle. May Allah bless you." Then, before the man could turn around, he ran back home.

That evening, as he sat with his family at iftar, his heart felt full. He had done something good, and only Allah knew.

The next day, he did the same. And the day after that.

Each evening, he prepared a small meal—sometimes some soup, sometimes fruit or bread. Sometimes, he added a little extra from his own plate. He never said his name, never waited to be seen, and never told anyone what he was doing.

One night, as he placed a bag of food beside the man, he heard the old man whisper, "May Allah reward the kind soul who does this. Whoever you are, I pray for you every night."

Ali smiled but stayed silent. It was a secret between him and Allah.

The Test

One evening, just as he was about to leave the house with his usual meal, his mother called him.

"Ali, where are you going?" she asked, noticing the food in his hands.

Ali hesitated. He had never lied to his mother before. He lowered his eyes and mumbled, "Just... outside."

His mother raised an eyebrow. "Outside? With food? Tell me the truth, Ali."

Ali took a deep breath and finally told her everything. He expected her to be upset for sneaking out, but instead, she smiled, tears shining in her eyes.

"My dear son," she said softly, "you have been doing a beautiful thing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘The best charity is that which is given in secret.’ I am so proud of you."

Ali felt a wave of relief. His mother hugged him and whispered, "Let’s prepare something special for the man tonight."

That night, Ali and his mother packed a big meal together—warm soup, fresh bread, fruit, and sweets. But as always, Ali delivered it in secret.

The Blessing of Charity

On the last night of Ramadan, Ali walked to the bakery one last time. When he placed the food down, the old man looked up and smiled.

"This whole month, someone has been feeding me," he said with a tear in his eye. "May Allah bless them with endless happiness and Jannah."

Ali’s heart swelled. He felt something special—something no amount of money could buy. The joy of giving.

As he walked home, he whispered, "Ya Allah, let me always be able to help others, even when no one is watching."

And from that day on, Ali continued his secret acts of kindness—because he knew that the best charity is the one that only Allah sees.

Moral of the Story:

The best charity is done in secret, expecting no reward except from Allah.

Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Ramadan is a time to be generous and care for others.