The Price of Imaan

Recently we have found a good story “The Price of Imaan” in internet. It is not new one and you could read it before in other blogs or forums. Nevertheless, I like it much and I want to share it. This story is about a situation which each of us could face every day and I am sure that the rest of people faced it. It is addressed to all Muslims as it reveals how a Muslim should behave and protect his imaan (faith).

The Price of Imaan

Several years ago an imaam moved to London. He often took the bus from his home to the downtown area. Some week after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him twenty pence more than required. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You better give the twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it.”

Then he thought, “Oh forget it, it's only twenty pence. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah and keep quiet.”

When his stop came, the Imaam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty pence back to the driver and said: "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver with a smile replied: "Aren't you the new Imaam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change."

When the Imaam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft. He had to grab the nearest light pole and held for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried: "Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"

Remember, we may never see the impact our actions have on people. Sometimes we are the only knowledge of Quran someone will read, or the only Islam a non-Muslim will see. What we need to provide, inshaAllah is an example for others to see. Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching your actions and judging you as a Muslim.