TEST OF HONESTY
Several years ago an Imam moved to London, United Kingdom. He often took the bus from his home to the downtown area.
Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a twenty pence (a.k.a ‘tuppence’) too much change.
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 tuppence. 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_God_Allah (swt) and keep quiet.”
When his stop came, the Imam paused momentarily at the door, and 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 Imam 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 Imam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft, he had to grab the nearest light pole and held on for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried: “Oh Allah, I almost sold You and Islam for twenty pence!”
Brothers and Sisters
We may never see the impact our actions have on people. Sometimes we are the only Quran someone will read, or the only Islam someone will see. We can’t settle for our sins and think that since we have been defiled by our sins, we cannot be a model for the Islamic life. Quite the contrary. We are all on the same level, as human beings. We are all sinners and need forgiveness.
However, the big difference is that you and I are saved by our belief in Islam, while others may not have accepted that gift. Don’t emphasize all the differences that Muslims and Non-Muslims have.
Emphasize how alike we essentially are, with one major difference. Let Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala deal with the void in their hearts. All we must do is provide, Insha’Allah, an example for them to look to. Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching.
