There was once a maid who worked for a family of Sayyids (descendants of Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]). She was completely ignorant of the laws of Deen and was not even punctual on her salaah. As she grew older, the family took great care of her, feeling indebted to her for her years of service.
As her final moments drew close, she began to say something which no one could understand. Finally, a very learned and pious person, Shah Ahlullah (rahimahullah), was called and he realized that she was reciting the verse “laa takhaafee walaa tahzanee” (do not fear and do not grieve). He asked them to enquire from her the reason for saying this. After much difficulty she replied, “There is a group of angels present who are repeating these words.” He then asked them to enquire if she understood these words? She replied, “(I cannot understand the meaning, but) the only thing is that I can feel they are consoling me.”
Shah Ahlullah (rahimahullah) thereafter asked them to enquire, “On account of which action are you being consoled?” After some time she responded, “These angels are saying, ‘You do not have many good deeds to your name. However, on one summer’s day you bought some ghee (clarified butter) from a shop. When you came home and boiled it, a coin emerged. Initially you thought of secretly keeping it and using it for yourself as no one was aware of it. Then the thought came to your mind that ‘Allah Ta‘ala is watching’, because of which you returned it to the shopkeeper. Allah Ta‘ala loved this action of yours, and it is on account of this (deed) that we are giving you glad tidings.’”
(Jawaahir Paare vol. 1, pg. 156)
Lessons:
1. One of the demands of good character is that we treat our staff and domestic helpers with kindness and respect, especially if they served us for a long time. In this story, we see this teaching brought to life. The elderly maid, who had spent her life serving a noble family with loyalty, was not cast aside in her old age. Though she was no longer able to serve, the family continued to honour her, care for her, and accommodate her in their home with dignity. Unfortunately, many biological parents are not even given this treatment today.
2. When we remember that Allah Ta‘ala is watching us at all times, it inspires us to make choices that are honest and correct. This consciousness of Allah Ta‘ala, known as taqwa, is like a guiding light that illuminates our path and transforms our lives, earning Allah Ta‘ala’s pleasure and mercy in this world and the next.
3. Allah Ta‘ala declares in the Quraan Majeed that His close friends (awliyaa) who possess imaan and taqwa (consciousness of Allah Ta‘ala) will neither fear nor grieve, and they will receive glad tidings in both this world and the Hereafter. The commentators of the Quraan Majeed explain that the glad tidings in this world refer to the glad tidings conveyed to a believer at the time of death. (Tafseer Qurtubi vol. 11, pg. 17) This very scene unfolded for the maid as well – for before her demise, she too was honoured with these glad tidings.