A Simple Thing Today

Mohammad Omar Farooq

In life so many things to do
And, yes, so many things to say,
I know I can and I really wish
That I also do a simple thing today.

Let me help quench thirst of someone -
Be it a friend, a stranger, or even a dog,
Let me help carry someone
his burden: a box, a load or log.

Let me bring comfort to someone
Or be a helping hand, perchance,
From the road, if I come across,
Let me remove a thorny branch.

Let me speak a hopeful word
Or help someone find his way,
All the things that I do in a day,
O my Lord, let me do a simple thing today.

[8/11/99]

The above poem was written while reflecting on a Hadith such as the following:

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah relates that the Prophet (p) said: 'Charity is due from every part of a person's body. Every day on which the sun rises, doing justice between two persons is charity; to extend helping had to a person in riding his mount or put his luggage on it is charity; a pleasant word is charity; every step take to join in the Salat is charity; removing anything which causes harm from a path is charity. [Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Zakah, #2204]

It is importnat to recognize that in each of these cases mentioned above involves interacting with or touching other people's lives. The same is the case, except fasting, in the following Hadith.

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah reported: the Prophet (p) said: "Who has observed fast among you today"? Abu Bakr (r) replied: "It is I." "Who among you joined a funeral procession today?" Abu Bakr (r) replied: "It is I." He asked: "Who among you fed a poor person today?" Abu Bakr (r) replied: "It is I." He asked again: "Who among you visited a handicapped (or sick) person today?" Abu Bakr (r) replied: "It is I." Upon this the Messenger of Allah (p) said: "Anyone in whom (these good deeds) are combined will certainly enter Paradise." [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, #2242]