The Story of the Black Stone
During the reconstruction of the Kaaba, a significant dispute arose among the Arab tribes. Each tribe sought the honor of placing the Black Stone in its rightful position within the Kaaba. This conflict persisted for four days, escalating to a point where fears of violence emerged. Consequently, the tribes agreed that the first person to enter the Kaaba would act as a mediator to resolve their disagreement.
Fortuitously, the first to enter was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Upon seeing him, the tribes declared, “This is the honest and trustworthy one among us. We accept his judgment.” The Prophet listened as they recounted their quarrel.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) suggested that they bring a cloth to him, which he spread on the ground, placing the Black Stone at its center. He then instructed representatives from each tribe to hold the corners of the cloth. Together, they lifted the stone and, upon reaching the Kaaba, he took the stone in his hands and positioned it.
This account highlights the profound respect the people held for the Prophet and their unwavering belief in his honesty. They regarded him as a model of integrity, seeking his guidance in times of need. The Prophet (peace be upon him) exemplified qualities such as truthfulness, wisdom, generosity, intelligence, beauty, trustworthiness, loyalty, and dignity—traits we should also strive to emulate. This narrative serves as an excellent illustration of the impact of honesty and the influence of a truthful individual during the time of the Prophet.
The Tale of Ali Al-Khawwas
In ancient times, a man named “Ali Al-Khawwas” became renowned for his integrity and honesty. His profession involved weaving palm fronds to create several essential items, including baskets, mats, and umbrellas.
One day, as Ali was working, a frightened and agitated man entered his workspace, visibly disturbed and trembling. The man pleaded with Ali, saying, “Hide me, hide me! There are men seeking to harm me!” Ali directed him, “Hide under the piles of palm fronds on the ground.” The man complied and concealed himself as instructed.
Shortly, three strong men burst into Ali’s establishment, panting from their chase, and inquired about the whereabouts of the man, providing a description. Ali calmly replied, “He is hiding under those palm fronds over there.” The men dismissed his response, suspecting him of mocking them, and left without further questioning.
Once they had gone, the man emerged from his hiding spot and anxiously asked Ali, “Why did you disclose my location to my pursuers? If they had caught me, I would have faced dire consequences.” Ali replied, “Be silent, for it is only honesty that has saved you.”
The Story of the Honesty that Led to the Thieves’ Repentance
Young Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani, renowned for his future piety, prepared to embark on a journey to continue his education. His mother entrusted him with forty-two dinars, urging him to promise her he would remain truthful throughout his travels. He assured her that he would uphold his promise.
While traveling, he encountered a group of thieves who questioned him about his money. “I possess forty-two dinars,” he answered truthfully. The thieves, doubting his honesty, took him to their leader, who repeated the question. Abdul Qadir maintained his stance, and the leader, astonished, inquired, “How can you be so truthful?”
Abdul Qadir replied, “I made a vow to my mother not to lie during my journey. I do not want to break that promise.” The leader pondered this, realizing that despite breaking their covenant with God, Abdul Qadir feared breaking his word to his mother. He commanded his men to return what they had stolen, resulting in the leader’s repentance.
The Story of Honesty as Salvation
Once, a mother entrusted her son, Nabil, with money and instructed him to purchase a liter of milk from the dairy vendor. She warned him not to play along the way to avoid dropping the milk jug. Nabil promised, “I will not play, mother,” and set off to complete his task.
On his way back, carrying the jug, he noticed a crowd gathered around a car and, intrigued, approached to see what was happening. Unfortunately, he stumbled and fell, causing the jug to break and the milk to spill. Nabil stood there, staring at the shattered jug and spilled milk, overwhelmed with guilt and sadness.
Just then, another boy approached and asked why he was crying. Nabil explained his predicament and expressed his fear of what his mother would say. The other boy suggested, “Just tell your mother that a man bumped into you, causing the jug to fall, and she won’t punish you.” Upon hearing this, Nabil was taken aback. “Do you want me to lie to my mother? I cannot lie to her. I will tell her the truth, no matter the consequence.” The other boy felt embarrassed and admired Nabil’s courage and honesty.
Returning home, Nabil bravely recounted everything to his mother without fabricating any details. She listened carefully, advising him to be more careful in the future and to always tell the truth, no matter the repercussions, for honesty is indeed salvation.