The Imam and the Bus Driver

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 ('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 a 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 Allah (swt) and keep quiet." When his stop came,
the Imam 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 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 Islam for twenty pence!"


Brothers and Sisters: We may never see the impact our actions have on
people. Sometimes we are the only knowledge of Qu'ran 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 Islamic
life.Quite the contrary. We are all on the same level in one aspect, as
human beings. We are ALL sinners and need forgiveness.


However, the big difference is that one is saved by belief, that belief of
the UNSEEN; that belief that Almighty Allah is watching one. This code of
conduct which teaches one morals, etiquettes and values so that we as Human
Beings may respect and honour one another.


Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching.
But, Remember Allah Ta'ala is watching.
MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY HELP US IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE, Ameen.