The Rich Man & the Gift

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

There lived in a town a very rich man, who was given every comfort and luxury by Allah (s.w.t.).  He had a servant who he felt was slightly foolish.  One day the rich man called him and presented him with a gift saying, “Keep this in a safe place until you find someone more foolish than yourself.  When you do, give it to him.” 

The servant replied, “Very good, Sir!” 

After sometime, the rich man became very ill.  Many doctors treated him but there was no sign of recovery.  He finally lost hope and called for his servant and said to him, “I am leaving now.  If I have caused you any grief, please forgive me.” 

The servant asked, “Sir, where are you going?” 

The rich man replied, “Where everyone has to go.” 

The servant asked again, “When will you return?” 

The rich man said, “I am going to a place from where there is no return.” 

The servant said, “I see.  Have you made your preparations for your comfort there?” 

The rich man said, “No.” 

The servant asked, “Have you made arrangements to safeguard yourself from heat and cold?” 

The rich man said, “No.” 

The servant queried, “What have you done about your food and drink?” 

The rich man answered, “Nothing.” 

Hearing this, the servant laughed and said, “Sir, this is most surprising.  In your temporary home, you have made all sorts of arrangements of joy and comfort; buildings and bungalows, gardens and parks, servants and maids, beautiful cars, shops and factories, and all sorts of luxuries, but for your permanent home, you have made no preparations whatsoever.  Now tell me, Sir, where will I find someone more foolish than you?  Hence, I am giving your gift back to you.”