The Lantern of Sincerity (short story)

The Lantern of Sincerity (short story)

In a small village nestled between the mountains, lived a humble merchant named Abdullah. Known for his honesty, he ran a small shop that catered to the villagers' needs. Abdullah's business was modest, but he always ensured that he measured fairly and spoke kindly, keeping the teachings of Islam close to his heart. One chilly evening, as the call to Maghrib prayer echoed through the valley, Abdullah was about to close his shop. A frail woman with a child approached him, shivering in the cold. "Please, Abdullah," she said, "I have no money, but my child hasn’t eaten for two days. Can you spare some bread?" Without hesitation, Abdullah handed her a loaf of bread and a jug of milk. "May Allah bless you and your child," he said gently. The woman thanked him tearfully and disappeared into the night. Later that night, Abdullah sat in his modest home, his lantern flickering as he reflected on the day. He felt a pang of worry—business had been slow, and his…