For Allah's Cause

For Allah’s Cause

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

ا سَـــــــلاَمُ عَلَيــْــكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكـَـاتُه

There was a pious man named Reiichi among a society who always remained busy in the worship of Allah.

One day, a group of people came to him and told him that a tribe living on a nearby village worshipped a tree. The news upset him, and with an axe on his shoulder Reiichi went to cut down that tree.

On his way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going. He said he was going to cut a particular tree. Satan said, "You have nothing to be concerned with this tree, you better mind your worship and do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you."

"This is also worship," retorted Reiichi to the old man. Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree, and there followed a fight between the two, in which Reiichi overpowered the Satan.

Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when Reiichi released him, he again said, "Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you. You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If its cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Prophets."

However Reiichi definitely insisted on cutting down the tree. There was again a fight between the two and again Reiichi overpowered the Satan. "Well listen," said Satan, "I propose a settlement that will be to your advantage."

Finally Reiichi agreed, and Satan said, "You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you stay away from this act, I will pay you three gold coins every day. You will daily find them lying under your pillow. By this money you can fulfil your own needs, can oblige your relative, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things. Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree."

This proposal appears reasonable to Reiichi, thinking how much he could improve his life and also the others. In fact, the old man was right, if he cut down the tree, the tribe would simple find another tree to worship. Therefore Reiichi accepted the offer.

 He found the money on two successive days, but on the third day there was nothing under his pillow. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. Satan disguised as an old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going. "To cut the tree," shouted Reiichi. "I will not let you do it," said Satan.

Another fight took place between the two again but this time Satan had the upper hand and overpowered Reiichi. Reiichi was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the old man the cause of his success.

Satan replied, "At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me, but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold coins and therefore you lost."

And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).

And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things.

[Surah Al-Talq, Verse 2-3]