A GLASS OF MILK….

One day, a poor boy was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water.

The young lady thought he looked hungry; so she brought him a large glass of milk.

He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?”

“You don’t owe me anything!” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.”

He said…”Then I thank you from my heart.” As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God Almighty became stronger. He had been ready to give up and quit; but continued…

Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the city; where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.  Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.

Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life within his capacity. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval.

He looked at it, and then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.

Finally, she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.

She read these words…

“PAID IN FULL WITH ONE GLASS OF MILK,” signed Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of Joy filled her eyes; as her happy heart prayed:

“Thank you, O Almighty, Most Merciful of those who show Mercy, that You spread Your Kindness and Mercy through Human Hearts and Minds.”

Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, that whosoever gives in charity, even such a small thing as a date, Allah Ta’ala takes this charity, provided that it is from legitimate income; then Allah Ta’ala fosters this charity and increases it, even a date becomes equal to a mountain.  (BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Aqabah bin Amir (R.A.) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that if there is nothing to give in charity, say something good to the people and if this is also not possible, do not cause injury or harm to anyone. It will amount to charity. (BAZAR, IBN HABAN)