On a scorching summer day, Ali was assigned a task he had always despised. However, being an obedient child, he couldn’t refuse his parents’ request. Despite his reluctance due to the intense heat, he agreed to go to the neighbourhood grocery store and buy what he had been told.

“Here you go, bhaiyya,” Ali said after handing the change to the shopkeeper.

Exiting the shop, as he walked along a road, he noticed a group of poor kids collecting empty cans and bottles from the ground. Seeing this scene triggered deep feelings within Ali’s heart and he thought about the challenging circumstances these children faced due to their lack of resources. With a heavy heart, Ali continued walking home, feeling sympathy for the kids throughout his journey.

When he reached home, Ali hurried to the kitchen and asked his mother a question, “Ammi, who provides for the orphans?”

His mother replied, “We do.”

Ali didn’t understand and looked at his mum in confusion.

“Oh Ali, you’re too young to comprehend,” his mother comforted him. “Call your father for lunch and wash your hands.”

“Alright, Ammi,” Ali complied.

Later that night, before going to bed, Ali’s thoughts continued to revolve around those less fortunate children.

His mother entered his room to tuck him in. She said “Goodnight, Ali,” and planted a kiss on his forehead. Soon, Ali drifted into a deep slumber.

‘Where am I?’ Ali wondered as he found himself lying under an apple tree. Confusion clouded his mind as he observed his surroundings. At a distance, he spotted a bench occupied by an elderly man. Ali walked over to the man.

As Ali reached him, the man greeted him warmly, “Ali! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“For me?” Ali asked, puzzled.

“Yes, indeed, for you, Ali!”

Ali inquired, “But why?”

“Ali, I’m here to address your questions. Remember when you asked your mother about the source of support for those orphans?”

“Yes,” Ali responded.

“The answer is quite simple. The source is us — you, me and everyone around.”

Perplexed, Ali sought further clarification. “But how?”

“Ali, God has provided us with abundance and through us, He provides for them. But Ali, they also serve as a source for us,” the old man continued his explanation, leaving Ali astonished.

“For us? How?” Ali inquired.

“Ali, when we become a source of essential support for their lives, God grants them the ability to become a source that leads us to paradise,” the old man explained.

Ali absorbed the wisdom imparted to him, expressing gratitude, “It all makes sense now. Thank you, sir!” Rising from the bench, Ali suddenly felt light-headed and collapsed.

The next moment, as he opened his eyes, he found himself in his own room, lying on the bed. A smile adorned his face as he now possessed the answers he had sought.

The next morning, after having his breakfast, Ali took his pocket money and some snacks. He headed to the same spot where he had seen the children. Discovering the joy in charitable giving, he shared his pocket money and snacks with the same kids. This practice of helping others became a part of Ali’s routine, filling him with happiness and pride. His parents also felt a deep sense of pride in their compassionate and charitable child, Ali.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 4TH, 2023