The Merchant and the Lost Trust
The Merchant and the Lost Trust
In the bustling marketplace of Baghdad, during the golden age of Islam, there lived a merchant named Zayd. Known for his beautiful fabrics and honest dealings, Zayd had earned the respect of his community. Yet, one day, Allah tested his sincerity in a way he never imagined.
One afternoon, as Zayd prepared to close his shop, a traveler approached him, carrying a heavy pouch. “Brother,” the man said, “I am on my way to Hajj, and I fear carrying this gold on my journey. Will you keep it safe until I return?”
Zayd hesitated for a moment but then replied, “By Allah, I will keep your trust safe.” The traveler left, relieved, and Zayd placed the pouch deep within his storage chest.
Months passed, and life went on as usual. But then a severe drought struck the city. Trade slowed, and merchants began to struggle. Zayd, too, faced hardships; his savings dwindled, and hunger loomed over his family. One night, as his children cried from hunger, Zayd sat alone in his shop, staring at the pouch of gold. Shaytan whispered, “Take it. You can replace it later. Your family needs it now.”
Zayd’s heart trembled. He picked up the pouch, weighed it in his hands, and thought of his starving children. Tears rolled down his cheeks. At that moment, a verse from the Qur’an echoed in his mind:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:58)
Zayd placed the pouch back, locked the chest, and raised his hands in du’a, crying, “O Allah, I choose Your pleasure over my desires. Provide for me from where I do not expect.”
The next morning, as Zayd opened his shop with a heavy heart, a wealthy caravan arrived in Baghdad. Its leader sought fine fabrics for a royal wedding. He entered Zayd’s shop, admired the quality of his goods, and purchased everything at double the price. Zayd could not believe his eyes—his shop, once on the verge of collapse, was now filled with blessings.
Weeks later, the traveler returned from Hajj. His face was bright with the light of faith. He greeted Zayd warmly and asked for his pouch. Without hesitation, Zayd retrieved it and handed it over, untouched. The traveler smiled and said, “Zayd, do you know why I chose you? On the day I left, I saw you pray in the marketplace while others rushed for profit. I knew a man who bows to Allah will never betray a trust.”
Zayd’s eyes filled with tears. He replied humbly, “It was Allah who protected me from temptation and fulfilled His promise when I trusted Him.”
From that day forward, Zayd became a symbol of amanah (trustworthiness) in Baghdad. People would say, “If you want your trust safe, give it to Zayd.” His story spread far and wide, reminding everyone of the Prophet’s ﷺ words:
“Render the trust to the one who entrusted you, and do not betray the one who betrays you.” (Hadith – Abu Dawood)
And so, Zayd lived the rest of his life in honor, proving that those who fear Allah and uphold trust will never be losers in this world or the next.
