Summary of the Story According to Al-Huwaini

Context and Main Story

Sheikh Al-Huwaini narrates the story of a man from the Children of Israel, Abdullah, who was a pious worshipper, steadfast in his worship for seventy years, until an unexpected incident occurred. Once, when he went to the desert, he saw a beautiful woman, and his mind was impaired. He continued committing the sin with her for seven days, until the matter was exposed and the cover was lifted. At that point, he wandered aimlessly in the desert, overcome with shame and remorse. He never stopped repenting, walking, prostrating on the ground with every step, as if he were atoning for his sin with such kinetic prayer. He then became very tired from this prolonged suffering.

Meeting the Poor

While in this state, he came across a group of poor people—twelve in number—who were receiving twelve loaves of bread from a monk every day. He threw himself among them, and they thought he was one of them. After the distribution, the monk asked about his loaf of bread but found no share. A discussion ensued between them, and the man swore that he hadn't taken it, even though he hadn't counted the heads. The monk heard what had happened and realized that this man was the owner of the loaf he took every day. He gave him the last loaf, and then he died that night.

The Meaning and Lesson

Scholars of the heart weighed the seven days of deeds—despite the exposure of the sin—against the seven nights of repentance—and the day of the loaf of bread—and the scales tipped in the sight of God toward the simple loaf of bread. Therefore, it is reported that Abu Musa al-Ash'ari said, "My son, remember the owner of the loaf of bread." The lesson is that a believer should not underestimate even the smallest good deed. Simple deeds performed sincerely to draw closer to God can be far more valuable than deeds performed without actual submission.