Nebras’ Pocket Money

By Humaira

Nebras is now 6 years old. His father had just started giving him pocket money. Children in his class used to get pocket money but when he asked for pocket money from his mother, She said,

“Go ask your father”. He went to his father and said, "Baba can I get some pocket money for school?"

Father asked ,"Why?”.

“Boys in my class bring pocket money.” said Nebras.

His father answered, "My son first you should learn how to subtract, add, and buy small things, then I will give you pocket money.”

“Ok”said Nebras. He was four years old then.

But today he is very happy and he felt like a grown up. Everything in his school was dull as it was yesterday but for him it was colorful and brighter than before. He had waited for so long for this day. All day long he waited for break time. When the bell rang he rushed to the canteen as fast as he could. He bought chips and juice for himself and his little sister.

Everyday after coming back from school he used to tell his mother what he bought that day. His mother was happy, as her son knew the price of almost everything that was sold there.

One day she said to her son, "Nebras you should save some money also.”

“Why mama?” He asked.

“Your father earns money with such hard work. Don`t you see how tired he is when he comes back from office and you never know amid this financial crisis when he will lose his job". Answered his mother.

“When will baba lose his job?” asked Nebras.

His mother smiled, "Oh my son only Allah Almighty knows best. After reading your holy Quran lesson, do pray for your baba.”

“OK mama I everyday pray for all of us.”

Nebras did spend some money and also saved some. His treasure box became heavier and heavier.

Until one day his mother asked, "Come on Nebras lets count your coins today”. Nebras was excited. He rushed to bring his treasure box and opened it. When they counted it was 500 rupees. “O my dear son you have a lot of money, you should give some charity soon.”

“Why mama?” asked Nebras.

His mother said, "Allah likes those who give charity.

Allah says,

"And the likeness of those who spend their substance seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, is as a garden high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not heavy rain, light moisture sufficeth it. Allah seeth well whatever ye do." (2:265)

“Ok mama” Nebras said.

“But how many rupees will you give?” asked mother.

Nebras thought for a while and then said, "I think hmmmmmm 100 rupees will be enough.”

His mother was happy on her son`s generosity. Do you know to whom you should give charity?” asked his mother.

“To some poor person.” answered Nebras.

“Yes you are right. Allah also tells us to whom we should give charity.

Allah Almighty says,

"(Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah's cause, are restricted (from travel) and cannot move about in the land, seeking (for trade or work): the ignorant man thinks because of their modesty that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their (unfailing) mark: they beg not importunately from all and sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it well." (2: 273)

“So we will not give charity to any professional beggar but to some one deserving as we are told in this verse. Right?” said mother.

“Right.” answered Nebras.

Now they had to find some one deserving. Days passed by and they could not find anyone. Then suddenly one day. As his mother opened the door, she saw a ten year old boy selling sweets in the street. Tired and worried he looked but he was not begging.

“Nebras , Nebras”. She called.

Nebras came running, "What? What?”

Mother, "Look at the boy over there"

“Yes the one who is wearing green dress!” said Nebras.

“Yes I think we should give him charity before it is too late. He seems deserving.”

“OK" said Nebras.

When the boy came near their house, mother bought Nebras some sweets and Nebras gave 100 rupees to the boy. Nebras was happy, his large dark brown eyes wide open filled with contentment that only comes after obeying Allah Almighty, MashaAllah. May Allah accept his charity and give him capacity to give more charity in years to come. Amen