A Special Friend

During interval at school, all the girls would sit in a classroom and eat the lunch that their mothers had packed for them. Each day as Ayesha ate her lunch, she would notice Saadiyah sitting alone. Saadiyah did not bring lunch. While all the other girls were eating, Saadiyah would sit quietly or put her head down on the desk.

Ayesha began to wonder why Saadiyah never brought lunch to school. She noticed that Saadiyah was very thin, and that she did not have as much energy as the other girls. Her clothes and shoes also looked very old. She realised that Saadiyahs family probably did not have enough money for Saadiyah to bring lunch to school.

Ayesha had always been taught that Allah loves and rewards for some. One day she sat next to Saadiyah and asked, “Would you please help me eat my lunch?” Saadiyah was surprised. She was also very hungry, so she agreed. That was the first day that Ayesha and Saadiyah ate lunch together. Saadiyah remembered to thank Ayesha by saying “Jazakallah,” which means, “May Allah reward you.”

Thereafter, Ayesha would always share lunch with Saadiyah. They soon became very close friends. Saadiyah explained to Ayesha why she didn't bring lunch every day. She said “My parents do not have much money. That is why we can only eat in the morning and in the evening. We are making Dua to Allah everyday to make it easier for us. Insha Allah, our Duas will soon be answered.”

Ayesha like sharing her lunch with Saadiyah. Saadiyah, however, felt sad that she could not give Ayesha anything in return. She said Ayesha, “everyday, you share your lunch with me, but I can't share anything with you. I wish that there was something that I could do for you.”
Ayesha thought about it for a moment. Then she smiled. She said, “My mother always says that the best gift that you can give to a person is to make Dua for them. If you really want to do something for me, then you can make Dua for me.”

Saadiyah agreed that it was a good idea. After that, she began to make Dua for Ayesha everyday. Eventually, Saadiyahs parents could afford to give her lunch every day. Side and Ayesha like to share though. Now they had two lunches to share. Through sharing, Saadiyah and Ayesha remained close friends. Saadiyah has never forgotten how wonderful Ayesha was to her. She still continues to make Dua, for her special friend.