The Illusion of Gain: A Parable of Fate by Abdul Wahab Bin Abdul Malik

In life, the measure of fortune is rarely what it appears on the surface. We often judge a day as blessed when our pockets become heavier, and we lament when misfortune strikes our bodies. Yet, the human eye sees only the immediate veil of circumstance, while the Divine orchestrates destinies far beyond mortal comprehension. This profound truth is captured in a touching moral tale shared by Pak Cu, formally known as Abdul Wahab Bin Abdul Malik, offering timeless wisdom on intention, patience, and divine decree.

Two Companions on the Path

Once, in a quiet neighborhood, lived two inseparable companions. They were bonded by faith, companionship, and routine. Every single day, through warmth and rain, they walked shoulder to shoulder toward the local mosque for their daily prayers. Their friendship was rooted in devotion, and their footsteps were measured by the call of the muezzin.

One afternoon, the friends set out early from their homes—nearly half an hour before the call to prayer (the adhan). Walking unhurriedly along the dusty road, they noticed an unusual commotion in the town square. A street magician was performing lively tricks, drawing gasps of wonder and laughter from the gathering crowd. The entertainment was harmless, colorful, and engaging.

The first companion, let us call him B, paused in his tracks. His eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Look at that,” he said, nudging his friend. “There is still plenty of time before the prayer starts. Let us watch the performance for a few moments. It is innocent fun.”

Companion A, however, kept his gaze fixed toward the minarets in the distance. While he saw no sin in the performance, his heart was set firmly on arriving at the house of worship early, seeking solace in quiet contemplation before the rows filled. “You go ahead and enjoy the show,” A said with a gentle smile. “I will head straight to the mosque. We shall meet inside once the prayer begins.”

The Bag of Money and the Slippery Stone

Friend B stayed behind, thoroughly immersed in the magician’s craft. He laughed, applauded, and watched until the performer packed up his props and the crowd began to disperse. As the dust settled on the empty clearing, B’s eyes fell upon an abandoned satchel lying quietly in the grass. He opened it carefully and caught his breath: inside lay a crisp stack of cash, amounting to exactly RM1,000.

A surge of exhilaration washed over him. He thought to himself, “What incredible luck! I indulged in a pleasant distraction, gained a small fortune, and I still have time to reach the mosque for my prayers. Truly, fortune favors me today!”

Clutching the bag tightly under his arm, B hurried to the mosque with a triumphant stride. But upon entering the courtyard, he encountered a scene of distress. A circle of worshippers had gathered around the ablution area in deep concern. At the center of the crowd lay Friend A, bruised and shaken.

While preparing for worship, Friend A had slipped on the wet stone floor before making his ablution. His ankle was twisted, his side bruised, and the intense pain left him unable to stand in prayer. Friend B knelt beside his companion, looking between the envelope of cash in his hand and his suffering friend. He could not resist remarking: “My dear friend, you were in such haste to arrive early, yet look what has happened to you. You cannot even pray. Meanwhile, I stopped for worldly entertainment, found RM1,000, and arrived in good health. How strange life is.”

The Angel’s Revelation

After the prayers concluded, the two friends began their slow journey back home, with B supporting A’s limp. Along the quiet road, a divine messenger—an angel—appeared in human form to illuminate what the eyes of men had failed to perceive.

“Do not judge the decree of the Almighty by the coin in your pocket or the bruise upon your heel,” the messenger said, addressing both men.

Turning first to Friend A, who had suffered the fall, the angel explained the hidden mercy of his trial. “You believe you are unfortunate today, but in truth, you are the most blessed among men. In the heavenly registers, today was decreed as the day of your departure. Your soul was scheduled to be taken. Yet, because of your sincere intention, your honesty of heart, and your steadfast commitment to walk straight to your Lord, the Almighty extended your life. Your slip and your bruised body were the expiation that averted death itself.”

Then, the angel turned toward Friend B, whose smile had suddenly vanished. The RM1,000 in his hands felt impossibly heavy.

“And you,” continued the angel, “rejoice over RM1,000, yet you are the great loser today. Written in the Preserved Tablet (Lauh Mahfuz) was a decree that you were destined to receive RM100,000 through halal, honorable avenues today. But the moment you chose worldly distraction and delayed your duty, your impatient longing seized the lesser share. Allah never breaks His promise; you traded an abundance of divine sustenance for a momentary crumb.”

Timeless Lessons on Divine Provision and Sincerity

This evocative narrative, imparted by Pak Cu (Abdul Wahab Bin Abdul Malik), carries several vital principles for everyday living:

• Short-Term Gains vs. Divine Wisdom: Worldly success is not always an indicator of divine pleasure. Instant gratification often closes the door to far greater, lasting blessings.
• The Shield of Sincere Worship: Unseen trials and sudden misfortunes are frequently shields that turn away far greater catastrophes. What looks like an obstacle may very well be salvation in disguise.
• Contentment with Allah’s Timing: Sustenance (rizq) is preordained, but our choices dictate whether we receive it with purity and abundance, or whether we compromise our higher calling for immediate spoils.

As Abdul Wahab Bin Abdul Malik reminds us through this story, we must look beyond our fleeting circumstances. When hardship touches us on the righteous path, let us be patient; and when fortune smiles upon us during moments of neglect, let us examine our hearts with humility rather than pride.