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"Those who ask" are picky...

Sorry, I haven't been here to post...life is just a little busy. Here's one I had to share. Let me know what you all think...

During Ramadan, the parts of the Qur'an that stuck with me the most relate to Allah (swt) telling us to give in charity. I thought about these ayats many times because, although I give, I tend to give to those who display the characteristics of what I consider needy, which was really based on appearance and nothing else. BUT, Allah (swt) tells us to give to "those who ask"...not those who ask and you think are worthy, but simply "to those who ask". Because of this, I have been more open to giving simply to "those who ask". There is a little compartment in my car where I keep spare change and single bills in case I come across anyone on the street who goes car to car in search of assistance. I keep the money there especially for this purpose because I don't want to have to go digging around in my purse and having someone just standing there waiting...I want to be prepared. So, I've practiced this since Ramadan and it has gone pretty well. So, this is where it gets interesting....

Today, I was riding in the car with my little cousins. As we approached a red light, I saw a woman who, from the looks of her, is in SERIOUS need of assistance and has her cup ready and waiting. So, like I've done many times before, I reach for my "giving compartment" and open it to get some money to place her cup. As I roll my window down and place my hand out, she looks at me and says something that sounds like, "I don't take money from mothers." So, I look at the boys and assume she thinks they are my children. As I turn back to her, I say, "No, they are my cousins, it's ok." Then, she mumbles the same sentence again. At this point, I'm a little baffled wondering why she thinks these kids are my children after I just told her they are my cousins. So, I ask, "What did you say?" Then, she CLEARLY states, "I don't take money from Muslims." At this point, I am all of slapped-to-shyt shocked, and all I can think is "WOW!" So, I'm thinking, "She didn't say what I think she just said" and I say, "Excuse me?" She says, "You are Muslim, aren't you?" So, I reply, "Yes." She states again, "I don't take money from Muslims." To which I heard myself reply, "Well, that's why we have it" (although I am a little disappointed in my response, but it was a reflex I couldn't catch...I'm working on it).

I am still shocked as I type this entry for you all. I guess I learned that no matter how much you are in need, for some beliefs, whatever they may be, take priority over starvation. I guess I can't be mad at her for sticking to whatever she believes, but wow...truly amazing.

posted by Madeehah @ 8:27 PM