A tyrant ruler once left his castle to walk round the streets of his realm in order to enjoy himself. As he was walking, he came across a number of gardens and decided to enter one of them. After spending a short while looking at the gardens beautiful trees, he became thirsty, and so he asked the owner of the garden, who was standing nearby. for a drink.
The owner told him that though there was no water nearby the ruler was free to take a pomegranate and quench his thirst by eating it. The ruler agreed and when he took his first bite from the pomegranate that was given to him. he was amazed to see how wonderfully, and almost unnaturally, sweet it was.
He- said to himself: This pomegranate is indeed wonderful. He decided to evict the owner and take possession of the garden. But first he wanted to make sure the entire pomegranate of the garden was equally wonderful and sweet, and so he asked for another one.
When he began to eat the second pomegranate, he was shocked to see that it was very bitter and foul tasting. He asked the owner if it was from same tree as the first pomegranate. Yes, said the owner. Then how come it is not as sweet as the first? Inquired the ruler. `O leader ,perhaps you intend to do some evil, which caused is taste to change, said the righteous garden owner.
By Allaah, the man has spoken the truth, thought the ruler. After repenting from his intention to usurp the garden, the ruler decided he wanted to enjoy. another pomegranate, and so he asked for one. When he tasted it, he was amazed to see that it was even sweeter than the first one he had eaten.
What is more, it was from the very same tree. For the one who repents, life is always sweet and wonderful. Allaah says, "And [commanding you]: Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace [i.e., the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically, and with his wealth, and even with good words]" [Q 11 :3]
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited