Abdul Rahman had two sons, Zaid and Bishr; both brothers were good friends as well. They ate together, played together, went out together, they supported each other in all aspects. Zaid was very obedient, respecting his parents, obeying his elders, honest in his efforts, keeping himself away from all evil and unwanted practices. As far as Bishr was concerned, he was totally different from his brother Zaid; he was rude towards his parents, disrespectful to his elders, and quarrelsome with his friends. Zaid advised his brother several times; he used to pray regularly for his brother Bishr, but Bishr continued to be the same. Zaid never lost hope in Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ ala and whenever he found the opportunity, he utilised it to make his brother understand regarding his maligned character, but Bishr still stuck to his earlier habits. The years passed. Both completed their studies. Both were now young and facing the real phase of life.
Zaid was a good entrepreneur, earning lots of money, serving mankind, spending his time in uplifting society but Bishr faced recurrent losses in his business. He invested several times but faced a severe loss, every time.
Finally he applied for a job in a company. After much hesitation, they appointed Bishr as a clerk in the company. It was a do or die situation, and he accepted it. Six months had not passed before he lost the job again. Finally Bishr, filled with distress, came to his pious brother, Zaid and presented the story of his struggles before him. With great humility and gratitude, Zaid asked him to refrain from all evil practices and to seek forgiveness from his parents and all those whom he had hurt. Then he recalled the Quranic verse:
وَمَنۡ اَعۡرَضَ عَنۡ ذِكۡرِىۡ فَاِنَّ لَـهٗ مَعِيۡشَةً ضَنۡكًا
” And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed [i. e. difficult] life ••”
Now Bishr realised his faults and sought forgiveness for the sins he had committed and took an oath to be a dutiful, obedient slave of Allah. A couple of months passed; Allah blessed him with the bounty of this world as well as peace of mind. Zaid, looking at his brother Bishr, remembered the verse :
لَا تَقۡنَطُوۡا مِنۡ رَّحۡمَةِ اللّٰهِ
“Do not despair of the mercy o Allah.”
Then he expressed gratitude to Allah for guiding his brother towards righteousness
Moral:
1. Evil deeds lead to distress.
2. Never degrade your brother who commits sins; rather, pray for him.