The Little Family The last hadith, and the only one Mahmoud heard kept ringing into his head. Mahmoud decided to confront his mother. ‘Mother, can I ask you something?’ he said walking up to where she sat making curry.’ ‘Yes, beta? ‘she asked smiling. ‘Well, uh, this is really weird but, if, grandpa stole something, and you knew, would you get him arrested?’ ‘Firstly,’ she said ‘your grandpa is an honest man and he would never steal. Secondly, if anyone did steal, they have to be punished by the shariah. A person was born innocent, it’s not a person who is a thief, it’s a person’s friend who make him what he is.’ Overnight, Mahmoud made his decision. The next day, with the chest, he made for the police station. His mothers words rang in his ears. He made his way into the inspector’s office. ‘Please sir,’ he said, stepping forward. ‘Yes, child?’ a man with fair skin, kind eyes and a firm mouth looked up to him. He looked kind and generous but, at the same time, he looked like the type of person who wouldn’t stand any thieves or criminals. ‘Well, sir,’ Mahmoud said, ‘Uhmmm...’ Mahmoud could not say anything further. He opened the chest and showed its containments to the inspector. His jaw dropped open as he gazed at the jewels. ‘The Grady Jewels! All here!’ he exclaimed. ‘This is marvellous! Where did you get them boy?’ He looked up to Mahmoud. His expression became stern but as he saw Mahmoud trembling, he asked him again, gently, ‘Where did you get them boy?’ ‘Oh sir, my father, his friends, I saw them dig it under my hut but please don’t punish my dad! It’s his friends who got him into this! He is innocent, they got him into drinking and stuff, day before yesterday, I heard a noise and I saw them digging this box!’ The police inspector looked into Mahmoud’s eyes. Only time will tell son. The inspector called for two constables and then he asked Mahmoud to lead them to his hut. On the way, he asked Mahmoud about his life and family. He seemed very touched when Mahmoud told him about himself. He ruffled his hair and smiled kindly at him. As they approached the hut, they heard a lot of cursing and swearing. The police officers rushed to find three men fighting. ‘Where is the box? We dug it right here!’ ‘How am I to know? I hadn’t even come here!’ ‘It wasn’t me; I’m not the sort to double cross!’ The inspector rushed in and screamed ‘Freeze!’ The three men froze on their tracks. ‘It’s the cops,’ one screamed. ‘Run for it!’ The three spread to run in any direction they could. The two constables caught two of the men and handcuffed them. The inspector appeared with a third. The inspector looked at Mahmoud gratefully. ‘I’ll see you in the evening.’ He disappeared with the three men. Mahmoud’s mother came home in the evening. She was very surprised to find the inspector sitting on the bed and talking to Mahmoud. She came inside the hut and greeted them. ‘Assalamualaikum.’ ‘Walaikumasalam.’ Was the reply. ‘What is this, Mahmoud? ‘ Mahmoud’s mother asked sounding worried. ‘Have you been in trouble?’ ‘No, madam. ’ interrupted the inspector. He proceeded to tell the whole story. When he reached the part where Mahmoud had found out his father was in alliance with thieves, she burst out crying. ‘I knew those men were no good,’ she said sobbing as Mahmoud consoled her. ‘They changed my hard working husband to a lazy good-for-nothing!’ ‘Calm down, madam!’ the inspector said. ‘Let me continue. Upon interviewing the men, your husband was told they were going to sell the jewels and buy wine which is why he agreed. He is an innocent man who fell in the hands of smugglers. He shall receive a small punishment, visit a rehabilitation centre and then he shall be himself. Meanwhile, the jeweller who received the jewels is offering you a reward. The police department shall also reward you generously for helping capture wanted smugglers. Now you may continue.’ He said, his eyes twinkling. And then what a to-do there was! Mahmoud hugged the inspector, his mother kept thanking Allah and praised him and the children were just crying. The End Moral- "O you who have faith! Take recourse in patience and prayer; indeed Allah is with the patient." (2:153) We face many hardships in life which might not be completely overcome if we do not have the power of resistance to confront them. Thus, the true believers, as is clear from the wordings of God that we recited to you, put their faith in two vital elements, namely, patience and prayer. God has promised to be always with those who maintain prayers and are patient. This very divine support is the greatest bastion of man against difficulties and hardships