I saw this woman engaging in some activities and proceeded to ask if she does tasks for people in the Estate and she replied in the affirmative. I then asked her to check in our apartment when she is done as I might have some tasks for her. She informed me that what she was on could be her last task for the day as she would have to be in the Church by 2 PM. However, if she gets done earlier, she would check in to which I consented.
Some minutes later, the said woman showed up in a Hijab to my dismay. Let me paint what our conversation looked like…
Me: You are the one I saw outside, right?
She: Yes, sir.
Me: Erhm, but you didn’t have the Hijab on, right?
She: No, I didn’t. I took it off because I was working.
Me: Ah, interesting. Did you also tell me you would be going to the Church? By 2 PM to be precise.
She: Yes, I did.
Me: Nice! Nice! I would suppose that you are Catholic, am I wrong?
She: I am a Muslim, sir.
Me: Hmmm… Sorry, but what are you going to the Church for?
She: They are sharing rice and they asked us to come for it.
Me: Oh! I see…
She: (cuts in) And I am not the only one o. There are others who also wear the Hijab there too.
Me: Hmmm… So, you go there with your Hijab?
She: No, I leave it at home.
Me: AH!
She: Is that one not better?
Me: Hmmm, I just think the Hijab shouldn’t be worn and removed at will. So, you are going there for rice?
She: Yes
Me: Will you dance, sing and clap?
She: (Silence)
Me: I know things may not be easy but think twice before trading your hereafter for rice.
She: Thank you, sir. The time has gone. I will come tomorrow.
Me: Okay.
The next day, she didn’t show up as promised, so I decided to call.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
She: Hello sir
Me: Hello Ma. Do you still intend to come to today?
She: (groaning) No sir. I am down.
Me: Awwh, okay. You later went to the Church?
She: Yes, sir. That is why I am down. Despite our dancing aggressively, they still didn’t share anything. I have body pains from dancing and clapping.
Me: Eeyah, sorry o. Just know that your provision is with Allah and none can help you except by His mercy. I pray Allah eases your affairs.
She: Aameen. Thanks, sir.
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اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّـي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الفَقْرِ، وَالقِلَّةِ، وَالذِّلَّةِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أَظْلِمَ، أَوْ أُظْلَمَ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from poverty”, lack and humiliation. And I seek refuge in You lest I cause or suffer wrong.”
Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman
English 
