A gem in Madinah

We just returned from our Umrah last week. It was a most enlightening trip for most of us and a to be expected unexciting one for my son Muhammad. He wonders why entertainment comes in the form of prayers for this trip but one can't blame him. At 6 years old, his mind dwells on kiddie stuff especially Star Wars and PS2 games.

After our first Subuh prayers in Madinah, my wife and I decided to walk around the city and browse through the fascinating changes this holy city has undergone. Most of the old shops and buildings have been demolished replaced by new apartment building and shops.

It was by chance that we came across this well lighted little shop. It was small enough to be missed but bright enough to be noticed, so we decided to walk in. And that was the start of a wonderful discovery of friendship.

The shop owner is a pleasent Turkish man named Abdullah bin Suleyman. He was happy to receive us in his shop as he said that we were one of the first few people visiting his shop on the first day of operations, after its new face lift. He offered us mint tea and conversation. So there we sat, not buying, just chatting away with Abdullah.

Funny enough, the shop's offerings did not attract me all that much initially but spending some time looking at the wares, I discovered that I could get most of my shopping done in just this one shop, at REAL bargain prices. We developed such a rapport that Abdullah even offered us his wares on credit if we wanted. Such faith and trust! Of course, we could not take up his offer but he genuinely trusted us.

He later introduced us to his son, Suleyman, who usually handles the shop in the later part of the morning till the shop closes at around midnight or so. Like his father, Suleyman is as pleasent but a little shy. However, he was cheeky. We warmed up to him quickly.

We ended up going to shop every day when we were in Madinah, maybe 2 or 3 times in a day. It was not to buy anything but more of spending time with the wonderful owner and his son. We were always offered mint tea on each visit. It was like visiting a home, rather than a shop.

We have to say though that everyone in the umrah group that we brought to the shop, ended up buying quite a number of items. And we have to admit, we bought something EACH time we visited. There was always something else in the shop that caught our eye and the price was usually much, much less than what one would pay elsewhere around Madinah.

When it came time to depart Madinah, my wife and I found it difficult to leave without shedding tears. Not only did the city exude a sense of peacefulness but it strengthtened my trust in humanity and the possible goodness that can be done by individuals. All it takes is faith and ABSOLUTE trust in Allah, the way is paved for you by the Almighty.