Do you consider yourself indebted to someone from whom you borrowed just one and a half taka? Borrowing is indeed a debt. But listen, O wise one, the concept of debt extends beyond monetary transactions. If you mistreat someone, speak harshly, or hurt their feelings—you create a debt. That debt can stand as an impenetrable wall at the gates of paradise. Until forgiveness is attained, the burden of that debt continues to grow. If your name becomes entangled in someone’s curse or sigh of sorrow, your good deeds may bear no fruit. Repay the debt in this world, or seek forgiveness. You cannot walk the path of peace and success while being indebted to others for your behavior. Dreams remain out of reach, and hopes go unfulfilled.
But tell me, if harsh words create a debt, wouldn’t kind words be considered charity? Of course, they would. Offering sincere advice or speaking with a smile is an unconditional act of giving. When you help someone, that favor returns to you as a gift in life. Even the smallest good deed earns an extraordinary reward. No good action goes unrewarded. Relieving someone’s distress, guiding someone to the right path, or simply holding an umbrella over someone’s head—there is no end to good deeds. Teaching someone to distinguish between right and wrong is also virtuous. Sometimes, just treating someone with kindness can make paradise obligatory for you. If you can earn someone’s heartfelt prayer, your future might change for the better. In this short life, countless doors to good deeds are open. Yet, people often show stinginess when it comes to competing in doing good.
The work we do, the way we earn our livelihood—every step can be transformed into Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity). Suppose a service-seeker approaches you with a problem that is beyond your office’s jurisdiction. Instead of dismissing them harshly, if you explain it kindly and see them off with a smile, you earn a reward. People seek nothing more than a little empathy from others. In their hunger for a bit of kindness, people chase after one another. Offering good advice, explaining things gently, or even expressing your limitations softly increases mutual respect. A smile is a medicine many underestimate. Even when we can do nothing else, let us never forget to offer a smile.
In a lifetime, not everyone gets the opportunity or means to do something grand for others. However, through good behavior, showing respect, and helping within your capacity, you can still win hearts. With power and authority, one can easily mistreat others, pressure them—but what is the gain? Does scolding someone without cause bring any reward, or only curses? Those who mistreat others often find their fate written with misfortune. The Creator hears the cries of the oppressed and stands with them. No matter how powerful an oppressor is, they will eventually face consequences. Those who hurt others and remain indebted to them emotionally—God does not settle that debt on their behalf.
When someone makes a mistake, it is better to correct them with gentle words. Cheating people or blocking their progress leads to inevitable consequences. Does being deceived hurt you? When it does, remember—perhaps the other person won, perhaps they are happy—but justice will return. Time does not pass without restoring balance. In this one life, do as much good as you can, speak as many kind words as possible, and gather as many prayers as you can from others. Let some people be indebted to you for your kindness. If you can make others indebted in this way, your life will be truly blessed. May our names never be written among those who cause pain to others—let this be our lifelong prayer.
