Two Moral Tales: Lessons in Honesty and Kindness

On a journey to undertake a medical exam in Ireland, I encountered a situation that taught me the true value of honesty.

The Exam Fee

The medical exam fee was $309, but I mistakenly paid $310 due to my financial constraints. I took the exam, spent some time in Sudan, and eventually received a letter from Ireland.

A Surprise Letter

The letter revealed my inadvertent error in payment, substituting $309 with $310. However, the sender included a check of $1, emphasizing fairness and ethical conduct.

Lessons Learned

This incident highlighted the importance of integrity, as the sender acknowledged that the extra dollar might not cover expenses incurred in processing the transaction.

The Cocoa Dilemma

Introduction

A seemingly trivial encounter at a cocoa shop opened my eyes to the ethical complexities intertwined with commerce.

The Cocoa Boxes

I regularly purchased a $0.18 cocoa box from a store on my route. One day, I noticed an identical box labeled $0.20 beside it.

Inquiry about the Discrepancy

Intrigued, I inquired about the price difference, questioning if there was a variance in the quality. The shopkeeper affirmed both boxes held identical cocoa.

Unveiling the Pricing Mystery

Curiosity led me to ask why the discrepancy. The shopkeeper explained that cocoa from Nigeria, the source for both boxes, faced challenges, leading to a slight increase in the $0.20 box’s cost.

A Proposal for Equality

I suggested mixing both boxes and selling them at $0.20 until the cost difference was depleted. The shopkeeper, with a sly grin, asked if I had any change. The inconspicuous proposal lingered in my ears.

The Ethical Question

The lingering question about whether I was a “litra” haunted me. It made me ponder the ethical teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), urging us to embrace honesty.

Conclusion

These tales underscore the enduring relevance of ethical conduct in our lives. Whether faced with inadvertent mistakes or ethical dilemmas, choosing the path of integrity and kindness not only uplifts our character but also contributes to a more compassionate and just society.