More than 1400 years ago, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began to preach Islam, the Arabs started disliking Him and became His enemy. They tried to kill Him but failed every time so they plotted to harass him in every way they knew.
Among such plot makers was an old woman who thought of throwing garbage on the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She thought that by her using her evil plot she’ll be able to anger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and He would lose His patience. So she started to throw garbage on Muhammad (PBUH) everyday. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed by her house daily, she would empty her trash cans over Him and He would pass by quietly without making any gesture of anger or displeasure. This became a daily routine.
One day, When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed by her home but there was no one to throw garbage. This prompted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), so He stopped by and asked the old lady’s neighbors about her well being. He was informed that the old lady was very sick and restricted to her bed because of bad health. On hearing this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) knocked on her door and entered her home with her permission. The woman was lying on bed. She thought that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was there to harm her since she is helpless and cannot defend herself. But Prophet (PBUH) assured her that He wasn’t there to take revenge instead He was there to see her and look after her needs.
Withaffectionate voice He asked her that if she needed anything. She forgot all the fear and asked for some water. He kindly gave her some water in a utensil and prayed for her health, while she quenched her thirst. This made her feel very guilty for being so cruel to Him in the past and she apologized for her mean behavior. He forgave her and came to her house everyday to clean it, to feed her and to pray for her, till she was on her feet again. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told her that its Allah’s command that if anyone is sick, a Muslim should visit him/her and should help them if the help is needed.
The old woman was greatly moved by this kindness and love of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). By the example of greatness of Muhammad, she understood that He was truly the Prophet of God and Islam was the true religion. She accepted Islam at once.
