The dog story

The month of July, 2004 had started and it was a hot afternoon I was spending at my friend Imran Bashir’s place. Imran lives in a colony; it is connected to the main by a link road which is often dark and gloomy at night thanks to the neglected condition of street lights. It was getting dark when I was leaving and because no transport is available here, I had to take this fifteen minutes walk.

Imran came along half way on my request but then I asked him to go back. This street has two squares; I saw some street dogs near the second square and while approaching them I was constantly pleading Allah Mighty to save me from these k9s. At the same time I was thinking that these street dogs were undisciplined and impatient creatures.

I BELIEVE ALLAH WANTED TO TEACH ME SOMETHING.

I approached the square, and saw that a street dog was approaching me from the right just like a car approaches the signal square. I stood; the dog stared at me and stopped, but then nodded his head in such a manner as if he wanted me to pass first. I took the bold step and crossed the square, looked back and was amazed to see as soon as I left, the dog started walking and crossed the road. This complete act was a perfect example of patience and discipline.

Something asked me within myself what do you think now? I had nothing to answer except to praise the dog for his patience, discipline and respect for others. Then I asked myself ‘Isn’t this dog better than the humans with uncontrollable anger, impatience, lack of discipline and disrespect for others? The answer came ‘yes this dog is better than most of the humans’. I felt that it was time for me to reflect and find the signs of Allah Al Mighty in the pettiest of matters. Allah Al Mighty taught me a lesson of patience, respect and discipline I can never forget by a creature that we deem without any conscious.