The Cruel Ruler
Once, there ruled over Bukhara a very cruel ruler who, one day, was riding a horse when he espied a mangy dog, shivering with cold. He was moved to tears and told one of his servants to take the dog to his house and care for it, till he returned from the ride. Saying this, he went on his errand and came back in the evening. On coming home, he called for the dog, had it tethered in the corner of his house, served it food and drink, and told his servants to massage its body with oil and cover it with blankets to protect it against the cold. Then, he lit a fire to keep it warm and comfortable.
Two days later, the ruler died. A saint, who was aware of the ruler's cruelty and his wrong-doings, saw him in a dream and asked him, " How did you fare (in the Reckoning) ? " The ruler said, " I was made to stand before Allah Ta'ala, who said to me, " You were (like) a dog (in as much as you had cruel, beastly, inhuman ways) and We have granted you (forgiveness by virtue of your showing mercy) to a dog." Then Allah Ta'ala, in His Infinite Mercy, took upon Himself the requital of all the cruelties and wrongs done by me to others." (Musaaamiraat)
Infinite is the Bounty of Allah Ta'ala and He is the Sovereign Lord of all who are generous to others! No one can attain the true knowledge of the extent of His Magnanimity. He may, at will grant salvation to a person, pleased with what might seem a small act of virtue. Therefore, one should seek His Pleasure at all times, never regarding a virtue to be insignificant, for a person never knows, which of one of his deeds might please His Lord.
No GOOD deed is too small. It might just be, the deed that secures one's Eternal Salvation.
Source: Virtues of Sadaqaat (English Translation Page 665)
