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There was once a companion of the Prophet ﷺ who, on most days, was cheerful—engaging in lively conversation, smiling, and laughing with others. Yet, without warning, he would be overcome by intense grief, breaking down into uncontrollable tears and even collapsing into unconsciousness.

The other companions grew deeply concerned and brought his matter to the Prophet ﷺ, hoping for comfort or guidance.

The Prophet ﷺ gently called the man aside and asked, “What troubles you, my brother?”

After a long hesitation, the man’s voice trembled as he confessed, “Ya RasulAllah, I never intended to share this with anyone—but now I must.”

And so he began his heart-wrenching story:

“Before I embraced Islam, I had a daughter. When she was born, I feared she might one day bring shame upon our family. Although I once considered the terrible custom of burying her alive, my love for her stopped me.

As the years passed, I watched her grow into a bright, innocent child. Yet, as she matured, fear and anxiety began to consume me.

What would people say if she didn’t fall the customs of the tribe?

Every day I battled a storm within myself until, finally, I could bear the torment no longer.

I told my wife, ‘Dress our daughter in her best clothes. Comb her hair, adorn her with kohl, and tell her I am taking her to a celebration.’

My wife, who understood all too well, wept as she prepared our child—but she dared not refuse my command.

Dressed in her best clothes, our daughter beamed with excitement.

When she asked, “Why are you sad, Mama?” her mother forced a smile and whispered, “Nothing, my love.”

Before I left, my wife grasped my hand and murmured words that have haunted me ever since: “Do not betray your trust. Your daughter is your trust.”

Taking her small hand in mine, I led her away. As she skipped happily beside me, I walked her toward a well.

Standing over its edge, I wrestled with my heart—my love for her made me hesitate, but the fear and pressure kept coming back and ultimately overcame me. In that moment of despair, I grabbed her and threw her into the well.

As she fell, her wide, terrified eyes met mine, and her small voice kept crying out, “Daddy… oh Daddy… don’t betray the trust… don’t betray the trust…”

Her cries echoed until the depths swallowed them—and she was gone.”

The Prophet’s Anguish

The man’s confession ended in trembling sobs.

The Prophet ﷺ looked up, tears streaming down his blessed face, his beard soaked.

Finally, his voice—both pained and angered—broke the silence:

“If Allah were to permit me to punish someone for what they did before embracing Islam, I would have started with you.”

The weight of those words fell heavy upon the companions.

The Prophet ﷺ, the most merciful of all people, the one whose heart was vast enough to forgive even his worst enemies, reacted this way.

A Reminder for Us All

Though the ignorance of the past may seem distant, its echoes remain in many forms today.

While the story is an extreme example, it reminds us that cultural norms and societal expectations are ever-changing—they ebb and shift with time.

What is deemed acceptable in one era or culture may be reprehensible in another.

Be careful how much you value society’s judgment and the thoughts of others.