The Gift of Laughter
By Rafiq Ebrahim
Winfield , Illinois
Scented with ambrosial fragrance, the sweet, cool breeze blew across the vast beautiful garden; underneath, at places, a river flowed. The exquisite flowers everywhere appeared like a large mass of harmonious beauty. Here and there fair, ethereal creatures moved about as if on wings.
Lost in the aroma of bliss, Suleman sat absorbing the beauty around. In his earthly life, Suleman had always been a pious, saintly person, who prayed and remembered God daily. He had always craved to go to Heaven after his death. Now because of his virtuous life and noble deeds, he was awarded a place in Paradise.
Presently, there came before him a shadow. The shadow materialized and smiled at Suleman. He got up with a start. Why! It was Jaffer, his buddy! “You?” asked Suleman. “I never imagined you would come here. All along in the world I had feared that you would be given a place on the other side after your death. Not that you were really bad, but you made a lot of mischief. I still remember the day when you made me lose control over myself by making me roll with laughter while I was busy in my prayers.
How is it that you are here in Heaven?”
Jaffer smiled happily and beamed. An angel passing by stopped, pointed at Jaffer and said, “He bestowed the gift of laughter on the suffering humanity and thereby lessened their sorrows. And the best of men is he who helps his fellows, relieves distress and makes them happy.”
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