A Safe Haven

Once upon a time in a palm tree, lived a pigeon. Whenever the pigeon laid eggs, a man from the nearby house ascended the tree and stole her eggs and chicks. The pigeon complained to Allah about the man. Allah promised that the next time the man tried to steal the eggs he would fall off the tree and die. The pigeon was satisfied by this reply.

The pigeon laid her eggs. The man, who was waiting, ascended the tree. At that very moment a beggar came by asking for alms. The man descended, and gave him alms. He climbed up again and stole the little chicks.

The pigeon asked Allah why the promise made to her was not fulfilled. Allah replied that the man had performed sadaqa, and the barakat of sadaqa was such that it could ward off hardships and even death. Allah promised to lead the pigeon to a safe haven where she could live in peace and safety. The pigeon was taken to Baitulllah where her family flourished. The pigeons that we see today around Baitullah are indeed the descendants of that very pigeon.