Mr. Arshad was the Director of a major firm. An interview was held for a high-ranking position that had become vacant within the company. Two internal candidates applied for the post, one of whom was Saleem. Saleem was a man of great integrity, exceptional talent, and vast experience. However, Mr. Arshad, who conducted the interview, allowed his personal biases to cloud his judgment. He overlooked the honest and highly capable senior employee, Saleem, and instead selected a candidate with far less qualification and experience for the prestigious role.
Arshad listened to a religious sermon on the severe consequences of Dhulm (injustice). The sermon included a hadith: “Whoever has wronged his brother should ask for his forgiveness… otherwise, on the Day of Resurrection, his good deeds will be taken from him in proportion to the injustice he committed.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Arshad became deeply troubled. He visited a wise Aalim (scholar) and explained the situation. “Maulana,” Arshad said with a trembling voice, “I committed a grave mistake during a job interview by ignoring the most deserving candidate. How can I possibly make amends for this?”
The Aalim advised him, “Arshad Sahab, violating the rights of others is a major sin. Seeking forgiveness from Allah alone is not enough; you must seek forgiveness directly from the person you have wronged. Compensate him for his loss from your own wealth. Let your wealth feel the weight of this burden; only then will you find protection from the sin and the ill-effects of the injustice you committed.”
Deeply moved by this advice, Arshad went straight to Saleem’s desk. “Saleem Sahab,” Arshad spoke with sincere remorse, “I have done you a great injustice. I cannot continue to live with the weight of this unfairness on my conscience.”
Arshad handed him a personal cheque. “This is from my own savings. It is the compensation for the salary increase you should have received. Please, forgive me; I do not wish to stand before Allah as an oppressor on the Day of Judgement.”
Saleem, touched by the Director’s genuine change of heart, replied, “Sir, your realisation is worth far more to me than this money. For the sake of Allah, I forgive you.”
Having been relieved of the burden of his injustice, Arshad returned to his office with peace of mind and a sense of true contentment. He realised that day that true status is not found in one’s position, but in the courage to admit a mistake and the haste to set it right.
[The writer is Former Principal and HoD of Arabic, The New College, Chennai]