A Tale of Generosity and Regret

This touching narrative revolves around a miserly merchant named Al-Baghdadi and his wife Khawla. After a series of unfortunate events, their lives take unexpected turns, leading to a poignant reunion. The story highlights themes of generosity, regret, and the importance of kindness. As Khawla navigates her new life with a more compassionate partner, she encounters her past in a surprising way. This tale serves as a reminder of the impact of our actions and the lessons we learn along the way. Read on to explore the full story and its meaningful insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 01:32 IST

The Story of Al-Baghdadi and Khawla

A woman married a miserly fabric merchant named Al-Baghdadi. One day, he purchased a chicken and asked his wife to prepare it. While they were eating, they heard a knock at the door. Upon opening it, Al-Baghdadi saw a poor man asking for food. He harshly refused to help and slammed the door in the man's face.

His wife, Khawla, questioned him, "Why did you close the door so rudely on that beggar?"

In anger, he retorted, "What did you expect me to do?"

Khawla suggested, "You could have given him a piece of chicken or at least spoken kindly to him!"

After finishing his meal, Al-Baghdadi went to his shop, only to find that a fire had destroyed his business. Disheartened, he returned home and told Khawla, "My shop has burned down. I have nothing left."

She advised him, "Do not lose hope in God's mercy."

Khawla then told him to return to his father, as he could no longer provide for her. Eventually, he filed for divorce, and they parted ways. Two years later, Khawla remarried a man named Mathim Al-Kufi, known for his generosity and kindness.

One day, while they were having dinner together, there was a knock at the door. Khawla went to check and returned to her husband, saying, "There is a beggar at the door complaining of hunger." Her husband replied, "Give him one of these two chickens; one is enough for us. We will not turn away anyone who comes to us."

Khawla took a chicken to the beggar and returned to her husband, her eyes filled with tears. She explained, "I am crying because that beggar is Al-Baghdadi, my first husband!"

He responded, "If that beggar who knocked on our door is your first husband, then know that I was the first beggar who knocked on your door when you were his wife."

Life goes on... Do good as much as you can.