that he was paying nothing at all of those dues, even though this man before him was among the most entitled to help: a traveler, penniless, his “ropes” severed—a person who more than anyone else deserves financial assistance. Yet the leper still offered excuses.

So the angel reminded him of his former state, saying, “It is as though I recognize you. Were you not once a leper whom people found repulsive and a poor man to whom Allah then gave wealth?”—that is, Allah granted you money, fair complexion, and sound skin. But he replied—may Allah protect us—“I merely inherited this wealth, generation after generation,” thus denying Allah’s favor.

The angel declared, “If you are lying, may Allah return you to what you were.” In other words, if you are not truthful, may Allah restore you to poverty and leprosy. It appears that Allah answered the angel’s conditional supplication; since the man was unquestionably lying, once the condition was met the consequence followed.

Next the angel came to the bald man, addressed him exactly as he had addressed the leper, and received the very same reply. He therefore said, “If you are lying, may Allah return you to what you were.”

Finally he came to the blind man and reminded him of Allah’s blessing. The man said, “I was blind, and Allah restored my sight,” acknowledging the favor. He continued, “Take whatever you wish and leave whatever you wish; by Allah, today I shall not burden you over anything you take for Allah’s sake”—meaning, I will neither withhold from you nor cause you hardship regarding whatever you take for Allah.

Observe his gratitude and open admission of the blessing. The angel then told him, “Keep your wealth. You were only being tested. Allah is pleased with you and displeased with your two companions.” This shows that the story had become known among the people, hence his words, “displeased with your two companions.” So the blind man kept his wealth and remained in the grace Allah had bestowed upon him.