The Crying Camel

It was very hot day. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was walking in one of the gardens. While he was
walking, Prophet Muhammad heard a strange noise. It sounded like someone was crying. It sounded
like someone was very upset. As he came closer to the crying sound, the Prophet could see it was
not a sad person at all. It was a sad camel. Muhammad felt very sorry for the camel. It was tied to a
post, out in the hot burning sun. As it was very hot, the camel looked very thirsty. Tears were
running down the camel’s cheeks and its fur was very wet of the tears. No one seemed to care about
the camel. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w stroked the camel, and it became calmer. After a while the
camel became calmer and calmer as it enjoyed the stroking of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. The tears
stopped running down the camel’s cheeks. He knew Prophet Muhammad was a very kind human.

Then Prophet Muhammad s.a.w said “Who is the master of this camel ? who owns this camel?” At
last a voice said, “I do,” and a young man of Asar stepped out. Muhammad looked at the man and
said “Don’t you fear Allah s.w.t about this camel which Allah has given to you to take care of ? It has
complained to me that you keep it hungry and load it heavily which make it tired.

The young man realised what he had done. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w reminded him that the camel
was one of Allah’s creation. The animal worked hard for the man, carrying heavy loads and travelling
to places far away. Muhammad reminded the man that he should take great care of the camel in
return for its hard work. The camel owner felt very bad. He had been cool, comfortable and happy
while the camel was hot, tired and upset. He was so ashamed. From that day on he looked after his
animals with great care, and always made sure they had enough to eat and drink the camel never
cried again.

Source : Sunan Abi Dawud