In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, who created the night and the day.  We thank Allah deeply for guiding us to Islam, the only true way.  It is Allah whom we only worship and to Allah we only pray.  Allah is our Creator, our Lord, our God, our Owner, our King and our All-Provider whom we love, worship and obey.  I bear witness that there is no God but Allah who created man (our father Adam) from clay.  I bear witness that Muhammad is the Slave and the Messenger of Allah who guided us to the Truth after we were astray.  Peace be on Prophet Muhammad, the Final Prophet and Messenger from Allah to all mankind, whose exalted memory and fragrant mention will always stay.  Peace be upon the noble family and the honorable companions of Prophet Muhammad and on those who followed them in all good deeds today, tomorrow and yesterday.

In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the fall season has arrived.  The yellowish, brownish, orange and red leaves adorn the trees and the gentle breezes refresh the body and invigorate the soul.  The city breathes happiness and hope and continues to flourish and prosper.  Poets have lauded and hailed Toronto for its charming beauty, splendor and elegance.

Toronto is a charming rosy city.

Toronto is vivacious and pretty.

Sing for Toronto the nice ditty.

In Toronto lives a happy Muslim family consisting of the father, Abdullah, the mother, Safiyya, and their three lovely sons: Ayyash, Muaath and Obadah who are 16, 13 and 10 years old, respectively.  The parents have raised their sons well according to noble Islamic upbringing.  The parents wish to make their sons self-reliant and self-sufficient gradually.

One day, the parents had a delicious dinner with their sons after which Abdullah made this announcement: "My dear sons, I want to test you and see which one of you is best in fulfilling the task assigned to him.  Are you excited and ready for the task and the underlying test?"  

The boys said, "Yes, we are thrilled to know the task and the test, our dear father."

Abdullah said, "Perfect! Your mother will explain the task to you."

Safiyya said, "Wonderful! My dear sons, your father will give each one of you $100 CAD and you are required to buy us a big salmon fish with it and keep the change for yourselves.  You have one week to fulfill this task and we will let you go in consecutive turns.  This means that in the first week it is Obadah's turn; in the second week it is Muaath's turn; and in the third week it is Ayyash's turn.  Is the task clear?"

Ayyash replied, "Yes, it is clear to me.  But what is the test?  The test is unclear!"

Abdullah replied, "The test is that we want to see who fulfills the task perfectly and plans well to achieve it.  We want to see who is resourceful and wise in tackling this task."

Muaath said, "No problem.  We will work hard to succeed in this task."

Obadah said, "I will do my best to be the winner."  

The parents smiled and lauded the obedience and enthusiasm of their sons.

Now it is the first week and therefore, it is the Obadah's turn.  Obadah received $100 CAD from his father on Saturday and he has one week to bring the big salmon this coming Friday.  Obadah went to the fish market and he started to explore the available salmons and their respective prices.  He found that big salmons range in price from $50 to $70 CAD.  He thought if he buys the expensive salmon, he would win the test and beat his two brothers.  Thus, Obadah planned to buy the big expensive salmon on Friday to fulfill the task.  On Friday, Obadah bought the planned salmon at $70 CAD.  With the change, he bought some snacks for himself.  When Obadah returned home on Friday with the big expensive salmon, he was extremely happy and handed the salmon to his mother.  Obadah elatedly said, "My mother, I fulfilled the task and brought you a big salmon.  I have passed the test!"

Safiyya was happy for the completion of the task and said, "Indeed! You have passed the test successfully.  Congratulations, Obadah.  You did a great job.  Thank you."  Abdullah also praised Obadah for passing the test and congratulated him.

Next week is Muaath's turn.  On Saturday, Muaath was given $100 CAD and he was expected to bring a big salmon this coming Friday.  Muaath thought about this amazing idea: "What if I buy a fishing pole and fish myself in Lake Ontario?  I might catch many big salmons and beat my brother, Obadah, who only brought a single big salmon.  Yes, this would give me a remarkable competitive edge over my brothers.  In this manner, I have a greater chance to win the test!"  Indeed, Muaath bought a fishing pole at $100 CAD and started to fish with it in Lake Ontario.  Unfortunately, Muaath was completely ignorant of the fishing occupation and its requirements and expectations.  For example, he was oblivious of the fact that he must place a bait on the hook to catch fish.  He would cast his fishing line in the lake without a bait then he would wait for a long time until he pulled the fishing line.  With no surprise, he would find nothing caught in his hook.  He became frustrated as a result.  Also, Muaath was unaware of the ideal locations in Lake Ontario where he could catch salmons.  He used to fish at the shore of the lake.  Ideally, he needs to go to deeper areas inside the lake to catch salmons.  

Muaath spent three days fishing in Lake Ontario in the same way so there was no luck for him in catching any salmon fish.  So he said to himself: "Either I am fishing wrongly or I am having bad luck.  I cannot afford to lose before my brothers.  I need to find a workaround to bring the big salmon on Friday.  I spent all my money on the fishing pole.  I cannot buy any salmon with no money.  I have to generate my own income.  What job best fits me at this age?"  There are still three full days for Muaath to complete the task.  Muaath decided to offer his help in the market as a porter.  He decided to stand near the hotels in Downtown Toronto and carry the travellers' baggage.  Amazingly, Muaath's plan worked quite well.  Travellers would give him a reasonable amount of money for each luggage he used to carry.  Some stingy travellers would give him little money while other generous travellers would give him $10 CAD or more.  On Friday, Muaath had accumulated $150 CAD.  He bought a big salmon fish at $80 CAD and kept the remaining money for himself.  With his diligence, hard work and wise planning, Muaath returned home on Friday with a big salmon fish, a fishing pole and $70 CAD in his wallet.  Muaath tasted the flavor of an exceptional achievement and he clearly has beaten his younger brother, Obadah.  After he shared his success story with his parents and brothers, he was praised for his smartness and wisdom.  Abdullah said, "I admire your planning and ambition to catch fish by yourself.  You have great financial and strategic planning, Muaath.  You proved that you are a good planner and a farsighted son.  Thank you."

Now it is the third week and hence, it is Ayyash's turn.  Ayyash received $100 CAD from his father on Saturday.  Similar to his brothers, he was expected to bring a big salmon this coming Friday.  Ayyash thought about this marvelous idea: "My brother, Muaath, had a great idea but he failed in fishing since he lacks the knowledge of and experience in fishing.  Fishing has rules and expectations that must be met in order to be successful.  I need to gain the knowledge of fishing and the relevant experience so that I can fish myself.  I need an expert fisherman to train me well and sufficiently.  If I have the knowledge of fishing and some experience in it, I can fish myself and bring home at least one big salmon."  Indeed, Ayyash went to the shore of Lake Ontario and he monitored the groups of fishermen who went back and forth to the lake.  He then started to ask returning fishermen if they can train him and teach him how to fish, taking into consideration that he has no upfront knowledge of or experience in fishing.  Many fishermen refused to train and teach Ayyash.  Ayyash did not despair of finding a fisherman willing to train and teach him.  

After a while, one fisherman, Edward, was returning from Lake Ontario with some fish he caught and they had the following conversation:  Ayyash asked, "Can you please teach me how to fish?" 

Edward replied, "Of course, it is my pleasure to teach you.  What is your name, by the way?" 

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"Really!  Thank you so much.  I appreciate your help.  My name is Ayyash.  What is your name, Sir?"

"My name is Edward.  Nice to meet you Ayyash.  I can teach you fishing but with the condition that you pay me money for that.  It will be paid training."

Ayyash asked, "And how much do you want from me?"

"$100 CAD, that is all.  I will teach you fishing and train you for four days."

"I agree.  Here is your $100 CAD.  Please teach me now."

"Do not be in a hurry, Ayysah.  Let me first sell the fish I obtained from this fishing trip in the market, then I will take you with me on the boat and teach you how to fish."

"That is great!  I have a burning desire to accompany you and start learning how to fish.  Thank you so much."

Interestingly, Edward accompanied Ayyash on his boat to the deep regions of Lake Ontario and he taught him the basics of fishing on the first day.  He taught him how to use the fishing pole and the need to have an adequate bait attached to the hook.  He also taught him about the likely locations of the salmon fish.  He provided him with the knowledge that his brother, Muaath, previously lacked.  In the subsequent three days, Edward escorted Ayyash to Lake Ontario on the boat and showed him advanced fishing techniques.  Ayyash now has both basic and advanced knowledge of fishing.  He could catch two salmons by himself.  However, Edward required that all the fish Ayyash catches will go to Edward because Ayyash is using Edward's fishing pole.  The four training days elapsed and now Ayyash has attained the required knowledge for fishing successfully.

On Wednesday, Ayyash asked his brother, Muaath, to lend him his fishing pole that Muaath previously bought during his turn.  Muaath agreed to lend his fishing pole to Ayyash.  Ayyash then asked Edward for company while fishing in Lake Ontario.  Edward agreed to accompany Ayyash on a fishing trip.  Ayyash started to fish with his brother's fishing pole.  Amazingly, he caught the first fish.  It was a middle-sized salmon.  He was extremely happy to catch the first salmon for himself.  By the end of Wednesday, he caught another big salmon.  Ayyash excitedly said, "All the praises are to Allah!  I caught two salmons."  Ayysah sold these two salmons at $50 and $80 CAD respectively.  On Thursday, Ayyash also accompanied Edward and he hunted three salmons, two big and one medium size.  Ayyash kept one big salmon for himself and sold the other two at $60 and $90 CAD.  Now Ayysah has one big salmon in addition to $280 CAD ($50 + $80 + $60 + $90).  Ayysah decided to buy two fishing poles at $100 CAD each.  He also decided to give his brother, Muaath, $80 CAD for lending him his fishing pole.

Ayyash returned home on Friday with one big salmon, three fishing poles: Muaath's fishing pole in addition to two brand new fishing poles.  He also gave his brother, Muaath, $80 as a reward or token of appreciation for Muaath's help.  Ayyash said, "Thank you so much, Muaath.  I could fish many salmons with your fishing pole.  I owe you my success.  I bought two fishing poles, one for me and one for my youngest brother, Obadah.  And here is your reward, Muaath, for helping me with your fishing pole.  Take this $80 CAD.  It is all that I have.  Moreover, I will teach you the art of fishing.  We can all fish myriad salmons and sell them in the fish market, Allah willing."

Abdullah said, "Ayyash, I am very proud of you!  You are really a wise and caring son.  Not only did you meet the requirements of the task, but you also exceeded the expectations."

Safiyya said, "You did a wonderful job, Ayyash.  You went above and beyond in this task.  You also cared for your two brothers and shared your success with them.  You are an example of altruism."

Muaath said, "Thank you so much brother, Ayyash.  You succeeded where I failed.  I appreciate your generosity and I am glad that my fishing pole was helpful to you."

In an atmosphere of excitement, suspense and waiting, Abdullah announced the winner as follows: "Dear heroes, let us summarize your achievements so far: Obadah brought a big salmon and spent the change on some snacks.  Muaath also brought a big salmon, a fishing pole and $70 CAD in his wallet.  He surpassed Obadah.  Interestingly, Ayyash brought a big salmon, two fishing poles, and $80 CAD in his pocket.  Ayyash surpassed Muaath and Obadah.  Obadah was a mere consumer with little financial planning and no investment-oriented mind.  Muaath was an exemplar of good financial planning with a wise investment-oriented mind.  He also showed hard work when he worked as a porter to offset his failure in fishing.  Ayyash proved his great wisdom and remarkable financial planning.  He wore more than one hat, he was a good knowledge seeker, a successful fisherman and a great investor. Ayyash also built his success, in part, on Muaath's success and he rewarded Muaath for his help.  He showed the importance of appreciation and caring for our family members.  He also demonstrated his noble manner of altruism.  Ayyash is the competent winner of this test.  Thank you all for your efforts.  All that you have done is appreciated."

Safiyya said, "This test has revealed certain attributes each of you has.  Obadah planned little and he bought the product ready.  He had no intention for investment or growth.  He played the role of a typical consumer.  Muaath planned well but he lacked the knowledge of fishing and therefore, he partially failed.  With his cleverness and diligence, he found an alternative means for generating income and ensuring success.  Ayyash planned excellently and he managed his resources skillfully.  He has been the epitome of good planning and wise investment."  

Abdullah said, "We can learn many lessons from your stories with this test.  Obadah had the product but he lacked both the tool and the knowledge to obtain this product by his own effort.  Muaath had the tool but he lacked the knowledge to obtain the product by his own effort.  Ayyash had the knowledge and with that knowledge, he could get the product using a borrowed tool.  The golden equation we can learn here is: (Knowledge + Tool = Product)."  

Muaath asked, "Ayyash, when will you teach us fishing?"

Ayyash replied, "I will  teach you on the weekends when we have free time." 

Safiyya commented, "I want to mention one relevant famous proverb: 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.'"

Abdullah then made this nice conclusion: "This test shows one important concept: when people are given the same tool or resource, they make different use of it.  Some realize their potential and make the most of the tool or resource while others use it with less effectiveness and efficiency.  A wise person makes the best investment of his tool and resources and maximizes their benefits and minimizes their harms."

Abdullah then went and grabbed a box containing five candles.  He took a candle and then gave each of his family members a candle.  In a moment, Abdullah lit his candle with a match.  Abdullah said, "Safiyya, light your candle from my candle."  Safiyya did as expected and now only two candles are lit.  

Abdullah again said, "Ayyash, light your candle from my candle."  Ayyash did as expected and now his candle is lit as well.  

Abdullah said, "Muaath, light your candle from my candle."  Muaath lit his candle from his father's candle.  

Abdullah said, "Obadah, light your candle from my candle."  Obadah finally lit his candle from his father's candle.  

Abdullah asked, "How many lit candles have we had initially?"

Muaath replied, "Zero candles.  All candles were not lit initially."

Safiyya commented, "True.  Thank you."

Abdullah asked, "How many candles are lit now?"

Obadah replied, "Five.  All our candles are now lit."

Abdullah asked, "From which candle have you lit your candles?"

Ayyash replied, "From your candle, my dear father."

Abdullah asked, "Did the flame of my candle decrease when you lit your candles from my candle?"

Ayyash replied, "No, the flame of your candle remained the same and it did not decrease whatsoever."  

Abdullah commented, "Excellent.  This is an example of knowledge sharing.  When you share your knowledge with others, your knowledge does not decrease, but it increases in its benefit and impact.  Knowledge is like fire.  You can share it with others without decreasing its value."

Ayyash said, "That is really an insightful lesson.  I will share my knowledge with my brothers and other people."  

Safiyya said, "Remember this rule: refusing to share fire with others is the ultimate material stinginess while refusing to share your knowledge with others is the ultimate moral stinginess.  This is because sharing your fire with others does not decrease your fire and, likewise, sharing your knowledge with others does not decrease your knowledge."  

The sons said, "Thank you, dear parents.  We learned a lot from your wisdom."

Ayyash then taught his two brothers the art of fishing and they started to fish in Lake Ontario with expert fishermen.  They liked this hobby that can generate a reasonable income for them.  The family lived happily with their sons adopting a useful, exciting and profitable hobby.  Finally, Safiyya taught her sons this triplet about knowledge sharing:

Knowledge is like fire when they are compared.

They both do not decrease when they are shared.

So for sharing your knowledge freely be prepared.