"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17
A Christian woman in Bradford gave a Muslim butcher a check for £1,000 (1,538.50 US dollars) and shared with him the love of Jesus Christ after he suffered serious injuries when his shop was robbed.
According to the Huffington Post, three assailants robbed The Meat Hut earlier this month, leaving store owner Mohammad Riaz with a broken jaw, loosened teeth and cuts and bruises. In addition to the assault, the robbers also stole thousands of dollars.
Moved with compassion after hearing about what happened, a good Samaritan identified only as "Jane" decided to extend the love of Christ to Riaz and his family.
"Dear Mr Riaz," she wrote in a letter sent to the family. "I was so sorry to read in (local paper) the Telegraph and Argus of the attack on your shop. I am a Christian, and Jesus Christ taught that when we see someone in trouble we should not walk by without helping. Please accept this cheque [for] £1,000 to contribute to your Eid celebrations. With good wishes, Jane."
Riaz's daughter, Nafeesa, 26, told the Huffington Post that the family was incredibly moved by Jane's generosity: "This woman's kindness had us all in tears. We were so touched by the letter and cheque which we received. This amazing lady was a Christian, and we are Muslims. She doesn't know us nor does she live in the area. What she did for us was such a kind and caring act. It just goes to show that regardless of our race or religion, we are all one. My family will be meeting her on Friday to thank her in person."
Riaz was reportedly back to work the day after the attack, and was met with dozens of well-wishers visiting the shop with gifts, flowers and cards. Community fundraisers also raised £500 for the family, according to the Express.
Riaz's brother-in-law told the Telegraph and Argus: "He has been so touched by people's kindness he has been in tears. He wants to publicly give a big thank-you to everyone who has been so supportive. He is still in a lot of pain from his ribs and he will have X-rays for that. But it can take much longer for the psychological scars to heal than the physical ones. All this support has put him back on his feet psychologically."
Three men have been arrested in connection with the robbery.
