I wanted to share a similarity in the message of stories that I noted in one of the stories of Islam and Hinduism.
I.
First, let me talk of the story that is related to the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). about the incident of the great fire into which the prophet was thrown by the tyrant Nimrod. There is an anecdote (although it's not explicitly stated in the holy book) that as the blazing fire leapt, a small bird was seen to carry water drops in its beak back and forth from a nearby river and making consistent efforts to help in dousing the flames. The other larger birds would mock at her act taunting that her action was no good since the tiny amounts of water would hardly have any effect on such great flames leaping up the skies. To that, the bird replied with sincerity that it knew it wouldn't be able to achieve the end result of extinguishing the flame to save the beloved prophet, but it knew in its heart that the sincere effort was what mattered and that is what was eventually significant in the eyes of God.
The link of the story are available here:
Even the Fire Couldn't Stop This Tiny Bird's Devotion to Ibrahim!
Do What You Can to Help, for Allah Will Ask What You Did Not How Much… | Amaliah
II.
Now, what I was in awe of was that I realized that a very similar theme/anecdote exists in the Ramayana connected to the Ram-Setu story with Rama. As the Vanars (monkeys) were carrying big boulders (with the name of Rama written on them) and working hard to create the bridge (setu) to Lanka, a small squirrel was seen carrying small pebbles and consistently going back and forth so it could help in the building of the bridge. The Vanars were seen making fun of her and commenting that her act was futile as it was having no contribution whatsoever in the building of the enormous structure on water. Meanwhile, Rama (incarnation of God) was present observing all things and events and quietly smiling. He then went and took the squirrel in his palm and gave his words of wisdom to the Vanar Sena stating that any effort done with pure sincere devotion is what is sacred in the eyes of God and that is never small. He also blessed the squirrel for its act immortalizing that act of devotion.
I decided to post this video of this particular sequence as no other link would do justice.
महाएपिसोड - जानिए राम सेतु बनाने में गिलहरी क्या था योगदान ? श्रीमद् रामायण
(In the video, which is actually a full episode of the series, the episode I am talking about is present from time stamp: 33:19- 38:00 minutes)
Truly, one should do their karma as it's their duty, irrespective of their strengths/ weaknesses/ limitations as every tiny bit does count (although it may not be visible physically but counts spiritually) and that the final outcome rests with God. Moreover, what I found deep was that ultimately, as each soul is answerable to God, consistently doing what is the right thing (even though you may face criticism or no support from peers or others in power) is what is true Dharma of every being...
