Muslim storekeeper changes robber's mind and religion
Surveillance video shows storekeeper Mohammad Sohail holding a robber at bay with a shotgun. |
NEW YORK -- A potential victim became a compassionate counselor during a recent robbery attempt, changing the would-be criminal's mind -- and apparently his religion.
Storekeeper Mohammad Sohail was closing up his Long Island convenience store just after midnight on May 21 when -- as shown on the store's surveillance video -- a man came in wielding a baseball bat and demanding money.
"He said, 'Hurry up and give me the money, give me the money!' and I said, 'Hold on'," Sohail recalled in a phone interview with CNN on Tuesday, after the store video and his story was carried on local TV.
Sohail said he reached under the counter, grabbed his gun and told the robber to drop the bat and get down on his knees.
"He's crying like a baby," Sohail said. "He says, 'Don't call police, don't shoot me, I have no money, I have no food in my house.' "
Amidst the man's apologies and pleas, Sohail said he felt a surge of compassion.
He made the man promise never to rob anyone again and when he agreed, Sohail gave him $40 and a loaf of bread.
"When he gets $40, he's very impressed, he says, 'I want to be a Muslim just like you,' " Sohail said, adding he had the would-be criminal recite an Islamic oath.
"I said 'Congratulations. You are now a Muslim and your name is Nawaz Sharif Zardari.'"
When asked why he chose the hybrid of two Pakistani presidents' names, the Pakistani immigrant laughed and said he had been watching a South Asian news channel moments before the confrontation.
Sohail said the man fled the store when he turned away to get the man some free milk.
He said police might still be looking for the suspect but he doesn't intend to press charges.
"The guy, you know, everybody has a hard time right now, it's too bad for everybody right now in this economy," said the storekeeper.
Source: CNN
Related Suggestions
As regards naming the would be criminal with "Nawaz Sharif Zardari", I think it is very sensible. Nawaz Sharif was ousted on charges of theft of state properties and went to exile. "Zardari" may have been applied to mean he did not hide the causes of his behavior and brought back honor and security for his soul with true confession. Anyways, the store keeper is sensible and just and no creed might venture to possess his soul. He belongs to God.
Jazakuallah Kharun br.Muhammad Sohail. As salam alaikum.
may Allah protects you brother Sohail. you did what a TRUE moslem should do. you stood against oppression and you shown compassion in the right time. May Allah accepts from you and accepts the new brother to Islam.
Alhamdulillah, stories like this, prove that TRUE moslems are not affected with all the hate and the warmongering propaganda against Islam.
it is about practice my brothers! it is about practice my brothers! it is about practice my brothers! our practice to the TRUTH remaining from the almighty, is what makes satanic plans fail against us. if we do like the disbelievers, the satan wouldn't bother to fight us (with his slaves) anymore...
May Allah protects you brother Sohail and may Allah accepts the new brother to Islam... I wish he finds him a new job and do good in his life. insha Allah.
Mohammad Syed