We spoke of about the generosity of Bishop Nicholas and today we are going to speak of two eminent characters who were also known for their generosity; two precious pearls in history: the layman ” Ibrahim El-Gohary” and Caliph” Uthman ibn Affan”
He was born in the eighteenth century, and his parents were poor yet righteously devout. They taught him writing and arithmetic, and he excelled in them. He used to transcribe the religious books, and distributed them to the church at his own expense. Despite his modest income, he used to give abundantly since his young age and if one gave out of God’s gifts given to him, God will give him more and more and bless his life.
When he started to work, Ibrahim was a scribe to one of the Mamalik. He continued in his position until Ali Bey Al-Kabir appointed him as the chief scribe of all Egypt, a position which is equal to prime minister today. Ibrahim El-Gohari became more humble, generous, and charitable. He attracted to him the hearts of all the people and never discriminated between a Muslim and a Christian. He was admired by Ibraheem Bey who trusted him greatly.
Anba Yousab the bishop of Girga and Ekhmim said about him: “He was one of the great people of his day, who was God-loving, giving all his possessions to the poor, and caring about the construction of churches. He loved all people of different religions, making peace with all, filling all the needs of everyone without prejudice.”It is no wonder that he was charitable to others even those who insulted him. He discovered that love and mercy are able to turn evil into goodness.
His brother Girgis El-Gohary once came to him complaining about someone who insulted him while walking in the street. He also asked him to use his powers to punish that person. The layman told him that he will cut his tongue. On the next day, while he was walking at the same street, he found the person who insulted him meeting him with a warm welcome. He wondered about the reason of that critical change. The man answered that his brother had sent him gifts that made him stop insulting people. Generosity and gentleness were the secret that Ibrahim El-Gohary has discovered to turn animosity into mercy and make peace with others.
Another pearl that illuminated the history was Caliph” Uthman ibn Affan” who was generous and kind.It was mentioned that the number of the slaves he liberated was near 2400 people.
It is also said that at the time of Abu Bakr Al-Sidiq, there was a great drought and poor people went to Uthman to buy food from him, however he was distributing food for free on them. Moreover, he once bought a well whose previous owner was selling water to the poor. However, he bought the well and made its water available for everyone. His generosity and good manners exceeded so much that he once forgave a person who wanted to kill him.
To be continued…
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
