Abu Ben-Adhem and the Angel

Copy 1: 100–120 Words

Once there was an honest and pious man. His name was Abu Ben-Adhem. One night, he was sleeping peacefully in his room. Suddenly, he woke up and saw a bright light.

He saw an angel in the room. The angel was writing in a book. Abu asked, “What are you writing?” The angel said, “I am writing the names of the people who love God.”

Abu asked, “Is my name there?” The angel said, “No.”

Abu was not sad. He said, “Then write my name as one who loves people.”

The angel wrote his name and went away. The next night, the angel came again. Abu’s name was at the top. God loved him.

Copy 2: 150–200 Words

Once there was an honest and pious man. His name was Abu Ben-Adhem. He was a kind man. He loved poor people and helped everyone as much as he could.

One night, Abu was sleeping peacefully in his room. Suddenly, he woke up and saw a bright light. The room was full of light. He saw an angel sitting there. The angel was writing something in a book.

Abu was surprised, but he was not afraid. He asked softly, “What are you writing?” The angel said, “I am writing the names of the people who love God.”

Abu asked, “Is my name in the book?” The angel looked at the book and said, “No, your name is not here.” Abu did not become angry or sad. He smiled and said, “Then please write my name as a man who loves people.”

The angel wrote his name and went away. The next night, the angel came again. He showed Abu a new list. Abu’s name was at the top. Abu understood that God loves the people who love and help His creation.

Copy 3: 250–280 Words

Once there was an honest and pious man. His name was Abu Ben-Adhem. He was not rich, but he had a good heart. He loved people very much. He helped the poor, spoke kindly to all, and never hurt anyone.

One night, Abu Ben-Adhem was sleeping peacefully in his room. Suddenly, he woke up. He saw a bright light in the room. The light was soft and beautiful. Then he saw an angel sitting near his bed. The angel had a book in his hand and was writing names in it.

Abu was surprised, but he was not afraid. He asked in a gentle voice, “What are you writing in that book?” The angel looked at him and said, “I am writing the names of the people who love God.”

Abu became interested. He asked, “Is my name in that book?” The angel looked at the list carefully. Then he said, “No, your name is not here.” Abu heard this, but he did not feel angry. He did not complain. He only smiled and said, “Then please write my name as one who loves people.”

The angel wrote his name and disappeared. Abu again went to sleep with peace in his heart. The next night, the angel came again with another book. This time, the angel showed him a new list. Abu saw that his name was at the top.

The angel said, “These are the names of the people whom God loves most.” Abu understood the great lesson. To love people is also a way to love God. A kind heart is very dear to God.