At my clinic, there is this one particular cleaner, probably in his 50s, who does his job diligently and with much grace. He would knock faithfully on the door of the doctor’s consultation room and ask for permission to enter and do his task. His task varies depending on the time of day. I reckon that in the early morning, he could sweep and mop the floor clean. He would also wipe our desk because I noticed that when I leave my desk in a mess in the evening, I would return to a sight where my pens are in the holder and my papers arranged in a neat stack.

In between the hours, he would collect trash from the non-clinical bins and wipe the sink clean. He would do his job swiftly, going in and out of the room using the main door. Unlike some of the other cleaners who would use the interconnecting doors.

Lately, I noticed that this routine was replaced by a lady. I had thought that maybe he was ill or on a holiday because his absence was felt. The lady was less meticulous than him (she washed the sink but did not wipe it), and unlike him, the lady would barge into our rooms during lunch time to clean. It disrupts our afternoon nap.

When he finally came back, I asked him if he was feeling well. He said he was fine. In fact, he just returned from his one-week Umrah. I uttered an Alhamdulilah. Since I’ve just returned from the trip there myself, I knew that he and his family must have enjoyed their trip there. Umrah is not cheap. Thus, he must feel blessed for the given opportunity to perform his worship there. Allah invited him. Alhamdulilah.

I continued my consultation with the patient. In a few short minutes. He returned to the room and placed a bag of sweets on my table. It was a small offering, which I felt was not necessary. He did not have to do that, but he did. I said a thank you to which he replied, ‘Benda kecik je Dr, takde apa sangat’.

His words sent a bolt of humbleness to my heart. Eventhough it was a small gesture, I felt remembered. Appreciated. I couldn’t help retracing my steps when I returned from Umrah. What did I buy, and who did I share my blessings with? One thing is for sure: I did not share my sweets with this lovely old man. When in fact, a bag of candy would not even burn a hole in my pocket. I want to do better in Ramadan. In giving and sharing my rezeki with others. InsyaAllah.