Imagine a desperate situation: three travelers, caught in a sudden, violent storm, seek refuge in a dimly lit cave. Just as they find shelter, a massive rock dislodges from the mountain above, thundering down to block the only exit, trapping them inside. Panic sets in, but one among them, wise and resolute, suggests their only hope lies in a powerful, ancient plea: beseeching Allah through their most virtuous deeds. This timeless tale, recounted by the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), is a testament to the profound impact of sincere acts of goodness.

The first man began his heartfelt prayer: "Oh Lord, my parents were very old, and I always made sure they had their nightly milk before anyone else in the family, including my own children. One day, I wandered far in search of pasture for my animals and didn't return until my parents had already fallen asleep. I milked the animals and brought their drink, but I couldn't bear to wake them. And I wouldn't give any milk to my hungry children until my parents had theirs. So, I stood there, milk vessel in hand, waiting for them to awaken until dawn broke, all while my children cried at my feet. When they finally woke, they drank. Oh Lord, if I did this purely for Your pleasure, then please, remove this distress caused by the rock." The rock shifted, ever so slightly, but not enough to free them.

Next, the second man supplicated: "Oh Lord, I had a cousin whom I loved more passionately than any man could love a woman. I tried to seduce her repeatedly, but she always refused. Then, during a severe famine, she came to me in great need. I gave her one hundred and twenty Dinars, but only on the condition that she would be intimate with me. She agreed. When we were about to proceed, she suddenly pleaded, 'Fear Allah, and do not break the seal unlawfully.' Despite my intense desire, I immediately pulled away from her, and I even let her keep the money. Oh Lord, if I did this seeking only Your pleasure, then please, move the distress we find ourselves in." Again, the rock moved a little more, but still not enough for escape.

Finally, the third man offered his prayer: "Oh Lord, I hired several laborers and paid them all their rightful wages, except for one who left without collecting his due. I took his unpaid wages and invested them in a business, and by Your grace, the business prospered immensely. After a long time, the laborer returned and asked for his wages. I told him, 'All that you see here is yours—camels, cattle, goats, and even slaves.' He thought I was joking, but I assured him I wasn't. So, he took everything, leaving nothing behind. Oh Lord, if I did this seeking only Your pleasure, please relieve us of our distress."

At this, the massive rock finally rolled away completely, allowing all three men to walk out of the cave, safe and sound.

This remarkable hadith teaches us about a powerful and permissible form of Tawassul: supplicating to Allah by invoking one's sincere good deeds from the past. Crucially, each man conditioned his plea on Allah's judgment of his sincerity, recognizing that only deeds performed purely for divine pleasure are accepted. The story also highlights several noble acts: the paramount importance of caring for one's parents, the immense virtue of abstaining from sin even at its brink, and the profound responsibility of faithfully managing trusts and responsibilities. This narrative underscores the profound power of righteous actions and unwavering faith in the face of insurmountable odds.