Good leaves I Dabakh, the pedagogy of kindness, by Sidy Diop (5/5: The quest of a young girl) September 15, 2026
In this fourth part and last of his good pages, Sidy Diop continues his exploration of the “pedagogy of kindness” of Serigne Abdoul Aziz Sy Dabakh. Through the story of a sick young girl, found by the guide in Guédiawaye, the author tells how a gesture of solicitude towards a modest person can take on a profoundly human and spiritual significance.
A young girl’s quest
Sometimes, piety is not measured in mosques, but in the discreet gestures made in the heart of homes. This was how it was for Dabakh, who saw in every human being a “home” to protect, whether child, adult or domestic worker.
One day, a worry took hold of him. A young girl who worked for him as a “maid” in Dakar had disappeared for several days without giving any news. The absence, for Dabakh, was not just a setback, it was a rupture in the fabric of caring and mutual respect. He addressed his family:
“How can you make someone work without knowing where they live and without checking on them? »
The answer came. She came from Guédiawaye and had been ill for three days. Without hesitation, Dabakh ordered his children to prepare a large package of provisions. It wasn’t just about the food. Each item, each piece of bread, each sweet treat was chosen with care, as a symbol of concern and fraternity. Then, accompanied by his driver, he left. The road to Guédiawaye was long, but time and distance had no importance for him. What mattered was finding this young girl and ensuring her well-being.
When they arrived, the girl’s father was at first stunned to receive such an eminent visitor. He stammered:
” What is the purpose of your visit ? »
Dabakh, with the simplicity and firmness of those who are not afraid of anything, replied:
“I came to see my granddaughter, whom I have not seen for several days, and to bring her these provisions. »
The meeting was silent at first. The young girl, sick and frightened, timidly opened the package. His eyes filled with tears, not only for the food, but for the care he embodied. And then, the father, witnessing the scene, felt his heart open. Pure goodness had transformed him:
“For this great act that you performed for my daughter and for me, I decide to embrace Islam to be worthy of it. »
In a single gesture, Dabakh had accomplished more than a duty. He had sowed faith, respect and humanity. He showed that religion is not a set of rites, but a concrete commitment to others, even to those who are modest and forgotten.
That day, in Guédiawaye, a house opened to the light of kindness. A young girl found the warmth of care, a father found the way of faith and an elderly man, already fragile, reminded the world that greatness is measured by the ability to serve and love without expecting recognition.
So Dabakh didn’t just see the big things. There was no house too small to deserve his attention.
DIOP Sidy, Dabakh, the pedagogy of kindnessÉditions du Soleil, Dakar, 2026.
