Reading is one of the most beautiful habits a child can develop, and many mothers and grandmothers are keen to practice it because of its great benefits. Reading helps develop a child’s language, expand knowledge, nurture emotions, stimulate imagination, enhance concentration and empathy, strengthen family bonds, and prepare the child for academic success. Of course, we cannot overlook the importance of bedtime stories in nurturing a child’s feelings and instilling moral values.
The story “Alya and the Cup of the Ideal Girl,” chosen by the mother, encourages children to emulate the qualities of a lovable child—how kindness, good deeds, and helping others bring people closer together and earn genuine love.
Written by Khairiya Hindawi
How the Story Begins: Alya and Jihad
In a quiet village far from the noise of cities—where everyone knows one another by name and face, and where a single school brings all the children together—lived two girls of the same age, nine years old. They studied in the same class and walked the same road to school every morning. Yet sadly, the distance between their hearts was great.
The first was Alya. She was well known throughout the village—beautiful, but arrogant. Her hair was always carefully styled, her wrists adorned with shiny bracelets she loved to show off to her friends. She changed her clothes every week. Her parents loved her dearly, showering her with gifts and excessive praise, believing this was the path to her happiness.
Growing up, Alya often heard phrases like: “You are the most beautiful,” “You are the best,” “There is no one like you.” She believed them and began to see herself as superior to everyone else.
The second was Jihad. She was completely different—simple, neat in her ordinary clothes, calm in her walk, and always smiling. She did not seek attention, yet she was present whenever help was needed. If a student struggled with a lesson, Jihad was the first to explain it. If someone was absent due to illness, she was the first to ask about her.
Although the two girls lived in the same village, attended the same school, and shared the same circumstances, the values they were raised with and the parenting styles they experienced were entirely different.
Appearance Versus Inner Worth
Alya was always surrounded by many girls, some competing for her friendship. They clung to her to borrow her colorful pens or benefit from her many gifts. They laughed at everything she said and agreed with her opinions—even when she was wrong. A small group of true friends occasionally tried to advise her:
“Don’t brag, Alya,” or “Your words hurt our friend.”
But Alya never listened. She disliked advice and always responded with excessive confidence and complete rejection: “I’m right. They’re just jealous of me—and you are too!”
Jihad, on the other hand, was kind, polite, and hardworking at school. Friends gathered around her because she was generous and loving, always ready to give her time, effort, and heart to anyone in need. She did not give gifts, but she gave herself. Without anyone noticing, the real difference between her and Alya began to form in the eyes of those around them.
The Cup of the Ideal Girl: A Turning Point
One day, at the beginning of the final school term, the school administration announced the eagerly awaited annual competition: The Cup of the Ideal Girl. Only one student would win, based on clear criteria posted on the notice board and confirmed by teachers and students alike:
Helping others
Academic diligence
Good manners
Service to the school community
Alya stood before the board, read the conditions quickly, smiled confidently, and said to her friends, “Who deserves this award more than me?” It never crossed her mind that she might not win.
Alya’s Unexpected Shock
As weeks passed, the names of nominees circulated, and Jihad’s name was frequently mentioned by teachers. At first, Alya did not care. But one day she heard her teacher say, “Jihad is a role model.”
Alya’s heart seemed to stop. Jihad? That simple girl? For the first time, Alya felt unfamiliar emotions—jealousy mixed with astonishment and denial. How could a girl who owned so little surpass her?
The Real Inner Conflict
Alya began to observe Jihad without realizing it. She saw her visiting a sick classmate and bringing her notebooks. She noticed her helping the teacher arrange the classroom. Neighbors spoke of how Jihad helped her mother at home without complaint.
Each time, Alya silently wondered: Is this the reason?
For the first time, Alya understood that people’s love cannot be bought. It is not tied to appearances, but to inner qualities and true humanity.
One day after school, Alya gathered her courage and asked Jihad quietly and honestly:
“Why do people love you so much?”
Jihad smiled sincerely and replied calmly:
“Because love is earned only through sincere actions.”
The words were simple, yet they shook Alya deeply.
A New Beginning
Alya did not change overnight. Her transformation was slow and hesitant—but genuine. She began respecting her friends more, stopped bragging, helped a classmate understand a lesson, and assisted her mother at home for the first time without complaining. Each time, she felt a new emotion—mostly a sense of inner satisfaction.
At the end of the year, during the closing ceremony, Jihad was crowned with the Cup of the Ideal Girl amid everyone’s applause. For the first time, Alya clapped sincerely. Then came the second surprise: the principal called Alya’s name and presented her with a certificate titled “Most Improved Student.”
Alya wept with joy. It was the first true pride she had ever felt. Her parents finally understood that love is not just indulgence, but raising a child on human values that bring her closer to others.
Educational Message of the Story
True happiness comes from values and morals, not appearance.
A strong character is built through small, daily good deeds.
Good morals give lasting value, while money may fade.
Ethics create a healthy society; without them, chaos prevails—even with wealth.
Inner peace and happiness come from faith and morals, not possessions.
Money and appearances do not create love; morals protect wealth, but wealth can never buy lost character.
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