Manama: internet users have heaped praise on a Syrian refugee in Germany who found €150,000 and handed it to the local authorities.
The 25-year-old man who arrived in Germany in October last year discovered the money in a cupboard that a charity organisation donated to him, the police in Minden said.
He was working on assembling the furniture when he found €50,000 in cash and more than €100,000 in savings books hidden under a board.
He reported the findings to the local authorities who alerted the police.
In a statement, the police paid tribute to the refugee, saying he “behaved in an exemplary manner and deserves great credit”.
“People often report small amounts of money found to the police, but such a large sum is absolutely exceptional,” the police said, calling the refugee “Hero of the Day.”
The police are now looking for the owner of the money.
Reports said that the Syrian, who had left his family behind in Syria, is taking German language courses in Minden and wants to further his studies.
“This is a beautiful heart that deserves all positive tributes,” Ebrahim, a social media user, said. “Despite his terrible living conditions away from the family and his obvious need for money, he gave back such a large sum,” he posted.
Another user, writing under the moniker of Strong Man, said he was confident the refugee would be rewarded richly by God for his ethical behaviour.
“He proved he was an honest man who lived by the teachings of God,” he said. “He will most certainly have blessings and he will be happy and content.”
Another user said that he hoped the refugees will correct the negative image and terrible impressions left by other foreigners whose behaviour had shocked host countries.
“This is the genuine and true attitude of a Muslim man, and we applaud him for not falling to any form of temptation,” he said. “He is a true hero, unlike some of the other refugees who failed to represent their religion and their nations properly.”
One commenter, Turki, said that the refugee should have kept the money, arguing that he did not steal it or swindle anyone to get it.
“It came his way without any malice and as he needs it, he should have kept it,” he posted.
However, other users criticised Turki, insisting that Islam did not allow anyone to take money or anything that is not rightfully his, regardless of the conditions.
