لطفا منتظر باشید ...
Followers
of Ahl-ul-Bayt Islamic Organization
The Poor Man Said...
It was a usual meeting. The Prophet
(s.a.w.) was in his place and his companions gathered around him to hear the words of
wisdom and guidance. Suddenly a poor man in rags appeared, saluted the assembly.
Salaamun Alaikum and
finding a vacant place, comfortably sat down. The Prophet (s.a.w.) had taught them
that all Muslims were brothers and in an assembly one should sit wherever one finds a
place, regardless of any status. Now, it so happened that this poor man sat next to
a very rich man. The rich man felt disturbed and tried to collect the edges of his
dress around himself, so that the poor man did not touch them. The Prophet (s.a.w)
observed this and addressing the rich man he said:
Perhaps you were afraid that his
poverty would effect you?
No, O Messenger of Allah, he
said.
Then perhaps you were apprehensive
about some of your wealth flying away to him?
No, O Messenger of Allah.
Or you feared that your clothes would
become dirty if he touches them?
No, O Messenger of Allah.
Then why did you draw yourself and
your clothes away from him?
The rich man said: I admit
that was the the most undesirable thing to do. It was an error and I confess my
guilt. Now to make amends for it, I will give away half of my wealth to this Muslim
brother so that I may be forgiven.
Just as he said this, the poor man
rose and said:
O Prophet of Allah, I do not accept
his offer.
People present were all taken by
surprise. They thought the poor man was a fool. But he explained:
O Prophet of Allah, I refuse to accept
his offer because I fear that I might then become arrogant and ill-treat my Muslim
brothers the way he did to me.
Reference:
Pearls of Wisdom. A String of Incidents in the History of Islam. The
World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities. Page 64.
