The Prophet Mohammad: Wealth and Poverty
It was a usual meeting. Prophet Mohammad was in his place and his companions gathered around him to hear the words of wisdom and guidance. Suddenly a poor man with old clothes appeared, greeted the people: "Peace be upon you" (Salamun Alaikum). Prophet Mohammad had taught them that all Muslims were brothers and in a meeting they should sit wherever they find a place, regardless of their position. So the poor man sat at the empty place he found, near a rich man. The rich man felt very disturbed and tried to sit away from him, so that the poor man didn't touch his clothes. Prophet Mohammad observed this and said to the rich man: "Perhaps you are afraid that his poverty would affect you?" The rich man said: "No, O Messenger of Allah". Prophet Mohammad said: "Then perhaps you were apprehensive about some of your wealth flying away to him? Or you feared that your clothes would become dirty if he touched them? Then why did you draw yourself and your clothes away from him?" The rich man said: "I admit that was the most undesirable thing to do. It was an error and I confess my guilt. Now to make apology for it, I will give away half of my wealth to this Muslim brother so that I may be forgiven."
At this moment the poor man rose and said: "O Messenger of Allah, I do not accept this offer." People present were surprised, they thought that the poor man was a fool, but then he explained: "O Messenger of Allah, I refuse to accept this offer because I fear that I might then become proud and treat my Muslim brothers the way he did to me."
posted by Mohsen Feizian @ 12:34 PM
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