WEALTH AND POVERTY: It was a usual meeting. The
Holy 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:
"Salamun
Alaikum" (Peace be on you)
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 was seated next to a
very rich man.
The
rich man felt very disturbed and tried to collect the
edges of his dress around himself, so that the poor
man didn't touch them. The Prophet (S.A.W.) observed
this and addressing the rich man he (S.A.W.) said:
"
Perhaps you are afraid that his poverty would affect
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 touched 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 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 this offer."
People present were taken by surprise, they thought
that the poor man was a fool, but then he explained:
"
O Prophet of Allah, I refuse to accept this offer because
I fear that I might then become arrogant and ill-treat
my Muslim brothers the way he did to me."
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