The Man Who Counted Camels
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time, a merchant from Damascus decided to send ten camels as a gift to his brother in Baghdad. He sent for his servant and ordered him to choose ten of his best camels and take them to his brother living in Baghdad. The servant was unhappy at this order. He replied: Master, forgive me, but I cannot do this for the way to Baghdad lies across the deserts. I have lived all my life in Damascus. Moreover, I know nothing about travelling on the desert routes, then, said the merchant: find me a man who knows how to travel through the desert. The servant went searching in the bazaars to find the man. At last, he came across a person who lived in the desert. The servant knew immediately that this man was a dimwit from his looks. The person had long uncut hair and his beard had not been trimmed. He had a strange manner of speaking. The servant went up to the dimwit and said: Can you take ten camels to Baghdad for my master? Will he pay me well? Asked the dimwit. The servant assured him that he would be paid in gold as his reward. That is well. Said the dimwit. Now, I have to count the camels to see that they are all there. The dimwit followed the servant to the merchant’s home. He tied all the camels with ropes, head to tail, making a line of them. He soon started counting the camels. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. He turned angrily to the servant and said: You have given me eight camels and you say there are ten? Now, the servant who had been watching could see clearly that the dimwit did not know how to count. He said to the dimwit: Pat each camel on the neck and fold one of your fingers. The servant started counting the camels for him folding one of his fingers for each camel. At the end, he turned to the dimwit and showed him that all his fingers were folded. The dimwit did likewise and found that all his fingers were folded when he had counted the camels. The servant asked: How many camels are there? Truly. Replied the dimwit. There are two handfuls, but in numbers I cannot tell you how many. The servant decided to try again in a different way. He said: Now open your fingers and say a number as you open each finger. The dimwit did as he was told. He started counting backwards opening his fingers as he did so. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five four, three, two, one. Surprised, he turned to the servant and said: There are no camels at all when I count this way!? The servant saw that it was useless to teach the dimwit to count on his fingers. He thought for some time and took a piece of string and ten large beads. He passed the string through the beads and knotted one of its ends. Turning to the dimwit he said: Do not worry, my friend. Rather, take this string. The number of beads on it is the same as the number of camels. Just remember to pat the camel on its head and pass a bead from top to the bottom of the string. Thus, when the camels finish, the beads must finish too. If you have a bead left, then you have lost a camel and search for it. If, however, you have a camel more than you have beads then, God has given you a camel and you may do whatever you wish with it? The dimwit took the camels, the beads, and the string from the servant. He asked the servant for some food and water and set out across the hot desert on the route to Baghdad. He led the line of camels with the rope in his hands. He would halt every hour to rest with the camels. At the end of his rest, he would count the number of camels as the servant had taught him. He would pat each camel on its head and passed a bead from the top to the bottom of the string. Each time, he found that the number of camels was the same as the number of beads on his string and all was correct. After walking for hours down the road, the sun grew extremely hot in the desert. The dimwit was tired. He cleverly thought, why should I walk when there are camels to ride? So, he mounted the first camel and led the others in line after him. At the end of the hour, the dimwit decided to rest. He decided to count the camels before halting for the rest. He counted the camels with the beads. He forgot however, to count the camel which he was mounted on. He was left with one bead. He became afraid and said to himself: Alas! I have lost the rear camel. The rope must have been broken. I must go back to the place, where I counted them last. Sadly, the dimwit turned back. He followed the camel tracks back to the place where he had counted them last. He carefully examined the sand and found that no camel had escaped from him. There were no camel tracks leading away from his path. Therefore, he thought. I have not lost any camel. Rather, God has presented me with an extra bead. So, he undid the knot on the string and removed a bead. Now, the number of beads was same as the number of camels. After solving the problem, the dimwit rode happily forward. It was now evening, and the sun was sinking in the west. Riding further, he came to an oasis. He was pleased to find other people there. He decided to camp there for the night. He dismounted from his camel and counted them with the beads for the last time of the day. He did not forget to tap the heads of the camels as he counted them. Now, he had a camel with him for which there was no bead. The dimwit thanked God for his gift saying, Praise be to God who has gifted me with a camel for my food and their food. Therefore, he drew out his knife and killed the last camel for which there was no bead. He prepared a fire and started roasting the camel meat and invited the other travelers to join him in the feast. On the next day at dawn, he counted the camels again. Everything was correct. After mounting the first camel, he counted them again. He found that there was an extra bead and he threw it away. When he dismounted again at the next oasis in the evening, he found that he had a camel too many. Again, he praised God for presenting him with an extra camel. He killed the last camel in the line and invited the other travelers to the feast. On the next day and on the day after, it happened in a like manner. And, on the eleventh day, he walked carrying a piece of string and nothing else, for both the camels and the beads were finished. At last, he came to Baghdad. He went to the house of the great merchant’s brother. The dimwit saluted the brother and said: Take this piece of string. Your brother has sent it to you as a present from Damascus. There was also talk concerning beads and camels. However, really, it is of no importance. Although, I know a little about arithmetic, I know my counting is correct, and in good order, for the number of beads is the same as the number of camels. There are no camels and no beads. The merchant’s brother was astonished to hear the words of the dimwit. They did not make any sense at all. He thought, Truly, the heat and thirst of the desert have made this poor fellow lose his wits. So, he took the dimwit to his house and offered him food and drink. The dimwit, however, ate little. He had eaten far too much on his journey from Damascus to Baghdad. He thanked his generous host and took his leave saying to himself. It is really lucky we have to eat only camels which God in his kindness sends to us. If we had to eat the beads as well they would surely pop out of our eyes.The Man Who Counted Camels
The King Who Loved Stories
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
There was a certain king of Persia, who was unlike other kings before him and he was always in search of pleasure, fun, and various amusements. It happened one day that a courtier who wished to please his master and get into his good books read him a story from the Arabian Nights. The king was glad to hear the story; he wanted the courtier to read out more stories for him. Soon, the time came when the courtier ran out of all his stories and had no more to tell. Now, the king had it announced in his kingdom that whoever told him a story, which he had never heard before will be rewarded richly from his treasury. His subjects on hearing his decree travelled from all over his kingdom to narrate him the stories they knew and went home rewarded on the merits of their stories. The king was by this time had developed a fondness for hearing stories. He had it announced in his kingdom that if any man could tell him a story that lasted forever, he would make him his heir and give his daughter’s hand in marriage to him, but if anybody would pretend that he could tell such a story and failed? If his story came to an end, he was going to get his head chopped off, and he passed a decree to this effect. For such a grand prize as a beautiful princess and a kingdom, people came to him from different parts of the world and told him extremely long stories. Some of them lasted a week, others a month, one went as far as six months, but ultimately their stories came to an end, and along with them their lives. In the kingdom, there lived an extremely intelligent man who knew the kingdom would never prosper under a king who was fond of hearing stories. He decided the time had come to replace the foolish king with a better person who could manage the affairs of the kingdom without wasting his precious time listening to stories! Finally, he decided to take the matters into his own hands, and appeared before the king as a candidate for the task of telling him a story without an end. O, king, there was once a ruler who was a great tyrant; and desiring to increase his riches, he seized all the corn and grain in his kingdom and stored it into an immense granary, as high as a mountain, which he had built for this purpose. This he did for several years until the granary was completely filled. He then had all the openings to the granary closed from all sides. However, the bricklayers to the granary had a hole by accident near the top of the granary. Since his kingdom was without any corn, his subjects slowly started leaving the kingdom to other places in search of food. Likewise the birds of the land searched far and wide for grain and not finding any, decided that it was time to migrate to distant lands. Soon, a small bird discovered the hole in the granary by accident. But the hole was so small that only one bird could pass through the hole at a time. Excitedly, the small bird carried the good news to other birds of the land. They all gathered near the hole, and looked in it and true to their amazement found out that all the things, which had been told to them by the bird were true. So, one bird entered the hole and carried of one grain of corn; then another bird went in and carried off another grain of corn; and then another bird went in and carried another grain of corn; and then another bird went in...? The storyteller had gone ahead with his story from morning until night, Then, the king who had been very patient with him began to grow tired of hearing the birds carrying the corns of grain one at a time, and one day after a month interrupted the story with: Well, well, we had enough of the birds carrying the grains of corn; we will suppose that they had all the corn they wanted; tell us what happened next.? The storyteller was not the type of person who was going to be hurried at his task. He answered, Your Majesty! It is impossible to tell you what happened afterwards before I have told you what happened first. The king listened to the man with admirable patience for another six months, when he again interrupted him; my friend, I am weary of hearing your birds carrying corns in their beaks! How soon do you think they will finish? The storyteller replied with an amazing presence of mind: O, king who can tell? At the time, which my story has come all the birds in the kingdom of the tyrant had only managed to eat a small portion of the grain, but let your Majesty have patience, and no doubt we shall come to the end of the story in good time? Thus encouraged, the king listened to the same thing being repeated again and again for one complete year and the storyteller going strong on his story like never before as if it had no end. At last, the poor king could bear it no longer, and cried out: O, man! That is enough! Take my daughter, take my kingdom, take anything and everything, and only let me not hear anymore about the birds carrying the corn in their beaks flying in and out of the granary. And so the storyteller was married to the beautiful daughter of the king and was declared king. And, the first task, after becoming the king of the land was that he ordered his soldiers to put his father-in-law under house arrest in a palace, and provide him with whatever that was needed by him, until the end of his life. The soldiers gladly carried out his orders, for the foolish king had brought his kingdom on the verge of utter ruin with his fascination for hearing stories. In this way, the foolishness of a king for hearing stories and other amusing things came to an end and the affairs of the kingdom were restored to order by the new king.The King Who Loved Stories
A Mosquito Conquers a Tiger But Meets a Sad End!
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time, there was a forest full of animals. One fine day, at sunrise, all the animals and birds were woken by a mighty roar that shook the forest. A mosquito, which had taken refuge in the fur of a rat, woke up in alarm. It asked its friend, what was that which has woken me up?? The rat said: It is the roar of a tiger. Perhaps, he was having a bad dream. The mosquito thought for a moment and said: I will teach him a lesson, which he will not forget in his life, for almost scaring the life out of me with his mighty voice. The rat smiled at his little friend: You do not look so frightening that the tiger will get scared of you very easily. No problem. Replied the mosquito. I will show him that though I am small, my sting can be as sharp as a sword. The rat merely shook it’s head: It is all very well for you to say so, and if you are brave, then fly to the tiger and tell him to quit roaring and leave the forest instead of scaring all the other animals in the forest with his mighty roar. The mosquito accepted the challenge, and it flew up to the tiger. The buzzing sound of his wings immediately woke up the tiger, and he opened his eyes; why are you annoying me? Don’t you understand that I have not yet finished sleeping? The mosquito was extremely upset with the arrogant behavior of the tiger and said: I am the mosquito. How dare you roar in your sleep and frighten all the animals and birds of this forest? The tiger yawned and chomped his jaws and almost bit the mosquito. He said to him: You little insect! Buzz off! Now, you are making me extremely angry!? The mosquito was angry to hear the words of the tiger, and he decided that he would teach him a lesson which he would never forget for the rest of his life. He flew straight into one of the tiger’s ears and started to sting it. This infuriated the tiger. He clapped his ear loudly with his paw hoping to scare the mosquito out of its ear, but he could not drive the mosquito away. The tiger tried everything... shaking his head violently from side to side hoping to get rid of the mosquito, but this made the mosquito bite only more harder. Finally, in desperation, the tiger cried out: I give up and you win and, I will stop roaring and leave this forest, but please get out of my ear. The mosquito flew out of the tiger’s ear, and the tiger ran for its life to get rid of this horrible insect, out of the forest into the neighboring forest. All the animals of the forest saw him leaving the forest and congratulated the tiny mosquito for accomplishing this remarkable victory. All the praise from the animals went straight to the head of the mosquito. He started boasting to other animals in the forest that had not seen the act about how he won and the extraordinary victory over the mighty tiger. The mosquito soon found a spider on its web fast asleep after eating a big fly. Eagerly, the mosquito went up to the spider to give him the good news of how he had got the forest rid of the tiger. The spider looked at his distinguished guest with respect. It invited the mosquito to sit on its carpet and tell him his amazing tale from the very beginning. Flattered, the mosquito sat down on the web of the spider, and soon found that it was sticky and he was hopelessly caught in it. Help me! My legs are stuck in your carpet, and I cannot free myself. The spider chuckled at the mosquito’s difficulty. That’s right. He said. It is a special carpet made for catching the easy to fool, talkative and boastful, like you! Perhaps, the end of the story seems a little sad. But after all, the mosquito himself was to blame for his end at the hands of the spider. (Moral of the story: After doing a good deed, do not boast and sing your praises)A Mosquito Conquers a Tiger But Meets a Sad End!
Beg Not of the Beggars
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
It is Allah Almighty who is the Emperor of all emperors on this earth. Once King Akbar was riding his horse in the countryside of Agra, he felt hungry and asked a peasant for some food. The peasant believing him to be an ordinary traveller brought some food and cold water and did his best to make his stay in the house comfortable. When the mighty Emperor was refreshed and was ready to leave, he told the villager: My good man, I am the Emperor of India. If you are ever in need of any assistance, please come to my palace in Agra without any hesitation. I am pleased by your hospitality and will be glad to be of help to you in every way I can.? After some time, the villager fell on hard times. Famine had set in his village and food was hard to find. There was no work for the farmers. The villager remembered the words of the Emperor; he decided to go to Agra and asked for an interview with the Great King Akbar. He was immediately ushered into the Emperor’s private chambers, where he found to his astonishment that the Emperor who had just finished his prayers was supplicating to Allah, and with raised hands was begging from the Almighty God numerous favors for himself, his family and his subjects. Soon, the Emperor finished his prayers and his eyes fell on the villager who was waiting to meet him. He recognized him immediately as the same man who had attended to his needs during his journey to the village. The Emperor greeted him warmly and had him seated by his side, and humbly asked him if there was anything that he could do for him? O mighty Emperor. Said the villager. Will you please tell me what were you doing just now? Why certainly? Said Akbar, I was asking from Allah help in solving many difficulties that I face while ruling my great empire, and for His aid in keeping my kingdom in peace. Thank you very much, O mighty emperor. Said the villager.Now, I seek your permission to travel back to my village. The emperor was astonished at the reply of the villager. He said, why? What’s the matter? He exclaimed. Did you not come here to ask for my help? The villager answered him politely, but in a determined manner. O, Emperor, I have learnt a great thing today! I will beg at the same door as the One before which you were begging. For my Lord, though you are the greatest among all the kings of India, I find that you are a poor beggar. And, for me to beg favors from a beggar would bring me disgrace from the Almighty who is the Emperor of all emperors on this earth. Moral of the Story: If you ask in Prayer, ask only from Allah, and if you seek help, seek it only from Allah. Beg Not of the Beggars
The Honest Muslim Trader
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
it is related that in the times of the early days of Islam, there lived a trader by name Yunus who sold fabrics in his shop, which were imported from different lands. Some of the cloth he sold was priced low and the other was as high as four hundred Dirhams each. Once, it happened that he entrusted his nephew who helped him in his shop to take over the business for a few minutes, as he had to go to the nearby mosque to complete his obligatory prayers. During his absence, a Bedouin entered the shop and began to examine the clothes offered for sale. He immediately took a liking to the cloth that was offered for sale over there, and asked the boy who was responsible for running the shop to state its price. The nephew wanted to please his uncle, so he sold the Bedouin the cloth twice the amount of price than what it was worth. The Bedouin was happy with the bargain. While on his way, crossing the street, he came across Yunus, who had just emerged out of the mosque after completing his prayers and recognizing his cloth, he asked the Bedouin from where he had purchased it and its price. The Bedouin replied truthfully that he had purchased the cloth from a shop across the street from a boy and had paid four hundred Dirhams for it. But it is not worth more than two hundred, replied Yunus and taking the Bedouin by the arm conducted him back to his shop. Come with me, and I will exchange it for a cloth, which is far better than one you have bought for four hundred Dirhams. On the way to the shop the Bedouin replied, but the cloth of this type and design is highly valued from where I come from and it is worth five hundred Dirhams and I am perfectly pleased with my purchase. Yunus objected to his decision saying: Do not say that for the counsel of the religion of Islam is far more rewarding than the riches of the world. Returning to his shop, he immediately returned the two hundred Dirhams which had been paid in excess by the Bedouin for the cloth and scolded his nephew saying: Do you have no fear of Allah? You have abandoned Allah’s counsel in matters relating to trade in your dealings with your customers?The Honest Muslim Trader
Use Knowledge for Good Work
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time, there lived in Egypt a King who had two sons. He wished that his sons got a good education for themselves, and sent them to the best teachers of renown in Egypt for training. As luck would have it, one of the sons took to the study of science and its related subjects with great enthusiasm, and over a period of time gained such mastery over the subject that there was not a single person in that generation who could match him in knowledge. His fame as a wise teacher, spread far and wide, and people began sending their young sons to learn from him. The other son was fortunate to be taught under a teacher, who knew all about statecraft and the ways of administering his kingdom. He proved to be a good pupil and within a short passage of time, he knew everything about running the affairs of the kingdom, so much so, that not a single event that took place within his kingdom and outside, passed by him without his knowledge, and his subjects marvelled at the intelligence he displayed in running the affairs of the kingdom, and his father believing him to be his rightful heir, entrusted the kingdom under his care and retired to a house, where he could spend his life in meditation and worship of Allah. Then, one day, he happened to meet his brother, who had by now built a college from the donations of his well- wishers and thousands of students studying under his care. His brother who was by now king, looked at his other brother and said in a scornful voice:” I have now become the sovereign of this country; whereas, your condition has not changed since I last met you. His brother replied” O brother of mine! I must be grateful to our Lord and Creator, Most High, for helping me to find a source of study which I have found in the course, the inheritance of the prophets, while you have obtained the inheritance of the Pharaohs, unless you rule your subjects with justice and kindness, and judge them with the standards of the Quran. If you stray from this path, and choose for yourself indulgence of the pleasures of wine and flesh, then take care, for you will most surely meet an ignoble end!Use Knowledge for Good Work
Who's the Noblest of All?
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
There was once a Persian ruler who had three sons. The King was fond of collecting pearls and over a period of years, he had collected pearls from different countries, which also had the largest pearl in the world, which was the envy of the emperors of the world. The King wished to give all the pearls to one of his sons who had shown himself to be the noblest of all. Accordingly, he called them all to his presence, and asked each of them, what is the most praiseworthy deed he had performed during the last three months. The eldest son spoke first. He said: “On my journey last week, I was entrusted with a number of valuable jewels by one of my friends, and he had given it to me for safekeeping. My friend who had sent them had taken no account of them. If I had taken one or two as my own out of his collection, he would not have missed it; and I could have easily made myself rich beyond all expectations, at his expense. However, I did no such thing. I carried the parcel that he had handed over to me as safely, as if it had been my own and when he returned back from his journey, I gave back all his jewels exactly as he had given them to me.” “My son,” replied the King, “you were honest, and it is true that you have done well. But, you could hardly have acted otherwise without shame.” Then, it was the turn of the second son to speak; He said: “My father, as I was walking past the river the other day, I saw a child playing by the bridge, while I watched him, he fell in. He would have drowned, if I had not swam after him, and saved his life.” The King replied: “You too, have done your duty, but as a prince who is acting as a guardian of all his subjects on behalf of his father, who is the ruler of this land, you could hardly have left the child to drown.” It was now the turn of the third son to speak. He said: “As I crossed the mountains the other day, I saw a man near a dangerous point in the mountains, who has hated me all his life and has done me harm. He had sat down to rest, and had fallen asleep. I would have passed on my way without a word, and nobody would have blamed me as it was none of my business to care where the man had slept, but some inner voice within me called me to go back and wake him. This I did, knowing all the time that he would not understand my reasons for waking him, and that he would be angry with me, as indeed he was.” “My son,” cried the old King, “all the pearls that I own in my treasury are now yours! To do good to others and to your enemies without hope of favor or reward, to those who have wronged us is truly a noble act. And, from now on, let this be a lesson to you all. This was the initial test from me to test the son who is worthy to be my heir apparent, and become the king after my death. Therefore, compete with one another in doing good works to others, and the son, who is worthy to inherit the throne after me should be the noblest among all of you.” The first two sons took no offence to their father’s choice in picking out his third son to inherit the treasure trove of pearls. They decided to devote the rest of their lives working towards the welfare of the subjects in their kingdom and when the old king died, they placed the crown on the head of their youngest brother and pledged their loyalty to him, and promised to be his most trusted advisors in working towards the welfare of their subjects. Moral of the Story: “Do good to others and you will be paid back in turn with rich surplus of love.Who's the Noblest of All?
The King Who Was Lost In the Jungle
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
One day, a powerful king of a nation had a dream. In that dream, he was riding a horse and roaming through the countryside. He noticed in his dream that he had strayed farther until he had become lost in a dense jungle. He stopped his horse to make some sense of the direction from which he had come and was trying hard to locate his way back to his palace. Suddenly, he noticed, a ferocious tiger coming towards him. In order to save his life, he leapt from the horse quickly on a branch hanging above his head and decided to take refuge in the shelter of the tree, and sat on the branch. The tiger had noticed all this and the animal came to the same tree and sat comfortably beneath the tree waiting for his prey to come down. The tiger knew that it had more patience than the human being on the tree and it would only be a matter of time before the king would try to escape from him. At that time, the animal decided that he would kill that man and make a meal out of him. On seeing that the tiger had settled down for a long wait, the king decided to test the branch on which he was sitting to make sure that it was strong enough to bear his weight. But, as he looked along its length, he was filled with fear, for he saw two mice - one white and the other black - were gnawing merrily away at the end of the branch - which he was sitting - where it joined the tree. Filled with terror the king looked below him to see where he would fall when the branch gave way, and whether the ground below was hard or soft. But here, he was met with another terrifying sight for there was a huge python waiting for him with its jaws wide open, looking at him eagerly waiting for him to fall. The king trembled with fright because he was now in a desperate situation. As he clung to the branch, his mind raced with different possibilities about what he should do in order to save his life. Suddenly, he not noticed that there was a honeycomb filled with honey above his head and it was dripping drops of honey just in front of him where he sat on the branch of the tree. He stretched out his tongue to catch the falling drops of honey for he was both hungry and thirsty from the long ride, and as he did so, the honey had an amazing effect on him. It was delicious, sweet, and refreshing that he soon became completely unmindful of the dangers that threatened him from every side. The tiger, the mice and the python, were all forgotten as he became more and more enchanted with the taste of the marvelous honey. In a short time, of course, the mice gnawed through the branch of the tree, and he fell to the ground, and the tiger killed the king, and he died with a happy smile on his face, and the python devoured what was left of him. The king woke up from his dream, his body drenched in cold sweat. The same day, he narrated his dream in his court and asked the learned men of his kingdom to tell him about the interpretation of his dream. The learned men of his court were as puzzled as the king about his dream and try as they may, they could not come up with a satisfactory explanation to the dream the king had witnessed on the previous night. At last, a learned man, who was knowledgeable about the Holy Quran and Traditions of Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stepped forth and sought permission from the king to offer an explanation. The king without wasting a moment granted him the permission, as he was also curious to find a satisfactory explanation to his dream. The learned man addressed the king and the court: “Know O’ king that the tree which you had climbed for safety symbolizes this world, the dense and the dark material universe.
The King Who Was Lost In the Jungle
The Cage Bird's Escape
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time, there was a bird in a cage who sang for her merchant. He
took delight in her song day and night, and was so fond of her that he served
her water in a golden dish. Before he left for a business trip, he asked the
bird if she had a wish: “I will go through the forest where you were born, past
the birds of your old neighborhood. What message should I take for them?” The bird said, “Tell them I sit full of sorrow in a cage singing my captive
song. Day and night, my heart is full of grief. I hope it will not be long
before I see my friends again and fly freely through the trees. Bring me a
message from the lovely forest, that will set my heart at ease. Oh, I yearn for
my Beloved, to fly with Him, and spread my wings. Until then there is no joy for
me, and I am cut off from all of life’s sweet things.” The merchant traveled on his donkey through the dense forest. He listened to
the melodies of many birds. When the merchant reached the forest where his bird
came from, he stopped, pushed his hood back, and said, “O you birds! Greetings
to you all from my pretty bird locked in her cage. She sends tidings of her love
to you and wants to tell of her plight. She asks for a reply that will ease her
heart. My love for her keeps her captive with bars all around her. She wants to join
her Beloved and sing her songs through the air with a free heart, but I would
miss her beautiful songs and cannot let her go.” All the birds listened to the merchant’s words. Suddenly one bird shrieked
and fell from a tree brunch to the ground. The merchant froze to the spot where
he stood. Nothing could astound him more than this did. One bird had fallen down
dead! The merchant continued on to the city and traded his goods. At last he
returned to his home. He did not know what to tell his bird when she asked what
message he had brought. He stood before her cage and said, “Oh, nothing to speak
of “no, no,” The bird cried, “I must know at once” I do not know what happen-ed,” said the merchant. “I told them your message.
Then, one of them fell down dead.” Suddenly the merchant’s bird let out a terrible shriek and fell on her head
to the bottom of the cage. The merchant was horrified. He wept in despair, “Oh, what have I done?” He
cried, “What Have I done? Now my life means nothing. My moon has gone and so has
my sun. Now my own bird is dead.” He opened the cage door, reached in, and took her into his hands gently and
carefully. “I will have to bury her now,” he said; “poor thing is dead.” Suddenly, the moment he had lifted the bird out of the cage, she swooped up,
flew out of the window and landed on the nearest roof slope. She turned to him
and said, gratefully, “Thank you, merchant master, for delivering my message.
That bird’s reply instructed me how to win my freedom. All I had to do was to be
dead. I gained my freedom when I chose to die.” “So now I fly to my Beloved who waits for me. Good-bye, good-bye, my master
no longer.” “My bird was wise; she taught me secret,” the merchant
reflected.The Cage Bird's Escape
King and the Pirate
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time, during the rein of Shah Abbas, a seaman with his crew sailed the seas, attacking the cargo vessels of the king, plundering from it all the valuables, taking the merchants prisoners and finally sinking their ships. He would then proceed to leave the merchants in a lonely island, where they would be rescued by some other ship, which was passing that way. Finally, the pirate lost on his luck when he unwittingly attacked a military ship, which had been disguised as a merchant ship to capture the pirate. The ruse worked and the pirate along with his crew were brought in chains before the Shah, who asked him angrily, how he dared to trouble his ships, as he had done for so long. “Your Majesty,” replied the pirate, “I will tell you the truth, if you promise me to spare my life and my companions. In return, I will abandon the dishonest trade forever and become a law-abiding citizen in your kingdom.” The Shah agreed to this condition. The pirate continued: “You should rather ask yourself the answer about why you trouble the people in different parts of your kingdom. I am the master of a single ship, and do but little harm, while you are the master of a huge fleet of ships that carry desolation and war, wherever they sail on the sea. I am called as a robber, whereas, you are called as a king and a conqueror. If our fortunes had only changed, then I would have become more successful, while you would have become less successful and our fortunes would have reversed. But Allah (swt) has decreed it otherwise, and I now stand before you as your prisoner craving your mercy, and leave your Majesty to question your conscience, the difference between the two of us.” The Shah was so struck by the remarkable argument of the pirate before him, that he not only forgave the pirate but made him a wealthy prince within his empire for giving up his wayward life, and he ordered his military men to cease all military operations into the neighboring territories and concentrate only on securing the borders of his kingdom, and from that day the Shah devoted everyday of his life working towards the welfare of his subjects, and soon won their affection.King and the Pirate
Fear of God
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
The Prophet’s (Pbuh) whole life was shaped by thoughts of the hereafter. He loved his children, but not in any worldly way. Ali’ ibn Talib, Fatima’s husband, once told Ibn Wahid a story about the Prophet’s most beloved daughter. Fatima’s hands, he said, were blistered from constant grinding; her neck had become sore from carrying water; her clothes would become dirty from sweeping the floor. When the Prophet had received an influx of servants from some place, Ali suggested to his wife that she approach her father and ask for a servant. She went, but could not speak to the Prophet because of the people who were surrounding him. Next day, he came to their house, and asked Fatimah as to why she wanted to see him. Ali told the whole story to the Prophet, and said that she went to him on his advice. “Fear God, Fatimah,” the Prophet said, “Fulfill your obligations to the Lord, and continue with your housework. This would be much better than having a servant.’ “If that is the will of God and His Prophet,” Fatimah replied “then so be it.” This was the Prophet’s only reply. He did not provide her a servant.Fear of God
The Merchant's Will
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time a rich trader of Arabia set sail from his home to faraway lands to make his fortune along with his most trusted slave. He traded at different shores and made a huge profit, which made him rich beyond all measure. As luck would have it, one day the merchant fell sick. His condition began to worsen by the day. His faithful slave was always by his side trying to nurse him back to health. Try as he may, the best doctors, in the city could find no cure for his strange illness. Finally the merchant realized that the time had come for him to depart from the earth. He called the slave to his side and asked him to take his last will to his son. In the will, he stated that he had left all the property he owned to his slave, on the sole condition that the slave should allow his son who was living in Arabia to select just one article from his property. After the merchant’s death, his slave dutifully buried him. The slave was also a good Muslim both in word and deed. He had promised his master on his deathbed that he would carry out his wishes to the last letter. He sailed for Arabia after securing all the riches of the merchant. Upon arriving in Arabia, he placed the entire merchant’s bequest before the young man. He told him it was up to him to honor the promise made by his father and he would honor whatever decision that was arrived by his son, and accept his lot, with good grace. The young man was greatly astonished about the contents of his father’s will. Nevertheless, he had also been brought up as a good Muslim. He was firm in his belief that if his father had left a will, it must be honored till the last letter. But, try as he may, he could not figure out why his father had acted the way he had. He asked his father’s slave to give him a few days to think over the matter and he would let him know his decision. He visited one of his father’s very trusted friends and related to him the whole story. The man laughed out loudly as he completed the accounts. The young man was amazed at his reaction. His father’s companion told him: “Your father was a man of great wisdom. By making this will, he had left all his property to you. If he had written it in his will, the devil may have tempted his slave to escape with all his riches, for he was dying in a distant land. In order to ensure their safe delivery to you, he wrote the will in his slave’s favour.” “Don’t forget that your father’s slave was also his property. And, by the law of this land, when a man purchases a slave, he becomes the sole owner of all his possessions. You may select the slave, and the entire property will be yours according to the agreement that was reached by your father with him at the time of his purchase. However, do not forget the fact that your slave is a believing Muslim like you are and treat him generously after you acquire all the property from him.” The next day, the young man invited the slave and told him that he was selecting the slave over all his father’s possessions. He further told him, “By the terms of agreement reached with my father, all that you possess now completely belongs to me!” To his amazement, the slave did not show the slightest resentment over the choice of his son. He placed all the wealth belonging to his father before the young man and complimented him for arriving at a wise decision. Once the son took possession of all his wealth from the slave, he said: “You have acted like a true Muslim by not betraying the trust of my father and delivering all his invaluable treasures to the last Dinar. Now, I hand over half of this wealth to you out of my own free will, and one half of the entire property, which belongs to my father,” and proceeded to divide the wealth between him and his slave. The slave was astonished at the turn of events and he could hardly believe the turn of tide in his favour. Once he had finished the task. He told his slave; “You are now a free man. You can live in one-half of this house.”The Merchant's Will
The Beggar's Well-Deserved Dinner
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Many years ago, there lived two woodcutters, Rahim and Rahman, in a village. They would go out every morning to the nearby Bandipur forest to cut firewood and sell it in the nearby town. They earned barely enough to survive. After they had cut wood, they would sit on the bank of the river and eat their lunch from their tiffin boxes. Next they would sell the firewood till the end of the day in the marketplace before going home. One sunny day, the woodcutters were eating their lunch. It was at that time, Rahim noticed a thin and exhausted beggar, coming out of the forest. His clothes were torn and his hair was dishevelled. The beggar hungrily eyed the packets of lunch. “I see that you are having an excellent day my friends,” said the beggar, addressing them. I wonder if you can spare a few morsels of food for me.” Rahim, who felt sorry for the beggar, quickly reached for his packet of lunch and was about to give a part of it to the beggar, but Rahman immediately grabbed his elbow and pulled him back “We have no food to spare,” Rahman told the beggar. “We work hard throughout the morning and pack enough food for ourselves to see us through the day. At the end of the day, we buy food and other essentials for our families. So you see we cannot give you what we are eating. But if you wish, I can lend you my axe and we both will teach you how to cut firewood and sell it. Insha’Allah at the end of the day, you will have enough to eat and buy yourself a new axe to cut more firewood tomorrow. This way, you can earn a livelihood with dignity.” The beggar joined Rahman and they both went inside the forest. Patiently, Rahman showed the poor man how to cut the firewood and make it into a neat pile. Thereafter they took him to the market and told him how to sell it. At first, the beggar had no success. He began to mutter angrily: “It would have been so much simpler if these men had been generous, and shared their food with him”. As he was thinking, a carriage pulled up before him. A person stepped out. He purchased the whole bundle from the beggar. While making an exit, he pulled out a bundle of currency notes from his pocket and pressed it into his hands. The beggar was delighted and grinning happily, he proudly took the money to Rahman to show them his earnings. Rahman took him to another shop and purchased him a brand new axe with a part of his money. After thanking Rahman and Rahim for their help, he headed towards an inn to eat his dinner and catch up with some badly needed rest. After he had gone, Rahman told Rahim, “Had you given the beggar some food, he would have eaten it quickly and would have been again hungry tonight. By teaching him how to start his own trade in firewood, we have both taught him a skill, which will last him a lifetime. Now he will never go hungry again. In doing this, we have followed the teachings and the example that has been set for us by the Holy Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (peace be upon him).” The Beggar's Well-Deserved Dinner
Think before Choosing your Path
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
If you want to be successful in life, what path should you choose? To be blessed in this world and in the Hereafter what programme of life should you choose? Have you ever thought about these things? What path and programme have you chosen to be a good and perfect person? Do you look at others and do whatever they do, or Do you choose your life style for yourself? Is it not better to think before you choose a path to lead your life the way it should be lead? Perhaps you will think I will organize my life and choose my paths as I go along .But are you really aware of all your needs, in this world and in the Hereafter. If not, how will you be sure that you will choose correctly? Or perhaps you will say, the wise and the educated will choose my path for me, and I will leave it to them, but are the wise really aware of everything we need for a happy life in this world and the Hereafter. So, who can determine a proper programme for human perfection and prosperity, man or his creator? Of course, the honest and logical reply is Allah, since he has created man and is aware of all the secrets of Human nature, and he alone knows about all the conditions of Man’s life in this world and in the Hereafter. For this reason, only Allah can arrange a proper and complete programme for human perfection and prosperity. It is this programme that he has sent to mankind through the medium of his Prophet. And the people who follow the programme of the Prophets (Pbuh) live in freedom and happiness in this world and the Hereafter. The last and most complete phase of human development was sent to the last of was sent through the lst of the Prophets Muhammad (Pbuh) and is the perfect programme for all the mankind.Think before Choosing your Path
Leaf from the Prophet's Life: The Black Stone
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Some years before Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) began his mission of preaching Islam there occurred an event of great concern in the lives of the Meccans. A sudden flood had shaken the foundations of the Kabah and cracked its walls. Besides, the Kabah had no ceiling and the treasures it housed were exposed to robbery. The Meccans had seriously thought of rebuilding it; but a rebuilt Kabah with doors and a ceiling, they imagined, would bring upon them a curse. To each of the four clans of Makkah fell the task of demolishing and rebuilding one of the four walls of the Kabah But no one volunteered to begin the work of demolition for fear of punishment by its gods. At length Al-Walid after praying to the gods pulled down part of the Yamani wall assigned to his tribe. With baited breath the rest waited to see what would befall him. When the morning came and nothing had happened to him they took courage and began to work. Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), like the others, helped in the work till the Kabah was levelled except for the green stones which were found below the walls. The Meccans could not shake them loose and thus decided to use them as foundations on which to build the new walls. From the neighbouring mountains the Meccans carried stones of blue granite to the site of the Kabah and the walls rose from the ground quickly. The Sacred Black Stone (Al-hajar Al-aswad) had to be placed in the East wall of the Kabah. Dispute arose as to who would have the honour of placing the stone. So serious was the matter that members of the clan of Banu Abad al Dar brought a bowl full of blood and dipping their hands in it swore never to relinquish their honour. Abu Umayyah, powerful and respected in Meccan society, used his influence and said to the Meccans, Let the first person to pass through the gate of the Haram (precincts of the Holy Kabah) be our arbitrator. Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was the one to pass through the gate. He was received with joyous acclaim when they beheld him, it is Al-Ameen! We will accept his verdict?! For indeed he was known to everyone as Al-Ameen, the trust worthy! Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) asked for a mantle to be brought. He placed on it the sacred Black Stone and asked the representatives of the four clans to hold the four sides of the mantle. On reaching the east wall of the Kabah he lifted the stone from the mantle and placed it in the wall to the satisfaction of all the disputing clans. To reconcile a fiery people in those turbulent times required great wisdom and tact which was so well displayed by the Prophet (Pbuh) in this incident in his life which took place before his call to Prophethood. It is also clear that he enjoyed a reputation for honesty among his people, who, as you have just read, so willingly subjected their claims to his sense of Judgement. We should take a cue from such instances of the Prophet’s (Pbuh) life which is full of acts of great moral courage. Indeed the Holy Quran says: In God’s messenger you have a fine model for someone who looks forward to (meeting) God and to the Last Day and mentions God frequently. (33:21) Leaf from the Prophet's Life: The Black Stone
A Nice Prayer
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to!! Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And give the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace , love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it. God I love you and I need you!A Nice Prayer
Pearls of Wisdom
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
• While handling yourself, use your head; • While handling others, use your heart. • Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. • Anger is only one letter short of danger. • If someone betrays you once, it"s his fault; • If he betrays you twice, it"s your fault. Who is Successful? • Those who stand firm whenever they bear witness (70:33) • Those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges (70:32) • Those who are mindful of their chastity (70:29) • Those who strictly guard their prayers (70:34) • Those not giving way to their desires (70:30) Pearls of Wisdom
Everlasting words by Imam Hossein(A.S)
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
“O God, what did he find who lost you, and what did he lose who found you?” “Some people worship God to gain His gifts; this is the worship of the merchants. Some worship Him to avoid His punishment; this is the worship of the slaves. Some worship Him solely to show gratitude towards Him; this is the worship of the free!” “This world has changed and its good has turned tail. Nothing has remained from it except a thing that is as scanty as the leftover of a cup and a mean life that is like a noxious grazing. Have you not noticed that the right is ignored and the evil is not forbidden…People are certainly the slaves of this world; religion is but a slaver on their tongues. They turn it wherever their livelihood demands. If they are examined by misfortunes, the truly religious ones will be but a few.”Everlasting words by Imam Hossein(A.S)
On his way to Karbala:
Missed Calls
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Missed Calls Among the marvels of modern technology is also the ability to track the missed calls which were made by our friends and foes and the likes. We do not get a good night’s sleep, unless we have returned the calls of those who matter. We don't let any call go unanswered as long as we know that it matters. Don't we? But how about the calls of "hay-yaa al-as-salaah and hay-yaa al-al falah" made from the neighbourhood house of our master, the Almighty Allah.? Those calls are made five times a day and many a times they all go unanswered. We do not either respond!!! Nor do we respect these missed calls. Do they matter? Everybody can tell, if these really matter. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but surely in the hereafter. Let us look at ourselves. Can we afford to let these calls of the muezzin be missed, day after day, after day. The call from our cherisher, sustainer and the ultimate master. Just think about it. Next time one hears this call, just ask yourself how good a night’s sleep can I have by missing those calls from the house of Allah. Think about it....the answer may come from the inner heart.
Leaf from the Prophet's Life: The Black Stone
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Some years before Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) began his mission of preaching Islam there occurred an event of great concern in the lives of the Meccans. A sudden flood had shaken the foundations of the Kabah and cracked its walls. Besides, the Kabah had no ceiling and the treasures it housed were exposed to robbery. The Meccans had seriously thought of rebuilding it; but a rebuilt Kabah with doors and a ceiling, they imagined, would bring upon them a curse. To each of the four clans of Makkah fell the task of demolishing and rebuilding one of the four walls of the Kabah But no one volunteered to begin the work of demolition for fear of punishment by its gods. At length Al-Walid after praying to the gods pulled down part of the Yamani wall assigned to his tribe. With baited breath the rest waited to see what would befall him. When the morning came and nothing had happened to him they took courage and began to work. Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), like the others, helped in the work till the Kabah was levelled except for the green stones which were found below the walls. The Meccans could not shake them loose and thus decided to use them as foundations on which to build the new walls. From the neighbouring mountains the Meccans carried stones of blue granite to the site of the Kabah and the walls rose from the ground quickly. The Sacred Black Stone (Al-hajar Al-aswad) had to be placed in the East wall of the Kabah. Dispute arose as to who would have the honour of placing the stone. So serious was the matter that members of the clan of Banu Abad al Dar brought a bowl full of blood and dipping their hands in it swore never to relinquish their honour. Abu Umayyah, powerful and respected in Meccan society, used his influence and said to the Meccans, Let the first person to pass through the gate of the Haram (precincts of the Holy Kabah) be our arbitrator. Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was the one to pass through the gate. He was received with joyous acclaim when they beheld him, it is Al-Ameen! We will accept his verdict?! For indeed he was known to everyone as Al-Ameen, the trust worthy! Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) asked for a mantle to be brought. He placed on it the sacred Black Stone and asked the representatives of the four clans to hold the four sides of the mantle. On reaching the east wall of the Kabah he lifted the stone from the mantle and placed it in the wall to the satisfaction of all the disputing clans. To reconcile a fiery people in those turbulent times required great wisdom and tact which was so well displayed by the Prophet (Pbuh) in this incident in his life which took place before his call to Prophethood. It is also clear that he enjoyed a reputation for honesty among his people, who, as you have just read, so willingly subjected their claims to his sense of Judgement. We should take a cue from such instances of the Prophet’s (Pbuh) life which is full of acts of great moral courage. Indeed the Holy Quran says: In God’s messenger you have a fine model for someone who looks forward to (meeting) God and to the Last Day and mentions God frequently. (33:21) Leaf from the Prophet's Life: The Black Stone
A Nice Prayer
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to!! Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And give the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace , love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it. God I love you and I need you!A Nice Prayer
Pearls of Wisdom
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
• While handling yourself, use your head; • While handling others, use your heart. • Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. • Anger is only one letter short of danger. • If someone betrays you once, it's his fault; • If he betrays you twice, it's your fault. Who are Successful? • Those who stand firm whenever they bear witness (70:33) • Those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges (70:32) • Those who are mindful of their chastity (70:29) • Those who strictly guard their prayers • Those not giving way to their desires (70:30)Pearls of Wisdom
Life
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
A boy and his father were walking in the mountains. Suddenly,the boy fell, hurt himself, and screamed .AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!? To his surprise, he heard the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain, AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!? Curious, he yelled: Who are you?? He received the answer: Who are you?? Angered at the response, he screamed: Coward!? He receives the answer: Coward! He looked to his father and asked: What’s going on?? The father smiled and said: My son, pay attention. And then he screamed to the mountain: I admire you!? The voice answered: I admire you!? Again the man Screamed: You are a champion!? The voice answered: You are a champion!? The boy was surprised, but did not understand. Then the father explained: People call this? ECHO, but really this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence. This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life; Life will give you back everything you have given to it.? Life
A Feast for Clothes
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Once upon a time in the Iranian city of Shiraz, there lived the famous poet Sheikh Saadi. Like most other poets and philosophers, Sheikh Saadi was not a rich man. He led a very simple life. A rich merchant of Shiraz invited Sheikh Saadi along with a lot of other big businessmen of the town on the occasion of his daughter’s marriage which was to be a grand affair. Sheikh Saadi accepted the invitation and decided to attend. On the day of the wedding, the host and his family were receiving the guests at the gate. They were ushering all the guests towards the dining hall. All the rich people of the town attended the wedding. They had come out in best of their attires. Sheikh Saadi wore simple clothes which were neither grand nor expensive. He waited in a corner for someone to approach him but no one gave him as much as even a second glance. Even the host did not acknowledge him and looked away. Seeing all this, Sheikh Saadi quietly left the party and went to a shop from where he could hire clothes. There he chose a richly brocaded dress which was embroidered in gold on the margins. He selected a fancy turban and a waist-band to go with it. As he put on the hired dress and looked into the mirror, he found himself a changed person. With this, he entered the dining hall and this time was welcomed with open arms. The host embraced him as he would do to an old friend and complimented him on the clothes he was wearing. On seeing him, he said? And here comes our favorite poet. What took you so long, friend? We have been waiting for you for ages! How good of you to have come. The gathering surely would have been incomplete without your gracious presence!? Saadi did not utter a word and allowed the host to lead him to the dining room where other guests had assembled. Tasty dishes had been laid out on grand carpets. Saadi was offered a seat with soft cushions. The food was served in fine crockery and cutlery made out of silver. The host led Sheikh Saadi by hand and himself served out the chicken soup and the fragrant rice to him. After this, something strange happened. Sheikh Saadi dipped the corner of his waist-coat in the soup and sprinkled some rice on it. Addressing the clothes, he said: This is a feast for you, you should enjoy it.? All the guests were now staring at him in surprise. The host said? Sir, what are doing? How can your clothes eat? And why should they? To this query, Sheikh Saadi very calmly replied: My dear friend, I am indeed surprised with the question coming from you? Aren’t you the same person who did not even throw a look at me when I came dressed in simple clothes? I can guess that it is my clothes and appearance that matter with you, not my individual worth. Now that I have put on grand clothes, I see a world of difference in reception here. All that I can now say is that this feast is meant for my clothes, not for me A Feast for Clothes
Don't Be Sad
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Don't Be Sad ISBN: 9960850366 Author: Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni; Faisal ibn Muhammad Shafeeq (translator); Yusuf Riyaz (editor); Haroon Vicente Pascual (cover design) Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH) 2003 Pages: 475 Binding: Hardcover Description from the publisher: At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery and within, comes this heartening book rooted in the commandments of Allah (swt), the Sunnah and the excellent guidance and examples of the Muslims that have come before us. Don't Be Sad is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world. So, take heart and hold firmly onto the rope of Allah (swt). http://onlineislamicstore.com/b9340.html
Fruits of Labour
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
There once lived a rich businessman who had a lazy and fun- loving son. The businessman wanted his son to be hard-working and responsible. He wanted him to realize the value of labour. One day he summoned his son and said: “Today, I want you to go out and earn something, failing which you won’t have your meals tonight.” The boy was callous and not used to any kind of work. This demand by his father scared him and he went crying straight to his mother. Her heart melted at the sight of tears in her son’s eyes. She grew restless. In a bid to help him she gave him a gold coin. In the evening when the father asked his son what he had earned, the son promptly presented him the gold coin. The father then asked him to throw it into a well. The son did as he was told. The father was a man of wisdom and experience and guessed that the source of the coin was the boy’s mother. The next day he sent his wife to her parent’s town and asked his son to go and earn something with the threat of being denied the night meals if he failed. This time he went crying to his sister who sympathized with him and gave him a rupee out of her own savings. When his father asked him what he had earned the boy tossed the coin at him. The father again asked him to throw it in a well. The son did it quite readily. Again the father’s wisdom told him that the coin was not earned by his son. He then sent his daughter to her in-laws’ house. He again asked his son to go out and earn with the threat that he shall not have anything for dinner that night. This time since there was no one to help him out; the son was forced to go to the market in search of work. One of the shopkeepers there told him that he would pay him two rupees if he carried his trunk to his house. The rich man’s son could not refuse and was drenched in sweat by the time he finished the job. His feet were trembling and his neck and back were aching. There were rashes on his back. As he returned home and produced the two rupee note before his father and was asked to throw it into the well, the horrified son almost cried out. He could not imagine throwing his hard-earned money like this. He said amid sobbing: “Baba! My entire body is aching. My back has rashes and you are asking me to throw the money into the well.” At this the old man smiled. He told him that one feels the pain only when the fruits of hard labour are wasted. On earlier two occasions he was helped by his mother and sister and therefore had no pain in throwing the coins into the well. The son had now realized the value of hard work. He vowed never to be lazy and safe keep the father’s wealth. The father handed over the keys of his shop to the son and promised to guide him through the rest of the life. Fruits of Labour
Hospitality
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
THE Prophet (Pbuh) said: Those who believe in Allah and the Hereafter should be hospitable to their guests. Hospitality is for three days, after which whatever the host does is sadaqah (Favour). 1. The guest is to be entertained lavishly and with an open heart for three days. This is the right of the guest. 2. The host should wash his hands before helping the guest to wash his hands. After dinner is over, the host should wash the hands of the guest first but wash his own last. 3. The guest should be provided with all comfort, even at the cost of personal comfort and convenience. 4. Even if the guest had been discourteous in the past, he should be treated well. 5. The guest should be requested to pray for the host. 6. The Prophet (Pbuh) prayed for the host in these words. 7. "O Allah! Bless the food Thou hast given them. Forgive them and have mercy upon them."Hospitality
Dignity of Labour
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Dignity of Labour Once a man from among the Ansars came to the Prophet (Pbuh) expecting some charity. The Prophet (Pbuh) asked the man: “ what do you have in your house?” The man replied: “ I have a blanket big enough to cover our body and to spread as a carpet. Also I have a leather bag that we use to carry water to drink.” The Prophet (Pbuh) told him: “ You go home and bring both to me.” The man went home and brought both these articles. The Prophet (Pbuh) took hold of them and asked those present: “Who will buy these?” The man said: “I will take them for one dirham” The Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Can anyone offer some higher amount?” Another man: “ I will take them for two dirhams.” The Prophet (Pbuh) collected two dirhams from this man and delivered the articles to him. The Prophet (Pbuh) gave this amount to the Ansar telling : “ Go and buy food for your family with one dirham and with another, you buy an axe and bring it to me.” The man did as the Prophet (Pbuh) told. The Prophet (Pbuh) made a handle for the axe with his own hands and returned the axe to the man and said: “Go! Cut wood with this axe, sell the wood and meet me after 15 days.” The man went to the forest, cut wood, sold them and returned to the Prophet (Pbuh) with 20 dirhams in his hand-the money that he had earned for his labour. Out of this earning, he bought clothing for some amount and provision for some amount. He was happy. Then the Prophet (Pbuh) told him: “This is good for you rather than begging that leaves horrible scars on your face in the hereafter."
Noah's Ark
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Noah's Ark One: Don’t miss the boat. Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat. Three: Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. Four: Stay fit when you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Five: Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Six: Build your future on high ground. Seven: For safety’s sake, travel in pairs. Eight: Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. Nine: When you’re stressed, float a while. Ten: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.
Hospitality
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
THE Prophet (Pbuh) said: Those who believe in Allah and the Hereafter should be hospitable to their guests. Hospitality is for three days, after which whatever the host does is sadaqah (Favour). 1. The guest is to be entertained lavishly and with an open heart for three days. This is the right of the guest. 2. The host should wash his hands before helping the guest to wash his hands. After dinner is over, the host should wash the hands of the guest first but wash his own last. 3. The guest should be provided with all comfort, even at the cost of personal comfort and convenience. 4. Even if the guest had been discourteous in the past, he should be treated well. 5. The guest should be requested to pray for the host. 6. The Prophet (Pbuh) prayed for the host in these words. 7. "O Allah! Bless the food Thou hast given them. Forgive them and have mercy upon them."Hospitality
Prophet Story: Words to Live
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Prophet Story: Words to Live A Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah and greeted him in the Mosque. The Messenger of Allah asked him where he came from. The Bedouin said: "I come from far seeking answers to some Questions. “Our master told him to ask his questions. • I wish to be an intelligent man, what should I do? Holy Prophet Replies- Fear Allah • I wish to be a loyal servant to Allah and do what He wants me to do: Holy Prophet replies- read the Qur'an. • I wish to be enlightened and have peace of heart Holy Prophet Replies- Remember Death • I wish to be protected against enemies Holy Prophet Replies- Trust in Allah • I wish to follow the Straight Path Holy Prophet Replies- Do good to others for Allah's sake • What should I do so that Allah does not abase me? Holy Prophet Replies- Do not respond to the desires of your flesh. • I wish to have a long life Holy Prophet replies- Praise and thank Allah • I wish for prosperity Holy Prophet Replies- Be in a state of ablution at all times • How can I save myself from the hellfire? Holy Prophet Replies- protect your eyes and your tongue and your hands and what is below your waistline against Evil. • How can I cleanse myself from my sins? Holy Prophet Replies- Shed tears for what you have done and repent by undoing what you have done wrong. • I wish to be a respectable person. Holy Prophet Replies- Then doesn’t divulge the wrong doings of anybody. • I wish to be honorable. Holy Prophet Replies- Then doesn’t divulge the wrong doings of anybody. • What should I do to protect myself from the tortures of the grave? Holy Prophet Replies- Recite the Surah Mulk. • What should one do to be rich? Holy Prophet Replies- Read the Surah Muzammil. • How should I calm my fear of the day of last judgment? Holy Prophet Replies- Remember Allah before you eat anything and before you sleep. • What should I do to feel the presence of Allah when I make my prayers? Holy Prophet Replies- Give the utmost care in taking your ablutions and in being clean and pure.
The Carpenter
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
The Carpenter An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.” What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well. So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live in it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, “Life is a do-it-yourself project.” Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
Behind the Woodcutter's Wife
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
HAZRAT Fathima Zahra was Prophet Muhammad’s (Pbuh) most loving daughter. She used to help out the Holy Prophet in most of her daily affairs. She had this feeling that she should be the first woman to enter the paradise. However, she had a grain of doubt. Unless the Prophet himself assured her, she would not believe it. She was eagerly awaiting for an opportunity to know the reality from her father. One day finally when they were chatting together and both were in high spirits; she could not resist her eagerness any more and enquired from her father as to who would be the first lady to enter the heavens. The Prophet (Pbuh) was perplexed and was in two minds whether to disclose the truth. Finally he revealed the fact that one woman, wife of a woodcutter and living close by would be the one to enter the paradise first. Hazrat Fathima was shocked and was almost in tears. But Prophet (Pbuh) consoled and sympathised with her and asked her to visit the woman at the earliest. The very next day Hazrat Fathima visited her, not only to chat with her but also to assess her and to find out as to in what ways she (woodcutter’s wife) was superior to herself. She knocked on the door. Hearing a female voice, the wife, without opening the door, enquired as to who she was. Hazrat Fathima replied that she was so and so and the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh). Immediately the wife replied, I am sorry I cannot admit you since I have not taken permission from my husband. I would suggest you to come tomorrow, by that time I would take permission from my husband. The next day almost the same time, Hazrat Fathima intentionally carried her kid Hassan with her and knocked at the door. When asked as to who she was, Hazrat Fathima replied that she was so and so and she was accompanied with her kid Hassan. Promptly came the reply that I am sorry my husband had permitted to let in only yourself and how can I admit two of you, so it is better you come tomorrow. The next day Hazrat Fathima accompanied by two of her kids Hassan and Hussain, visited the wife and knocked at the door and requested the women to open the door and that she is accompanied by two of her kids. The woodcutter’s wife was jubilant and opened the door instantly saying that her husband has permitted her to open the door to anyone and any member from the Prophet’s family and it is a great honour for her. They sat together and chatted for sometime and during that process Hazrat Fathima was able to glean the various humane and Islamic qualities in the woman. Hazrat Fathima was very much satisfied with all that she noticed and returned home to report the matter to her father. He said to Hazrat Fathima that when you enter the heavens through the main gate riding on a horse, you will find that woodcutter’s wife is holding the reins of the horse in front of you. That means the woodcutter’s wife will be the first woman to enter the heaven. Behind the Woodcutter's Wife
Dying for a Friend
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
THIS is a story of two great friends who lived long ago in Syracuse, by name Phintias and Damon. They loved each other very much. In those olden days, Syracuse was ruled by a cruel king called Dionysius. No one in the kingdom dared to utter a word against this King, for if they did, they were mercilessly put to death. One day Phintias was sentenced to death as he had been heard speaking against the king, but he managed to obtain permission to go to a neighbouring city to pay the last visit to his family provided that Damon, his bosom friend would remain in his custody. Damon gladly agreed and remained in prison while Phintias set off to his family. Finally, when the day of execution arrived, the amphitheatre was full of people. But Phintias had not returned from the city. Damon calmly mounted the gallows, extremely happy to offer his life for the sake of his friend. There were tears in the eyes of the people for they were touched to see the love of this great friend. Just when the executioner lifted his arm, there was a great roar from the crowd; “It’s Phintias! He’s come at last!” Phintias panted and pushed his way through the crowd. “Thank God I am not too late”, he said. But Damon would not agree to come down from the gallows. Each friend insisted on dying for his companion. Everyone was greatly moved and so was the king Dionysius. The people started to request for a pardon. Dionysius gladly granted Phintias pardon and set him free. This is what true friendship is. Dying for a Friend
Rescues the Birds
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
ONCE, while riding through the country with some other lawyers, Lincoln was missed from the party, and was seen loitering near a thicket of wild plum trees where the men had stopped a short time before to water their horses. "Where is Lincoln?" asked one of the lawyers. "When I saw him last," answered another, "he had caught two young birds that the wind had blown out of their nest, and was hunting for the nest to put them back again." As Lincoln joined them, the lawyers rallied him on his tender-heartedness, and he said: -- "I could not have slept unless I had restored those little birds to their mother." Rescues the Birds
The Little Tree That Longed For Other Leaves
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
The Little Tree That Longed For Other Leaves THERE was a little tree that stood in the woods through both good and stormy weather, and it was covered from top to bottom with needles instead of leaves. The needles were sharp and prickly, so the little tree said to itself: -- "All my tree comrades have beautiful green leaves, and I have only sharp needles. No one will touch me. If I could have a wish I would ask for leaves of pure gold." When night came the little tree fell asleep, and, lo! in the morning it woke early and found itself covered with glistening, golden leaves. "Ah, ah!" said the little tree, "how grand I am! No other tree in the woods is dressed in gold." But at evening time there came a peddler with a great sack and a long beard. He saw the glitter of the golden leaves. He picked them all and hurried away leaving the little tree cold and bare. "Alas! alas!" cried the little tree in sorrow; "all my golden leaves are gone! I am ashamed . to stand among the other trees that have such beautiful foliage. If I only had another wish I would ask for leaves of glass." Then the little tree fell asleep, and when it woke early, it found itself covered with bright and shining leaves of glass. "Now," said the little tree, "I am happy. No tree in the woods glistens like me." But there came a fierce storm-wind driving through the woods. It struck the glass, and in a moment all the shining leaves lay shattered on the ground. "My leaves, my glass leaves!" moaned the little tree; "they lie broken in the dust, while all the other trees are still dressed in their beautiful foliage. Oh! if I had another wish I would ask for green leaves." Then the little tree slept again, and in the morning it was covered with fresh, green foliage. And it laughed merrily, and said: "Now, I need not be ashamed any more. I am like my comrades of the woods." But along came a mother-goat, looking for grass and herbs for herself and her young ones. She saw the crisp, new leaves; and she nibbled, and nibbled, and nibbled them all away, and she ate up both stems and tender shoots, till the little tree stood bare. "Alas!" cried the little tree in anguish, "I want no more leaves, neither gold ones nor glass ones, nor green and red and yellow ones! If I could only have my needles once more, I would never complain again." And sorrowfully the little tree fell asleep, but when it saw itself in the morning sunshine, it laughed and laughed and laughed. And all the other trees laughed, too, but the little tree did not care. Why did they laugh? Because in the night all its needles had come again! You may see this for yourself. Just go into the woods and look, but do not touch the little tree. Why not? Because if pricks.
The Old Woman Who Became A Woodpecker
H Salati
Islamic Republic Of Iran
AFAR in the Northland, where the winter days are so short and the nights so long, and where they harness the reindeer to sledges, and where the children look like bear's cubs in their funny, furry clothes, there, long ago, wandered a good Saint on the snowy roads. He came one day to the door of a cottage, and looking in saw a little old woman making cakes, and baking them on the hearth. Now, the good Saint was faint with fasting, and he asked if she would give him one small cake wherewith to stay his hunger. So the little old woman made a very small cake and placed it on the hearth; but as it lay baking she looked at it and thought: "That is a big cake, indeed, quite too big for me to give away." Then she kneaded another cake, much smaller, and laid that on the hearth to cook, but when she turned it over it looked larger than the first. So she took a tiny scrap of dough, and rolled it out, and rolled it out, and baked it as thin as a wafer; but when it was done it looked so large that she could not bear to part with it; and she said: "My cakes are much too big to give away," -- and she put them on the shelf. Then the good Saint grew angry, for he was hungry and faint. "You are too selfish to have a human form," said he. "You are too greedy to deserve food, shelter, and a warm fire. Instead, henceforth, you shall build as the birds do, and get your scanty living by picking up nuts and berries and by boring, boring all the day long, in the bark of trees." Hardly had the good Saint said this when the little old woman went straight up the chimney, and came out at the top changed into a red- headed woodpecker with coal-black feathers. And now every country boy may see her in the woods, where she lives in trees boring, boring, boring for her food. The Old Woman Who Became A Woodpecker
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