49
It was a usual meeting. The Prophet (PBUH) 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:
"Salamu Alaikum" and finding a vacant place, comfortably sat down. The Prophet (PBUH)
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 (PBUH) observed this and addressing the rich
man he said:
"Perhaps you were 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. 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."
What does this story teach us as far as pride is concerned? How does this story link to the subject
of wasting Allah's gifts?
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50
Remember the story of life at the beginning of this unit.
Describe two examples of two situations when men exhibit too much pride:
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Explain the possible consequences of their pride towards animals:
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To have too much pride is a sin in Islam because it means we refuse to learn; it means also that
we refuse some parts of the message of the Holy Qur'an. Allah Ta'alah goes to say that the one
who has a grain of pride in his heart is forbidden the entry to Jennah (A Hahdith).
In the Qur’an, Allah talks about the fate of men who do not respect Allah’s Trust because they are
“unjust and foolish” [Qur’an 33:72]. Look at what Allah says about it?
204. There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life
May dazzle thee, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in
his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies.
205. When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread
mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle.
But Allah loves not mischief
[Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 2: 204-205]
By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
Verily Man is in loss,
Except such who have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual
teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy
[Surah Al-‘Asr (The Time): 103: 1-3]
Why do men need to learn “Patience and Constancy”?
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