Hajj Shaykh Muhammad Baqir, Shaykh ul-Islam (a.m.) [from whom stories 37 & 38 were narrated], says:

When Qawam ul-Malik Shirazi was building the Husayniyah (Aza Khana) a Sayyid master stone cutter of Shiraz was given the contract to cut stones used in that building.

By chance in executing this project he suffered a great loss and accumulated debt of 300 Tomans, which was a big amount at that time and due to that he fell in poverty.

On Friday eve, he recited the Prayer of Ja 'far Tayyar to solve that problem, and in the court of the Almighty made Amir ul-Mu’minin ('a) as mediation. He continued this practice on the second and third Friday eve as well. His Eminence instructed him to approach Hajj Qiwam, and mentioned that he has given him the responsibility. When he awoke, he was bewildered how he should approach Hajj Qiwam when he was not having any sign or tangible proof? It was possible that he might falsify him.

At last he came to the Husayniyah and sat down in a corner aggrieved. Suddenly he saw Hajj Qiwam ul-Malik arrive with his retainers, when his arrival was completely unexpected. He came to the Sayyid stone-cutter and said: I have some work with you, come to my house. When he reached the house of Hajj Qiwam, the servants took him to the master with respect.

When he met Hajj Qiwaam, he saluted with respect and the latter without asking anything handed him three purses, each containing a hundred gold coins and said: Go and repay your debts; and he said nothing else.

This shows how sincere the wealthy and powerful people of the past were, to the limit that they became eligible for the blessings of the holy personalities of faith, and passed away from the world with this specialty.

But today most of the rich are only concerned about increasing their wealth and do not spend anything in charitable deeds. Secondly if they spend a little in some good deed, they are not sincere in it and aim at earning praise and for show off. Since it is not sincere for God, therefore it gives no lasting result.

Show off. which invalidates good deeds, is discussed in detail in the book of Greater Sins1. May the Almighty Allah give good sense (divine opportunity) to our wealthy to make their money effective and whatever they have collected through it should procure permanent benefits.

That, which you have saved to spend in good deeds is declared by the Messenger of Allah (S) to be the best of wealth.

• 1. Also published by Ansariyan Publications.