Story 88: Apprentice Of The Draper

The apprentice of the draper was unaware of what trap had been laid before him. He did not know that this beautiful and dignified woman who was frequently coming into the shop under the pretext of purchasing, had fallen in love with him, and her heart was filled with a deluge of love, passion and desire.

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Story 87: Breaking A Fast

Anas Ibn Malik was a servant at the Holy Prophet's (S) home for years, and he was proud of that until the last day of the Prophet’s (S) life. He was familiar more than anyone else to his personal habits and character and knew how a simple and informal life he (S) was having in daily food and dress.

When the Holy Prophet (S) used to fast in the month of Ramadan, all his food for breaking fast at dusk and before dawn consisted of some milk or syrup and crumbled bread in broth.

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Story 86: Teacher’s Reproof

One night Sayyid Jawad 'Amuli, the renowned jurisconsult and the author of the book "Miftahul Karamah", was busy eating dinner when he heard a knock at the door.

Running quickly towards the door, he came to understand that it was the servant of his teacher, Sayyid Mahdi Bahrul 'Ulum.

The servant said: "His honourable teacher summons you immediately. Sitting at the dining-table, he shall not touch the food till you go to him."

There was no time to delay; without finishing his food, Sayyid Jawad hurried up to Sayyid Bahrul 'Ulum's house.

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Story 85: Complaint Against Fate

Mufazil Ibn Qays was involved in the difficulties of life. Poverty, indigence, debts and daily expenses made him torment a lot. One day, he launched a long complaint in the presence of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq ('a) and began mentioning his misfortune in details: "I have such an amount of debts and I do not know how to repay it. Having such an amount of daily expenses, I do not have any source of revenue, I became miserable, I am confused, I am dazzled, every open door is closed before me....".

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Story 84: Pinch For Water Shortage

Having reigned over Syria about sixteen years as a governor, Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufian paved the way for his Caliphate without exposing his plan to anyone. He took advantage of the least chance for what he had in mind. The question of Uthman's murder was the best pretext for him to rebel against the central government and expose his purpose to become the Caliph.

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Story 83: Evacuation Of Public Bath

The despotic manners of Ummayad and Abbasside Caliphs had influenced the other walks of society. The people were gradually forgetting the simple mode of life, human and fraternal relation established by Islam; and the Holy Prophet’s (S), Imam 'Ali's ('a) and the best Companions' morals and conducts were effaced from their memories.

People were accustomed to the despotic Caliphs' behaviours to such an extent that they did not consider these customs ugly any more.

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Story 82: High Cost Of Provisions

In Madinah, the price of wheat and bread increased day by day. All the people were seized by dread and anxiety. Those who had not procured their annual provisions strove to do their best in obtaining that; those who had provided it took care of preserving it. There were also some people whom the indigence had compelled them to buy their foodstuffs from market every day.

Imam al-Sadiq ('a) asked Ma'tab, his steward: "Do we have wheat in reserve this year?"

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Story 81: Divinely Favoured Money

'Ali Ibn Abi Talib ('a) was missioned by the Holy Prophet (S) to go to the market and purchase a shirt for him (S). He ('a) went to the market and purchased a shirt for twelve dirhams.

The Holy Prophet (S) asked: "How much did you pay for it?"

"Twelve dirhams."

"I do not like it so much! I would like to have a cheaper one. If the seller is ready to take it back, please return it?"

"I don't know, O Messenger of Allah!"

"Go and see whether he agrees to take it back or not?"

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Story 80: An Unexpected Decision

To his surprise, Harun al-Rashid was informed that Safwan, the caravaneer, had sold all of his camels, and some other measures should be taken for the transport of his camps and equipments on the journey to the Hajj pilgrimage.

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Story 79: A Recommendation

A man very earnestly insisted the Holy Prophet (S) to tell him some words of recommendation.

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Are you going to apply what I tell you?"

"Yes, O Messenger of Allah!"

"Are you going to apply what I tell you?"

"Yes, O Messenger of Allah!"

"Are you going to apply what I tell you?"

"Yes, O Messenger of Allah!"

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