Pearls of Wisdom Stories and Sayings of Infallibles (as) and their Noble Companions

The Gift

Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to the Prophet, peace be upon him. Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet, peace be upon him.

He accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said: O Prophet of Allah, you have over looked the right of those who watch while you eat?

The Prophet, peace be upon him, smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. He said:

I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who had brought the gift. Rather than make him feel bitter, my palate accepted the bitterness.

From Unto Thee I Grant...