The wealthy man
June 2017
A wealthy man A saint was praying silently. A wealthy merchant was deeply touched by his devotion and sincerity. He offered the saint a bag of gold, saying, “I know that you will use the money for Allah’s sake. Please take it.”
“Just a moment,” the saint replied, “I’m not sure if it is lawful for me to take your money. Are you a wealthy man? Do you have more money at home?” “Oh yes. I have much more gold at home.” “Do you want a thousand gold pieces more?” “Of course yes! Every day I work hard to earn more money.” “And do you wish for a thousand gold pieces more beyond that?” “Certainly. I pray daily that I may earn more and more.”
The saint pushed back the bag to the merchant and said, “I am sorry, but a wealthy man cannot take money from a beggar.” “How can you call yourself a wealthy man and me a beggar?” “I am wealthy because I am content with whatever God sends me. You are a beggar, because no matter how much you possess, you are always dissatisfied, and always begging God for more.”