It is said that one Yunus ibn-`Ubayd sold tunics of different values; some were worth four hundred dirhams each, and others only two hundred each. Entrusting his nephew with the care of the shop, Yunus departed to offer his prayers.
A bedouin entered the shop and asked for a tunic priced at four hundred, but received one priced at two hundred instead. The bedouin liked it, was perfectly satisfied, bought it, and departed, carrying the tunic on his arm.
While on his way, he came upon Yunus, who recognized his tunic and asked the bedouin how much he had paid for it. The bedouin replied that he had paid four hundred dirhams.
“But it is not worth more than two hundred,” said Yunus. “Come with me and I will exchange it for you.”
The bedouin replied, “This is worth five hundred in my country, and I am pleased with it.”
Yunus then declared, “Do not say that, for the counsel of religion is more rewarding than the provisions of this world.”
Returning to the shop, he refunded two hundred dirhams to the bedouin, and scolded his nephew, saying, “Are you not ashamed? Do you have no fear of Allah? You would accept gold and abandon the counsel of the Muslims!”
The nephew replied, “May Allah be my witness, he accepted it only because he was pleased.” The uncle then said, “But have you pleased him as you would please yourself?”
It has been said about Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir that in his absence his servant sold a bedouin a piece of goods worth only five dirhams for ten. The master looked for the bedouin all day, and when he found him he stated, “The boy erred and sold you for ten what is worth only five.”
The bedouin, astonished, replied, “But I was pleased!”
Muhammad replied, “Even if you were, we would please you only with what pleases us,” and returned him five dirhams.
Such is the character of the person who has been truly influenced by the Message of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and who has abided by the Prophet’s dictum, “Truly, none of you believes until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.” The true Muslim does not deceive, cheat, or swindle.
The effect of Muhammad’s Message was decisive on those who followed its guidance. It called not for extravagance, pretentiousness, or boastfulness, but for faith and good deeds both openly and silently, for according to Islam it is more appropriate that man fears Allah than his fellow man.
A person was once asked to testify before the Caliph `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). The Caliph asked him to bring forth someone who knew of him. He produced a man who praised him generously. `Umar thereupon inquired, “Are you his closest neighbor who knows him inwardly and outwardly?”
“No,” the man replied.
“Were you his companion on the journey which reveals a man’s character?”
“No,” he again replied.
“Perhaps you deal with him in dinars and dirhams, which reveals the honesty and integrity of this man?” “No,” was the answer.
“I think you behold him in the Mosque, whispering verses of the Qur’an, lowering and lifting his head in prayer.” “Yes,” replied the man.
`Umar then snapped, “Away with you, for you know him not!” And turning to the would-be witness, he commanded, “Go and bring forth someone who knows you.”
