The Fruit of the Old Man

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

Whenever the companions of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to him.  He would then distribute them among those who sat around him.  One morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet (s.a.w.). 

The Prophet (s.a.w.) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched.  One of those present meekly said, “Ya Rasulullah, have you overlooked the right of those who watch while you eat?” 

Our Prophet (s.a.w.) smiled and waited until the man who had brought the fruit had left.  Then he said, “I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe.  Had I allowed any of you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who brought this gift.  Rather than make him feel bitter, I accepted the bitterness.” 

We must guard the hearts of those who come and those whom we meet.  Each and every one of them is a Reflection of Allah (s.w.t.).  Whatever is Given, receive it with love.  The bitterness of the fruits of this world is for but a moment.  But the sweetness of the Hereafter is forever.