The Imam Ali, Lion of the Faith,
Have ye not heard his giving? what he had
The poor had, for he held his gold and goods
As Allah’s almoner. Ali it was
Who in the Mecca mosque at evening prayer –
Being entreated by some needy one –
Would not break off, yet would not let the man
Ask him in vain for what he asked of God,
Favour and aid; wherefore – amid the words –
He drew his emerald, carved with Allah’s praise,
From his third finger, giving it; and prayed
With face unturned.
If he had pieces ten,
He succoured five score; if one dinar, then
Into ten dirhems he divided that,
And fed ten “people of the bench.” Our Lord
(On whom be peace!) in all men’s hearing said,
“This is the Prince of Givers!... To read entire article, download PDF
