The number of dependents under the care of Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) and his living expenses had increased. The Imam decided to engage in trade to earn an income to cover household expenses. He gathered a capital of one thousand dinars and gave it to one of his employees named “Musadif,” saying:
“Take this one thousand dinars, prepare yourself for trade, and travel to Egypt.”
Musadif took the money, purchased goods typically transported to Egypt, and joined a caravan of merchants, all of whom had procured similar goods, heading toward Egypt.
As they approached Egypt, they encountered another caravan of merchants leaving the city. They exchanged news and information. During their discussions, it became clear that the goods Musadif and his companions were transporting had recently become scarce and were in high demand. Coincidentally, these goods were essential commodities that people would be compelled to buy at any price.
Delighted by their fortune, the merchants agreed among themselves to sell their goods at no less than a 100% profit. Upon arriving in Egypt, they created a black market, adhering to their agreement, and sold their merchandise at twice the price they had paid.
Musadif returned to Medina with a net profit of one thousand dinars. Overjoyed, he went to meet Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him), placing two pouches, each containing one thousand dinars, before the Imam.
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) asked, “What are these?”
Musadif replied, “One pouch contains the capital you gave me, and the other contains an equal amount, which is the net profit earned.”
The Imam said, “That is a significant profit! Tell me, how did you manage to make such a large amount?”
Musadif explained, “When we neared Egypt, we learned that our goods were scarce there. So, we agreed among ourselves not to sell for less than a 100% profit, and that’s exactly what we did.”
The Imam (peace be upon him) exclaimed, “Glory be to God! What did you do? You swore to create a black market among the people? You swore not to sell at less than double the original price? No! Such trade and such profit are not acceptable to me.”
The Imam then took one of the pouches and said, “This is my capital,” leaving the other untouched. He added, “I have nothing to do with this.”
The Imam then remarked, “O Musadif! Wielding a sword (fighting in battle and risking one’s life) is easier than earning lawful income.”
(Adapted from the book “Dastan-e-Rastan” (Stories of the Righteous), authored by the martyred scholar, Murtaza Mutahhari.)