An elderly Christian man, who had spent his life working hard, had no savings or financial support in his old age. Adding to his struggles, he had become blind. Old age and blindness combined, leaving him with no option but to beg. He stood in the alleyways, relying on the charity of passersby. People would occasionally show him compassion and offer him a small amount of money as alms. From this meager income, he barely managed to sustain his difficult and sorrowful life.
One day, the leader of the Muslims, Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), passed by and saw the elderly man in this state. Ali inquired about him from his companions, and they explained the man’s condition and his past circumstances.
Ali (peace be upon him) said to his companions:
“How astonishing! When he was capable, you benefited from his labor, and now that he is helpless, you have abandoned him? This man’s history indicates that he worked and served while he was able. Go and allocate a stipend for him from the public treasury.”[1]
(Excerpted from the book “Dastan-e-Rastan” authored by the late Martyr Ayatollah Morteza Motahari, with summarization.)
Footnote:
[1] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 15, Page 66