One of the companions of Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) narrates that:
I and many others were once present in the house of Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as).In the meantime, a tall man entered. He greeted Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) and said:
“O Son of the Messenger of Allah! I am of those who love and cherish you Ahl al-Bayt. I am on my journey to the holy city of Mecca. I have however, run out of money and food, and am not able to afford trip expenses back to my city.
However possible for you, please help me to return to my city. Since I am not of the people who are legally permitted to receive alms, I will repay the same amount in alms to the poor for the sake of Allah once I reach my city.”
Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) replied: “Take a seat here. May the kind Lord shower you with His mercies.” He then continued to answer questions people would bring up.
When the gathering ended and the people left, I and Sulayman Ja’fari along with some others stayed in the presence of the Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as).
Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) asked if he could excuse himself and go inside.
Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) stood up and left. After some time while, standing behind the door, he asked: “Where is that traveler?”
The man said: “I’m here!”
Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) stretched his hand, and while standing behind the door he said:
“Come, get this 200 Dirhams (silver coins), spend it on your trip, and it is not necessary to pay it back as alms.Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) then continued: “Now, leave here so that we do not see each other!”
The traveler from Khurasan got the money, said goodbye and left the house. Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (as) came back into the room and sat beside us.
Sulayman asked: “O Son of the Messenger of Allah, may my life be sacrificed for you, why did you hide yourself?
He replied: “Because I did not want that stranger to feel ashamed.”
?Ref : Selection taken from “40 Story & 40 Hadiths from Imam Reza (PBUH)”, by
Abdullah Salehi
