He immediately took the dates from the girl and handed back the money to her.

He immediately took the dates from the girl and handed back the money to her. Then, turning to the Imam (a.s.), he implored, “O’ Amirul Mu'mineen! Be pleased with me and forgive me.” The Imam replied, “I shall only be pleased with you when you change your behaviour for the better and pay close attention to morals and courtesy.”[^9] Maalik Ashtar Once, Maalik Ashtar was passing through the market of Kufah looking very indigent.

He was dressed in coarse canvas apparel and had placed canvas on his head instead of a turban. One of the traders was sitting in his shop when his eyes fell upon Maalik. He looked at him with contempt and scornfully hurled a lump of earth towards him. Maalik disregarded him and proceeded on his way. However, a person who had recognized Malik and had witnessed the incident, reprimanded the trader: “Shame on you! Do you know who you have just humiliated?” “No,” replied the trader.

“He was Maalik Ashtar, the companion of 'Ali (a.s.).” A shiver ran through the body of the trader at the thought of the evil deed he had committed. He immediately set off after Maalik in order to offer his apologies. He noticed that Maalik had entered a mosque where he was engaged in prayers and…