If you refrain from cutting the tree...

If you refrain from cutting the tree, I shall place two dinars beneath your pillow everyday.” The pious person said thoughtfully, “If you speak the truth, I shall give one dinar in charity while the other dinar I shall put to my use. This is better than cutting down the tree; in any case, I have neither been ordered to perform this task nor am I a Prophet to burden myself with unnecessarygrief and anxiety*.”* Thus, he acceded to the request of Shaitan who left him alone.

For two days, he received the two dinars and utilized them, but on the third day, there was no sign of the money. Upset and distressed, he picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree. On the way, he encountered Shaitan, who asked him: “Where are you headed for?” “I am going to cut that tree*.*” “There is no way you are going to do it,” said Shaitan. Once again they began to contest, but this time Iblees overcame him and hurling him to…