All along...

All along, he tried to explain to his followers that whereas rituals were an important part of piety, but they remained incomplete if not backed by practical demonstration in day to day activities. We shall see more of this when we consider the advice that he used to give to those who were with him. Generosity: He believed in sharing with others whatever he had in the form of knowledge and wealth.

We have already seen how he shared his knowledge with others; here we shall give illustrations to show how he shared with others whatever wealth that he had. His house was always open for the needy. He would never sit to have his meals alone; there had to be guests with him at the times of meals. Imam (A.S) used to say that in his view to sit and share meals with a believer was more virtuous than freeing a slave. Abu Hamza Thimali describes one such occasion when he was present.

Delicious food was served, then fresh and sweet dates were distributed. One of the guests commented that for partaking such types of rich foods, the participants would have to answer on the Day of Judgement in accordance with verse of the Quran ccthe day in which accounts will be required from those who benefited from bounties". Imam (A.S) replied that it is beyond the greatness of Allah that he should question his creation on the food that he made available to them.

Rather on the Day of Judgement people will be required to account for their behavior towards the "Ahlul Bayt." • Imam (A.S) was with his guests having meals when one of them made a move to stand up to go get something for himself The Imam (A.S) stopped him and went to serve the guest, saying that it was his duty as a host to serve his guest and let him continue with his meals undisturbed; for this was the advice from the Prophet (S. A.W.W).