Story No. 8

A grocer in Wasit had lent a few coins to some Sufis, and the debt had piled up. Every day he came demanding payment and spoke to them harshly. The companions were worn down by his nagging, but they had no choice except to bear it. One wise man among them said: it is easier to keep promising the stomach a meal than to keep promising the grocer his money. Better to give up the master's charity than to endure the abuse of his doormen. Better to die craving meat than to face the ugly demands of butchers.