Story 16: The Master and His Servant

A holy man passed by one of the wealthy, who had bound a servant hand and foot and was punishing him. He said: Son, God, mighty and glorious, has made a creature like yourself subject to your command and given you the advantage over him. Give thanks for the blessing of the Most High and do not inflict such cruelty on him. Take care that tomorrow on the Day of Judgment he does not prove better than you, leaving you in shame. Do not unleash so much anger on your servant. Do not wrong him or wound his heart. You bought him for ten coins; after all, you did not create him by your own power. How long will this ordering about, this pride and rage go on? There is a Lord greater than you. You who own servants named Arsalan and Aghush, do not forget the One who commands you. It is reported from the Master of the world, peace be upon him, that he said: The greatest regret on the Day of Judgment will be when a righteous servant is taken to paradise and his corrupt master to hell. Toward the servant who obeys you willingly, do not drive boundless anger or grow harsh. For it will be a disgrace on the Day of Reckoning to see the servant free and the master in chains.