Nisbat (Attachment)

Hazrat Anas (R.A) once prepared a feast for some guests. After the feast, He (R.A) noticed the food cloth had become discoloured. He (R.A) called his servant and told her to put the food cloth in the oven, the servant did so.

The guests watched expecting the cloth to burn, but to their astonishment when the servant removed the cloth from the oven, they saw that it had not caught fire rather it was gleaming clean. The guests asked Hazrat Anas (R.A) why did the cloth not catch fire, which would be expected once put into the oven. He (R.A) replied that on numerous occasions, the beloved Prophet (S.A.W) had wiped His Blessed face and hands on the cloth, hence it could not catch fire.

Moral:

This beautiful story educates us on the importance of Nisbat. If we want to save ourselves from fire of Hell, then we must tightly hold on to Holy Prophet (S.A.W). Through admiring Him and showing obedience to Him, we draw closer to Him (S.A.W). If a cloth upon which the Prophet (S.A.W) wiped His blessed hands and face cannot burn, then a heart filled with love, affection and radiant with acting upon the Sunnah can never be burnt by the fire of Hell.

The nature of Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A)

Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) was a prominent trader in fabrics as well as a famous Imam. His business grew prosperously; he (R.A) employed countless workers to trade in the foreign market on his (R.A) behalf.

Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) was once examining his stock when he came across some damaged fabrics. He told his worker about it and ordered him to alert potential customers at the time of transaction. If they were happy to buy the damaged fabric, they were free to do so.

The worker set off with entire stock, he returned soon after, having made a very healthy profit. Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) enquired whether the worker had informed buyer of the defect? The worker had completely forgotten about it!

Instead of displaying anger, he ordered the worker to give all the profit away in charity. The worker suggested that only the profit made from the damaged fabric needed to be given away; the other profit was earned in a perfectly legitimate manner. Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) replied that the profit money was mixed and there was no way of knowing which money was received from selling damaged product. Thus the entire takings, according to him, were doubtful and so he ordered all of it to be given away to charity.

Moral:

This story highlights an important fundamental of business; the trader should not conceal a damaged good or commit any other type of deception. If there are any defects in the goods, the purchaser has a right to know of it. He should not be short changed or deceived in any manner.