How Ali {R} Showed Kindness to His Slave

“Those who are merciful to others, Allah {SWT} is merciful to them. Have mercy on the dwellers of the earth and the One who is in the heaven will be merciful to you.”—Al-Bukhari

Qambar, the slave of Ali {R} says: I spent my days under the slavery of Ameer-ul-Muminin {R} in such a way that he used to feed me first then eat himself. First he clothed me then he wore himself.

One day, Ali purchased two shirts. He saw that the shirt of Salman Farsi was patched at many places. So he gave one shirt to him and told me to put on the second. I said that Ameer-ul-Muminin’s shirt is quite worn-out but he said, I should wear it, that he would buy another one for himself whenever possible.

He never awoke me for some errand and never made me work when I was sick. He never gave me tasks beyond my strength or capacity.The Ameer tried to free me many times but I implored and pleaded him not to do so.

The question now is: How kind are we to anyone who temporarily depends on us for his or her livelihood?

And this one: Will they be willing to sacrifice their freedom to remain our dependants?

“Ali {R} tried to free me many times but I implored and pleaded him not to do so.”

May Allah {SWT} transform our hearts for good and mercy. Aameen.

PS: Reference: Morals & Manners of the Household of the Prophet {S}.