Interesting Story

“Go to Hatim Tai and ask him for his horse. If he sacrifices the horse, then Hatim Tai is surely generous.”

Dear children! Long ago, in the land of Yemen, there lived a tribe whose chief was Hatim Tai. His generosity was known far and wide, and people across the world spoke of his open-handed nature. Today, we will share with you one of the famous stories that highlights Hatim Tai’s unmatched generosity.

It is said that one day, in the court of the King of Rome, a discussion arose about Hatim Tai’s kindness and charity. One courtier remarked, “Hatim Tai owns a horse of an exceptionally fine breed. It is so beautiful that anyone who sees it cannot help but admire it.”

Hearing this praise, the king thoughtfully responded, “Until a person is tested, forming an opinion about him is against wisdom.” Turning to his minister, the king instructed, “Go and gather reliable information about Hatim Tai’s generosity. Ask him for something that is dearest and most valuable to him.”

The courtier added, “Ask him for his swift and precious horse.” The king agreed and said, “Go to Hatim Tai and ask him for his horse. If he willingly gives it away, then Hatim Tai is truly generous.”

The minister and the courtier set out on their journey. After traveling a long distance, they reached Hatim Tai’s home late at night. At the time of their arrival, heavy rain was pouring down relentlessly. Darkness filled the surroundings, and thunder and lightning made the atmosphere frightening. In such harsh weather, it was extremely difficult to leave one’s home, let alone arrange food and shelter for unexpected guests.

Despite these conditions, Hatim Tai fulfilled every duty of hospitality. He welcomed the guests warmly, arranged for their comfort, and ensured they had everything they needed. He served them a lavish meal, placing delicious roasted meat before them. Satisfied and grateful, the guests ate heartily and then lay down to rest, soon falling into a deep and peaceful sleep, their exhaustion from the journey completely gone.

By morning, the rain had stopped. The air was fresh and cool, the sky was clear, and the trees looked washed and renewed. During breakfast, the minister expressed his gratitude for Hatim Tai’s hospitality and said, “Our king has heard much praise about your horse. He wishes that you present your horse to him as a gift.”

Upon hearing this request, Hatim Tai clasped his hands together in sorrow. With a saddened expression, he replied, “If you had come to take the horse, you should have told me this upon your arrival. Now I am helpless, for my beloved horse is no longer in this world.”

The minister was shocked and asked for an explanation. Hatim Tai then said, “The storm lasted all night, and it was impossible for me to arrange food for so many guests. I could not send for an animal from the village, nor could I leave my guests hungry. Therefore, I sacrificed my horse and prepared its roasted meat, which you ate last night.”

Hearing this, the minister was left utterly astonished. Upon returning to the royal court, he narrated the entire incident to the king. The king, too, was deeply impressed and openly praised Hatim Tai’s generosity, acknowledging that such selfless sacrifice was rare and unparalleled.

Hearing this, the minister was left utterly astonished. Upon returning to the royal court, he narrated the entire incident to the king. The king, too

This story stands as a timeless example of true generosity—giving not from abundance, but from what one holds most dear.