“The Selflessness of Hatim Tai”

In pre-Islamic Arabia, where evils were everywhere, there were still some good people. Among them was Hatim. Numerous stories have been told about Hatim. Even if we set aside the exaggerations in these stories, the truth remains that Hatim’s generosity is proverbial. In Islam, the generosity of Hazrat Uthman (RA) is exemplary, and countless incidents about him are well known.

It is a fact that the wealth, donations, and generosity of Hazrat Uthman Ghani (RA) greatly facilitated the spread of Islam. Hatim belonged to a tribe called “Tay.” Because of this, he is known as Hatim Tai. He was the ruler of Yemen. The region of Yemen was connected to Arabia. At that time, Arabia was ruled by a king named Naufal. He was very troubled by Hatim’s generosity and his popularity in the region.

The people of Yemen were not the only ones who benefited from his generosity; anyone who reached him could take advantage of it. Many people would come to him simply to test him, and he was always successful in every test. Once, someone learned that Hatim Tai’s personal horse was very valuable and thought, “Why not acquire it?” Accordingly, a man came to him to test him.

That day, Hatim had gone out for hunting. By chance, he was not able to catch any game that day. When he returned and learned that a guest was waiting for him, he immediately ordered his servants to prepare food. One servant said, “Sir, today we cannot make a meat curry because we do not have fresh meat.”

Hatim’s pride and sense of honor could not tolerate the idea that his dining table would lack a meat dish for the guest. He said, “Today, our beloved horse will be slaughtered and cooked.” Making this decision caused him deep sorrow, but he had no other choice.

The meal was prepared, and Hatim spared no effort in serving his guest. The guest was very pleased. The next morning, when it was time for the guest to leave, he thanked Hatim for his hospitality and said, “I have heard much of Hatim’s generosity. If you would also gift me your favorite horse, it would be truly remarkable.”

Hatim felt a little saddened when he heard the guest’s request, but then he said, “My honored guest, if you had made this request last year, I would have gladly fulfilled it. But now it is impossible, because my favorite horse has already been eaten.” At the same time, he explained the entire situation to the guest and gave him a bag filled with gold coins as a gift, saying that with this wealth he could buy a horse even more valuable than the one that had been sacrificed.

The guest was impressed by Hatim’s generosity, but at the same time, he felt guilty that a valuable horse had been slaughtered because of him. He tried to refuse the bag of gold coins, but Hatim insisted, saying, “You must keep it, because I was unable to fulfill my guest’s request completely.”

Hatim was not only generous but also soft-hearted. That day, he felt sorrow that he had failed to fulfill his guest’s wish, while the guest went home singing praises of Hatim’s kindness and generosity.

Meanwhile, Naufal, the king of Arabia, was thinking that if Hatim’s generosity and popularity continued to grow, people would start gravitating toward him, and none would come to the king. He ordered a brave and powerful soldier to kill Hatim, promising him a heavy reward in return.

Because Hatim was pure-hearted and generous, he did not keep any guards with him. He believed that death comes when it is destined, and when it arrives, no protector can save a person.

The soldier sent by King Naufal reached Hatim’s palace disguised as a guest. One night, while everyone was asleep, the soldier quietly approached Hatim’s bedroom. He saw Hatim sleeping deeply, so he drew a dagger from his belt and struck at him with full force. At that very moment, Hatim turned over in his sleep, and the soldier’s target was startled. The soldier fell on top of Hatim.

By this time, Hatim had woken up from his sleep. He overpowered the guest-soldier and asked him why he had done this. “Was there any shortcoming in my hospitality?” he asked.

The soldier clearly explained to Hatim why he had come. Hatim replied, “If killing me will earn you wealth, then do it immediately. Before my servants arrive, you may strike me. I will not resist.”

The soldier believed that his death had now arrived, as there was no way to escape from Hatim’s grasp.

Seeing Hatim’s attitude, the soldier said, “Sir, please forgive me. I have committed a grave mistake. I repent and from now on, I will always remain loyal to you.”

Hatim not only forgave him but also gave him a bag filled with gold coins, because he could not bear the thought of his guest leaving his house empty-handed.