assembly, he said: “O people, we have left our homes and families so that we do not fall into sin by being with them. However, I fear an even greater calamity, one that afflicts the wealthy. May it not be that any of us desires people to fulfil our needs, or discounts in trade because of our piety. May it not be that, when meeting people, we desire their reverence and admiration. O people, all these matters are destructive, so always protect yourselves from them.”

The wise counsel of the saint spread far and wide, even reaching the king of the time.

When the king arrived to greet the saint, the people said: “O righteous one, look, the king has come to visit you.”

“Why has the king come to visit me?” asked the saint.

They replied: “He has come to listen to your words of wisdom.”

Hearing this, the saint asked: “Is there anything to eat?”

Someone replied: “Yes, I have some dates. Break your fast with them at ifṭār.”

After saying this, he handed the dates to the saint, who immediately began eating them, even though he would fast throughout the year. The king witnessed this and was astonished.

He asked the people: “Where is the pious man I came to visit? Is it him?”

The people responded: “Yes, this is the saint whose wise counsel is famous.”