MAULA ALI (A.S.) AND THE CANDLE: Responsibility in Islam

A candle burnt by his side, as he sat down meticulously recording all the revenue and the expenses of the treasury.

Just then Talha and Zubair appeared.

They aspired to some positions of authority in Maula Ali's (A.S.) rule and had come to strike a deal. If Maula Ali (A.S.) gave them a place of distinction, they would in turn pledge their full support. Maula Ali (A.S.) knew of this.

Just as they sat down, Maula Ali (A.S.) puts out the candle and lit another one.

Talha and Zubair exchanged a glance of surprise and then one of them said:

"O Ali, we have come on some important business. But why did you extinguish the first candle?"

Maula Ali (A.S.) replied: "That was a candle bought of Treasury funds. As long as I worked for the Treasury, I used it. Now you have come for some personal work, so I use the candle bought of my personal fund."

Talha and Zubair left him without saying another word.