One day, the revered Sufi master Shaqiq al-Balkhi (d. 810) was walking through the bustling bazaar of Khorasan. The market was alive with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, the scent of spices drifting through the air, and the rhythmic chatter of townspeople going about their daily lives.
As Shaqiq moved through the crowd, a stranger suddenly approached him. Though unfamiliar to the master, the man seemed to recognize him immediately. With a respectful demeanour, he posed a question:
“Master, can you explain the true meaning of generosity of spirit?”
Shaqiq, known for his wisdom and simplicity, responded:
“When we receive something, we give thanks. And when we receive nothing, we remain patient.”
The stranger listened carefully, then smiled and replied, “The dogs of Khorasan live by the same principle.”
Shaqiq was taken aback. The response, though unexpected, carried a deeper meaning. He paused for a moment, then turned the question back to the man:
“And what, in your view, is true generosity of spirit?”
The stranger answered, “When we receive something, we pass it on to another. And when we receive nothing, we remain patient.”
Shaqiq’s heart stirred at these words. He realized he had just been given a profound lesson—one that elevated generosity beyond gratitude and endurance to selfless giving. But before he could express his gratitude or inquire about the stranger’s identity, the man had vanished into the crowd, leaving Shaqiq with a wisdom that would linger in his soul forever.
