Gulistan of Saadi

On the Excellence of Contentment

 Story 4

One of the kings of Persia had sent an able physician to wait upon the Mustafa, the benediction of
Allah and peace be on him; and he remained for some years in the Arab country without anyone
coming to him to make a trial of his ability or desiring to be treated by him. He went to the Prophet,
salutation to him, and complained that although he had been sent to treat the companions, none of
them had up to this time taken notice of him or required the services incumbent upon him. The
Apostle, salutation to him, replied: ‘It is a law with these people not to eat until appetite overpowers
them and when some of it yet remains they withdraw their hands from food.’ The doctor said: ‘This is
the cause of health’, and kissing the earth of service departed.

The sage begins to speak
Or points his fingers to the dish
When silence would be dangerous
Or abstinance would bring on death.
No doubt his wisdom is in speaking
And his eating bears the fruit of health.

READ MORE:

Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 1

Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 2

Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 1