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The Morals of Dervishes

STORY LXXXVIII

A sage having been asked whether liberality or bravery is better, replied: "He who possesses liberality needs no bravery."

It is written on the tomb of Behrâm Gûr^[1]: 'A liberal hand is better than a strong arm.'

Hâtim Tâi^[2] has passed away, but for ever his high name will remain celebrated for beneficence. Set aside the Zekât^[3] from they property, because the exuberant vines when pruned by the vintner will yield more grapes.

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1. A king of the Sasanian dynasty of Persia who reigned from A.D. 420 till 439.
2. A pre-islamitic Arab, whose name has to this day remained proverbial for liberality.
3. Zekât is the legal alms, sanctioned by the Qurân, consisting of 2 ½ per cent, from the income of every estate.