Imam Sadiq (as) and his Social Behaviour

Shortage of Wheat

A shortage of wheat took place in Madina. A bewilderment and anxiety overtook the people. Anyone who had not stored wheat for years use would try hard to provide and stock it. At the same time, the poor have-nots were forced to buy there every day needed wheat from the market.

One day Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) asked his servant "Motab," "Do we have wheat in the house this year? Motab replied, "Yes we have got wheat to meet the requirement of a few months." Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) said, "Take that to the market and surrender it to the people and sell it." Motab said, "Oh my Lord! Wheat is scarce in Madina, if I sell it purchasing wheat after that will be difficult and we will face hardship and will be forced to buy it on a higher cost." Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) said, "Do what I have said, hereafter do purchase the bread of the house like the have-nots of Madina, do each day. Because the bread of my house should not have any difference with that of the masses although you may buy it on a higher rate."

The Greedy Afflicted and the Thankful Poor

One of the friends of Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) says, we were busy taking grapes in Mina along with the Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS). An afflicted one come and asked for help. Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) gave him a bunch of grapes. The man did not take that and demanded money. Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) said, "God may provide you that." The afflicted man walked a few steps and turned back and requested the Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) to give him the grapes. He said, "may God provide you that" and the man went back.

At the same time another poor man came and asked the Imam for help. Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) gave him a bunch of grapes. The man took them and thanked God. Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) gave him a handful of grapes. The man took that and again thanked God, for his boon. For the third time, Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) gave him twenty dirhams and the fourth time, gave him his shirt. The man took all and went back praying for Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS).