One day, Hatim Tai was riding through the desert all by himself. He was only fourteen years old. Suddenly, he came face to face with a hungry lion. He thought, ‘If I kill this lion, it will be cruelty as it is looking for food. But at the same time if it kills me without me defending myself, then it would be an act of cowardice. What should I do?’ He addressed the lion, “Do not look so sad; here take my flesh or the flesh of my camel and fill your stomach.” Hatim removed his armour and stood in front of the lion, talking in a gentle, calm voice. Hearing such soothing words, the lion sat down and lowered its head on Hatim’s palm. Tears rolled down its eyes. Hatim’s generosity moved it and then it turned and walked away in the direction from where it had come.
Hatim Tai and the Lion
