There was a Sheikh known to everybody as an ascetic detached from all the things of this world. All he owned was two pieces of clothing: one to wear everyday and the other to wear on special occasions.
Once, one of his disciples approached, saying:
- Master, there is another Sheikh in Baghdad who is considered by all to be a great spiritual teacher. However, he lives in the luxury of a mansion.
- How contradictory ... It seems that this brother needs advice on asceticism and detachment regarding the things of this world. I am going to Baghdad to advise him.
Thus, the Sheikh went on a trip to Baghdad, arriving at the Sheikh's mansion that his disciple talked about.
At the house of the rich Sheikh, he was received with dinner. Soon, he began to teach the Sheikh lessons about detachment from the things of the world.
When it was time for prayer, everyone went to the mosque, leaving the mansion.
When they returned to the mansion, they saw that it was on fire and that nothing survived to the fire.
The people who were there were trying to comfort the rich Sheikh, who said:
- Brothers, do not mourn for me. Nothing that was burned belonged to me. Everything belongs to Allah.
Noticing that the visitor was crying, the host said:
- Brother, do not mourn for me too. None of that was loved by me. I'm even happier because I do not have to take care of that huge house.
- I'm not crying for you! I'm crying because I forgot the only good clothe I had inside your mansion ...