An example of love and gratefulness

Hazrat Lukmaan was not only a slave but was the son of a slave. Yet he was pure at heart in every respect. His owner, the master of the house, was quite familiar with his higher qualities and treated Lukmaan never as a slave but always as his master. He would have freed him at any time, but as Lukmaan wanted to remain concealed, he preferred to remain his slave.

The master of the house loved Lukmaan so much that always before eating anything, first he would call and offer the same to Lukmaan and then he used to partake it himself.

Once someone brought Musk Melons and offered to the master of the house.. Lukmaan was not present there. The master sent a slave to call Lukmaan. When Lukmaan came and sat before him, he cut the musk melon and offered the first piece to Lukmaan. Lukmaan ate it smilingly as if it was very sweet. Seeing him happy and pleased, the master offered him another piece, which he ate as before. He offered many more pieces likewise and Lukmaan enoyed them all. When only one piece was left, the master said that this he will eat himself, so that he too can realise the good taste of this must melon. Because Lukmaan was enjoying the fruit in such a way, that anyone seeing him doing so got tempted to taste it.

When the master ate the piece of the must melon, it was so bitter that he could not bear it. He vomited at-once. He looked at Lukmaan and asked how is that you ate this poisionous fruit so deliciously? Are you your own enemy? Why did you not make some excuse to avoid eating it further atleast?

Lukmaan replied: I have taken so many good things from your hand, that I cannot raise my head even. How do I dare to say no to you, even if it was a bitter thing. Won’t it be ungrateful on my part.