TYING THE CAMEL

The caravan had been traveling for few hours now. Signs of fatigue were obvious on their faces. They arrived at a point and stopped. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who was also in the caravan, stopped the camel, and landed. Prior to anything, they were in search of water to prepare for prayer.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also started searching for water. But soon, returned to his Camel, without saying anything to anyone. The companions were surprised that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had ordered stopping here, and now perhaps he would like to move again? Eyes and ears were awaiting his order. But the surprise of the group increased as they saw him approach his Camel, and tied its knees, and returned back in search of water.

Noises were raised from every corner: “O Prophet of Almighty God! Why didn’t you order us to do this for you, and instead you put yourself in discomfort? We would have proudly done that service for you.”

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) responded: “Never seek others’ help in your affairs, don’t lean on others, even if it is a small piece of Miswak (the wood used for brushing teeth).”