The Sufi Story of Habib Al-Ajami and Hasan Basri

Habib Al-Ajami had a house in Basra right on the crossroads. He also had a lovely fur coat which he wore in winter.

Once, needing to perform washing, he arose and left his coat on the ground. Famous Sufi Hasan of Basra, found the coat flung in the road.

“The owner of this seems a barbarian wh odoes not know the value of such expensive coat,” he commented.

So he stood there watching over it until Habib returned.

“Imam of the Muslims,” he cried after saluting Hasan of Barsa, “why are you standing here?”

“Don’ you know that such expensive coat should be left here. In whose charge you leave it here?” Hasan asked

“In His [Allah] charge,” Habib answered, “who appointed you to watch over it!”