Story | The Prophet (Sm) And A Thief

There was a theif in Arabia. He used to steal at night. None could live in peace for him. The Prophet (Sm) also heard of him. One day he told the theif not to steal. At this the theif said, "Please ask me to do any other thing. I will obey you. But don't ask me to give up stealing". The holy Prophet (Sm) think for a while. Then he smiled and said, "Well, you don't have to stop stealing. Just give up lying. You have to promise that you will never tell a lie." The theif happily accepted the proposal because he thought that he could keep stealing. That night he went out of his room for stealing. On the way he met one of his neighbours. The neighbours asked him where he was going and why was he out of his home at that period of night. Then the theif found that he was in a dilemma. He could not tell the truth as he would be caught red handed then. He could not tell lies either because he promised to the holy Prophet (Sm) not to tell lies. So, he remained silent and went back home. Such event happened several times. At last he realized that if he could not tell lies, he could not steal also. He could also realized the importance of the words of the holy Prophet (Sm). So, he decided not to steal any more and speak the truth always.