The Prophet's Gift
Whenever the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) followers reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to him. Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. One morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).

The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said:

"O Prophet of Allah, you have overlooked the right of those who watch while you eat?"

The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. Then he said:

"I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who brought this gift.

Rather than make him feel bitter, I accepted the bitterness."