The Boy Who Chose Books Over Gold – A Story from the Life of Ibn Sīnā

In the heart of the Islamic Golden Age, a young boy named Ḥusayn ibn Sīnā, later known to the world as Avicenna, was already showing signs of extraordinary brilliance. Born into a world where learning and scholarship were held in the highest regard, Ibn Sīnā’s mind was one of the brightest of his time. By the age of 18, he had not only memorized the Qur’an but had also mastered Islamic law, delved deeply into philosophy and mathematics, and even began his early studies in medicine. His prodigious talent was clear to all who encountered him, and it wasn’t long before he made a name for himself as a physician and scholar of immense promise.

As his fame spread, it reached the ears of Nūḥ ibn Manṣūr, the Sāmānid ruler, who had fallen seriously ill. Despite the efforts of many experienced doctors and scholars, the ruler’s condition continued to deteriorate. Desperate, Nūḥ ibn Manṣūr called for Ibn Sīnā, hoping that this young physician, who had already earned renown, might possess the wisdom to heal him.

With a calm confidence and deep understanding, Ibn Sīnā carefully examined the ruler, diagnosed his illness, and prescribed a treatment plan that ultimately restored the king’s health. Grateful beyond measure for his recovery, Nūḥ ibn Manṣūr summoned the young doctor to express his gratitude. As a reward, the king offered Ibn Sīnā a range of treasures: riches, land, or even a royal title.

However, Ibn Sīnā, ever the scholar, declined the offer of wealth and power. Instead, he made a humble request: “Grant me access to your royal library.”

The ruler, astonished by such a request, complied. This library, one of the greatest in the region, housed an invaluable collection of rare manuscripts, ancient Greek texts, and treasures of knowledge that had been lost to the world. For Ibn Sīnā, it was not gold or titles that he sought, but rather the wealth of knowledge contained within those pages. The young physician spent countless hours in the library, absorbing wisdom from the great minds of antiquity, which would later shape his own work.

In the years that followed, Ibn Sīnā would go on to write The Canon of Medicine, a groundbreaking work that would influence medical practice in both the East and the West for centuries to come. His story serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness is not found in the pursuit of material wealth or power, but in the sincere, unrelenting quest for knowledge. Ibn Sīnā’s life also reminds us that when one’s intentions are pure, and the search for knowledge is undertaken with humility and dedication, the world opens its doors to transformative opportunities.

In the end, it is not the riches one amasses that define a legacy, but the impact of one’s contribution to the collective wisdom of humanity. Ibn Sīnā’s story is a testament to the enduring power of knowledge, a legacy that continues to shape the world long after his time.

The Three Days of Hunger

It was the month of Ramadan in Medina, and the air was filled with the fragrance of freshly baked bread from the humble home of Imam Ali (a) and Sayyida Fatima (a). As the golden light of sunset signaled the time to break their fast, Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Hussain (a) eagerly sat down, their small hands reaching for the food they had longed for all day. The hunger they had felt since dawn made the meal even more precious.

Just as they were about to take their first bite, a faint knock echoed from the door. Sayyida Fatima (a) immediately rose and went to answer it. A poor beggar stood before her; his eyes full of desperation.

“O family of the Prophet,” he pleaded, “I am starving and have nothing to eat. Can you spare me some food?”

Imam Ali (a) looked at his family and smiled gently. Without hesitation, he motioned for his family to give everything they had. One by one, they handed their bread over to the beggar, leaving themselves with nothing but water. Despite their own hunger, they felt compassion for the man’s suffering.

That night, the family went to bed hungry, but their hearts were filled with contentment in their sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

The next day, they fasted again. As the sun set, signalling the time to break their fast, another knock came at the door. This time, it was an orphan, shivering from hunger. Sayyida Fatima (a) opened the door, and once again, the family gave up their food, placing their last meal in the hands of the orphan. They chose to remain hungry rather than turn someone away.

On the third night, after fasting throughout the day, the family prepared to eat, but another figure appeared at the door—a prisoner, frail and exhausted from captivity. His plea for food was met with the same selflessness. Imam Ali (a), Sayyida Fatima (a), Imam Hasan (a), and Imam Hussain (a) shared their remaining food with the prisoner, leaving nothing for themselves.

For three days, this noble family went without food, choosing sacrifice and compassion for others over their own comfort. Their devotion to Allah and care for others, even in their time of need, was a profound act of faith.

Allah, pleased with their selflessness, revealed Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

“They give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, (saying) ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone; we desire neither reward nor thanks from you.’”

On the fourth day, as their hunger became unbearable, Allah sent them heavenly sustenance as a divine reward. Their story became an eternal lesson: true fasting is not just abstaining from food, but practicing selflessness, compassion, and putting others before our own desires. The family of the Prophet’s example continues to inspire all who seek to live a life of generosity and humility.