One day Ali went to a dinner party at his friend's house.
There were four guests including Ali.
Two of them were merchants.
And the third was a government official.
Ali did not know the merchants, but he recognized the government official.
People said that this man was dishonest and a thief.
But Ali was wise and did not believe everything he heard.
The men were hungry.
As they waited for dinner, they chatted pleasantly.
Ali's friend served many delicious things to eat.
There was soup, rice, meats, and many kinds of fruit.
But when it was time to eat, Ali's friend excused himself.
"I am sorry," said the host, "but my son was in a terrible accident.
I must go to him, so I cannot eat with you.
Please enjoy yourselves and eat freely.
I only ask that you pray for my son."
The host left with those words.
Before they ate, the guests all prayed to Allah.
The government official sat next to Ali.
He was eating very fast.
He was stuffing his mouth and his pockets with food.
He filled his pockets with everything he could reach.
The two merchants stared at the government official.
They were shocked by his behavior.
They were strangers to this town.
So they did not say anything to the rude official.
Ali quietly picked up a teapot.
He poured tea into the man's pocket.
The man started shouting at Ali.
"What are you doing?
Are you crazy?" he said angrily.
"Excuse me," answered Ali.
"I saw that your pockets were hungry.
I thought they might be thirsty too."
The government official was embarrassed and said nothing more.