Hazrat Salmaan Faarsi’s Simplicity

Hazrat Salmaan Faarsi (Radhiyallahu anhu) was the oldest among the Sahaabah. He lived for 250 years. According to one narration his age was 350 years. He led a life of extreme simplicity and austerity. The changing of circumstances did not affect his life of simplicity.

Hazrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) had appointed him the governor of Madaa-in. Once whilst walking in the street, a foreign trader who had  a  bundle  of  wares  thinking  him  to  be  a labourer, ordered him to carry the bundle and deliver it to a certain place. The trader did not know who Hazrat Salmaan was. Hazrat Salmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) without saying a word, lifted the bundle, placed it on his head and walked with the trader alongside.

Along the way, when they passed some people, they informed the trader that the man who was carrying his bundle was in fact the governor of Madaa-in. The trader was astonished and embarrassed. He profusely apologized  and pleaded with Hazrat Salmaan to relinquish the bundle. However, he refused. He said that his intention was to do a virtuous deed, hence he will complete the task by delivering it to the destination.