We’ve ever lavish been; almsgiving is our play.”
‘Umer replied: “In form and custom, bread you’ve given.
But not from love of God. You’re hands to dole were driven.
’Twas pride and ostentation led to your display;
Not charity, not pity, sense of duty, say.220
Your riches are your seed. Cast not such seed to waste.
Place not a sword in robber’s hand with senseless haste.
Distinction make ’twixt friend and foe to truth divine;
Seek out God’s saints, and leave them not to starve, to pine.
You’ve spent your stuff upon your cherished kindred sole,