Then he was cut off from me for a long time and I did not see him. Then I met him one day, and he was bewildered in mind. I asked some who knew him about him. He said: "He was blessed in his wealth and his worldly life expanded for him, so his mind became bewildered because of that." I came to my Master Abu ‘Abd Allah and informed him of what I heard about the man.
He said: "O Dawud, indeed Allah created the spirits of our Shi‘a from the radiance of His light1. They do not desire besides us anyone else, whether wealth reaches them or harm touches them. And He created the spirits of our enemies from the genus of these two dispraised stones. If they lack [wealth] and harm touches them, they disbelieve, become resentful, and deny our grace. If wealth and a large portion reach them from us, they are occupied by it away from the remembrance of Allah, away from our remembrance and questioning us, and away from the remembrance of our Shi‘a."
"I am not, may Allah prolong the life of the Minister, one who desires great wealth. As for commendations, boasts, fine praise, and good remembrance, they are not attained except through piety and righteous deeds. As for pleasures and desires, they are the attainment of knowledge of the subtleties of matters. As for helpers, slaves, and servants, they are attained through righteousness and chastity. Nevertheless, I shall ask you a question, and after that, I shall consult you."
The Minister said: "Say what seems fit to you." My master said to him: "Which is greater in your view: the jewel or the wealth?" The Minister said: "The jewel is greater, higher, and more magnificent." My master said to him: "Shall I sell the greater for the lesser, and the magnificent for the base?" The Minister said: "No."
My master said to him: "I shall follow your counsel, for you have advised me with your view. What then do you want after that?" The