presented in His presence. He accepted them with the most gracious acceptance, lodged Abu Salit and those with him in His house, and had His servants and retinue attend to him, honoring him with complete generosity.

He would have him present at the table (al-Ma'ida) with Him, seating him by His side and feeding him morsels with His own hand. Abu Salit saw upon the table such exotic foods—both in and out of season—consisting of varieties of sweets, meats, poultry, and semolina bread, the likes of which could not be found in Medina nor in the rest of the Hijaz.

Abu Salit became impressed with himself and said [to himself]: "My status has become so great in the eyes of Ja'far that He provides me with this difficult maintenance and these exotic foods from all lands, out of admiration for what I have brought to Him."

Our Master knew what was in his soul, so He said to al-Mufaddal: "Tomorrow, when you and Abu Salit are present at the table, and the food is finished and you intend to rise for washing [your hands], do not do so; rather, wash in My presence."