The Greatness of Hatem Tai

Long, long ago there lived a very kind and generous man in Yemen. The name of that man was Hatem Tai. He was not rich but very kind and hospitable. All the people of the country loved him. They used to praise him more than their king.

One day the king gave a royal dinner. Most of the guests praised the king highly. The king felt very happy and proud. But the guests praised Hatem Tai also. This made the king very angry. He did not say anything then. He wanted to have him removed from the world. On the following day he sent one of his men to look for Hatem Tai. The king ordered the man to kill Hatem Tai and bring his head before the king.

It was not very easy to find out a man like Hatem Tai. Because, he used to lead a life of a visitor. Hearing about the rages of the king against him; he started living in a jungle. The man, who was ordered to kill Hatem Tai, was tired to find such a man. After a few days, he met a young man. The Youngman was very kind to him. He was invited to the Youngman’s house for the night. He has never experienced the hospitality that the Youngman showed to him. 

The following morning the stranger wanted to leave. But the Youngman requested him to stay at least one day more. But he said,

 “I can’t stay any longer. The king has sent me to do a very important work.”

“Friend, tell me what your important work is. May be, I can also help you,” the Youngman requested the stranger.

The man replied, “It is a secret. The king ordered me not to tell it to anybody. However, you have been a very good friend to me. So I shall tell you. You must keep it secret. I have been ordered to kill Hatem Tai and carry his head to the king, otherwise I will be punished.”

The Youngman laughed and said, “You made a mistake, friend. You should have told me earlier. I am Hatem Tai. You can carry out the king’s order without any delay.”

The stranger was perplexed. “You are Hatem Tai! No, friend, I can’t kill you. You are so noble! I must go back immediately and report everything to the king,” replied the stranger. He left for the king’s palace at once.

The king heard everything from his man and realized that Hatem Tai is really more praiseworthy than him. He sent a messenger inviting Hatem Tai to his palace. Hatem Tai gladly accepted the king’s invitation. He came to meet the king. The king gave a dinner in his honour. This time he praised Hatem Tai before all his guests.