A story about Hadrat Anas bin Maalik (RA)

Once some guests came to visit Hadrat Anas bin Maaik (RA). He entertained them with a meal. The tablecloth became dirty and discoloured, due to some food having fallen on it. Hadrat Anas (RA) instructed the maid servant to cast it into the burning furnace. The servant did as she was commanded.

The guests were astonished at this command. When the tablecloth was thrown into the burning furnace, they awaited the appearance of smoke to indicate that the tablecloth was burning. But instead, when the tablecloth was removed from the fire, it was still intact and had become clean.

They asked him: “O companion of Rasollullah (SAW), why did this tablecloth not burn in the fire? And instead of burning, had become perfectly clean?”

Hadrat Anas (RA) replied: “The reason for the tablecloth not burning is that on various occasions Rasoolullah (SAW) cleansed his hands and lips with this cloth”

Lesson: when a tablecloth was granted this honour by the wiping of his blessed hands, one can just imagine what honour and nearness to Allah will be granted in both worlds to those who follow the Sunnah diligently.

May Allah grant us all the ability to follow the Sunnah, Ameen.

Source: Ma-aarif-e-Mathnavi Volume 1, by Hadrat Moulana Hakim Akhtar Saheb.