Maytham-al-Tammar (Meesam-e-tammar)

The Counterfeit Money Incident

The caliph, Imam Ali, would at times visit the market place of Kufa. In his visits he would stop by Maytham's store to converse with him. One day, Maytham was at his market store in Kufa selling dates. Imam Ali approached Maytham and said to him to take a prayer break. Other variants of this event state that Imam Ali told Maytham to take a break and visit his family. Another variant states that Maytham went to go buy something. Before leaving, Maytham requested Imam Ali to sell some dates. While Maytham was gone, Imam Ali looked over his shop. A shopper came looking to buy some dates. He looked around and them purchased four dates from Imam Ali. Some variants say he purchased four Dirhams worth of dates. But he purchased the dates using counterfeit money (fake money). Eventually, Maytham returned to his stall and asked Imam Ali if he managed to sell any dates. Imam Ali tells Maytham he sold some dates and handed Maytham the money. Maytham was shocked that Imam Ali sold the dates and did not realize that the money was fake. However, Imam Ali mentions to Maytham to remain patient because the shopper would come back for a reason. Maytham became confused, he had a feeling that the shopper would not come back because he essentially got free dates. A couple hours passed by, the man returned to Maytham's market shop upset at the taste of the dates that he recently purchased from the ruling caliph of the time, Imam Ali. The man requested for a return. Imam Ali then tells the man the dates were bitter because the money you gave was bitter (fake). The man was surprised and astonished. He then took his counterfeit money and left.

Maytham himself narrates this event:

Imam Ali: "Maytham go and have a break. Go and pray your Salah. I will look after your date stall."

Maytham: "Very well. Try and sell a few dates if you could sell anything."

Imam Ali: "Do not worry, just go and pray."

(Other variation of this event says that Maytham wanted to go and buy something. Another variation states that Imam Ali said to Maytham to go and give your family some time.)

Maytham comes back:

Maytham: "O Amir al-Momineen (Imam Ali), did you manage to sell?"

Imam Ali: "Yes, I managed to sell."

Maytham: "How much?"

Imam Ali: "I managed, Alhumdulillah to sell four dates." (Other variations state that Imam Ali sold four Dirhams (currency) worth of dates.)

Maytham: "Where the money?"

Imam Ali: "Here is the money."

Maytham: "Imam this person has given you bitter money (fake money). It's not real."

Imam Ali: "Maytham sit down, do not worry. Allah will provide Rizq (sustenance/livelihood). The owner of the dirhams (money) will come back."

Maytham: "The man bought the dates by false dirhams! Why will he come back?"

The man returns:

The Man: "These dates that you have given me taste bitter." (Some variants say "I don't want these dates! They are bitter! Why are they bitter?")

Imam Ali: "Because the money you gave use was bitter" (Some variants say "Because your dirhams are false!")