A monarch once rode in state with the officers of his kingdom and the grandees of his entourage with much magnificence. He ordered his keeper to bring him the grandest of raiment, his best of horses and donned the clothes full of rubies and jewels. He became so arrogant and proud.
Then a man in tattered clothes came forward and asked for his help. The King commanded him to wait till he alighted. The stranger said he wouldn’t reveal a secret to anybody, but in the monarch’s ears.
He then whispered that he was the Angel of Death and had come to take him along. The King asked him to wait until he reached his palace and met his family. The Angel refused his plea and took away his soul.
On his way, the Angel of Death met a devout man whom the Almighty was calling. Therefore, the Angel whispered into his ears that it was time for him to come along and if he had any last desire to fulfil. The man refused. On persistence, he said his soul should be taken only after he had offered his prayers. His soul was transported to the place of mercy and acceptance.
