: The spirit behind a gift is far more important than its material worth.
In the Baháʼí Faith, stories are often used to illustrate spiritual principles like , generosity , and detachment . One of the most famous and heartwarming stories from the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá (the son of the Faith's founder, Baháʼu'lláh) took place during His time in Baghdad. The Story of the Black Bread and the Shriveled Apple : The spirit behind a gift is far
This story is a classic example of , a core Baháʼí belief. It teaches that: The Story of the Black Bread and the
The friend explained that as he was leaving, a poor Baháʼí laborer had come to him, saying: "I hear you are going into the presence of our Beloved. I have nothing to send Him but this, my dinner. I pray you offer it to Him with my loving devotion" . I pray you offer it to Him with my loving devotion"
At that moment, 'Abdu'l-Bahá’s own luncheon had just been served to Him. However, He immediately pushed His own food aside and spread the poor laborer’s gift out before Him. He ate the dry bread and the shriveled apple with great relish, breaking off pieces to share with His guests. He told them: Why This Story Matters
One afternoon, a friend arrived in the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, having traveled from the city of ‘Ishqábád. He presented 'Abdu'l-Bahá with a simple cotton handkerchief tied in a knot. When 'Abdu'l-Bahá untied it, He found inside: A piece of . A single shriveled apple .
: Despite His station, 'Abdu'l-Bahá prioritized the humble offering of a poor workman over a fine meal, showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of God.