Young Said's Independence

At that time in eastern Anatolia any scholar who had completed the course of study in a medrese and could demonstrate his mastary of the subjects obtained his diploma (icazet), and could then open a medrese in a village of his choice. If he was able, he would himself meet the needs of the students, such as food, heating and clothing, and if he was not able, they were met by the villagers either through zekat or some other way. The teacher asked for no payment for his teaching.

Young Said would in no way accept zekat or alms. To accept assistance meant becoming obliged to others. and he felt that to be an unbcarable burden on his spirit.

One day, his fellow students went to the neighbouring villages to collect zekat, but Said did not accompany them. The villagers, being impressed by this and appreciative of his independence, themselves collected a sum of ; money and tried to give it to him. But Said thanked them and refused it.Whereupon they gave it to Molla Abdullah in the hope that he would persuade him to accept it. The following exchange then ensued:

Said said: "Buy me a ritle with the money!"

Molla Abdullah: "No, that is not possible."

"Well, in that case, get me a revolver."

"No, that is not possible, either."

So, smiling, Said said: "Well, get me a dagger, then."

At which his elder brother laughed and said: "No, neither is that possible. I'll only buy you some grapes; then we will make sure the matter remains sweet!"¹