One of the kings of Persia sent a skilled physician to serve the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
The physician stayed in the land of the Arabs for a year, but no one came to him for treatment or sought his medical advice.
He approached the Prophet and complained: “I was sent to treat your companions, but during this time, no one has paid any attention to me or sought my services.”
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “These people have a way of life such that they do not eat until they are hungry, and when they eat, they stop before they are full.”
The physician said: “This is the cause of their health.”
He kissed the ground and departed.
A wise man begins to speak
Or reaches for a morsel,
Only when silence would cause harm
Or hunger would bring pain.
Thus, his words are wisdom,
And his eating brings health.
