After some discussion, the Khalifah asked if he had any need. Hadhrat Daawood Taai said: “Yes, I want you to bring for me a bag of flour which you should carry on your head.” Surprised at this queer request, Haroon Ar- Rashid said: “I shall bring it during the night time.” Hadhrat Daawood: “No, bring it during the day time.” Khalifah: “Alright, I shall bring it via the wilderness route (i.e. not through the main road where the public would see him).”
Hadhrat Daawood: “No, bring it during the daytime on your head via the main road through the marketplace.” Haroon Ar-Rashid remained silent. He did not comment further. This request posed an extremely difficult problem for the king. Hadhrat Daawood Taai then commented: “I have no need for the flour. I wanted to test you. You have unhesitatingly assumed the burden of the entire Ummah on your head, but you are unable to carry a tiny bag of flour on your head!”
Understanding the fearful implications of Hadhrat Daawood’s admonition, the Khalifah broke down into tears. He had brought with him a bag of pearls, diamonds and gold coins which he left at the feet of Hadhrat Daawood. He then departed sobbing. After his departure, Hadhrat Daawood Taai (rahmatullah alayh) threw the bag outside, scattering the contents in the alleyway as if these precious stones and gold were pebbles and stones.
He commented: “All of this is the dunya, and I am a Faqeer for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. There is no relationship between the Faqeer and the dunya.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had said: “Poverty is my pride.”
This noble ‘pride’ of Istighnaa (Independence) radiated from Hadhr at Daawood Taai (rahmatullah alayh).