While in the holy city of Najaf, the Imam’s routine included spending half an hour each evening in the outer reception area of his home, where various matters were discussed.
One night, a destitute man came to the house seeking help. Some of the gentlemen managing the reception area treated him poorly.
mam, who had been quietly observing from a distance, stood up from the gathering to go to the shrine. When he reached the outer door, he sternly reprimanded the person in charge and asked: "What kind of behavior is this?"
The man replied: "Sir, he came yesterday, and the day before as well."_
At this Imam said: "Let him come. He is in need — his need is what compelled him to come here. We must fulfill his request and send him away satisfied, with a kind word. We must not offend people."
Source: Insights into the conduct of Imam Khomeini ; Vol. 1, p. 224
Narrator: Jafar Karimi