Abd al-Qadir enjoyed such extraordinary fame that mystics of all faiths flocked to him in droves. In his reception hall, always crowded with people, the highest etiquette was invariably observed and respectful respect for traditional customs reigned. The pious visitors maintained a strict hierarchy in their relationships: each person's rank was determined by his personal merit, age, the reputation of his mentor, and the position he occupied in his community. In addition, they competed with each other a lot to attract the attention of the Sultan of Teachers, Abd al-Qadir, as much as possible. His manners were impeccable. Ignorant or ill-mannered people were not allowed to attend these meetings.
But then one day three sheikhs: the first from Khorasan, the second from Iraq and the third from Egypt - arrived at Dargah with their guides, uncouth mule drivers. The sheikhs were returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca. On the way, they were exhausted to the last degree by the rudeness and intolerable tricks of their guides; the mere thought that they would soon get rid of these louts pleased them no less than the anticipation of the upcoming sight of the great teacher.
When the sheikhs approached Abd al-Qadir's house, he, contrary to his custom, came out to meet them. He did not exchange a single gesture of greeting with the muleteers, but as night fell, when the sheikhs walked in the dark to the chambers reserved for them, they suddenly, quite by chance, witnessed how Abd al-Qadir wished good night to their guides, and when they respectfully said goodbye to him, he even kissed their hands! The sheikhs were amazed and realized that these three, unlike themselves, were real Sufi Masters. They followed the drivers and tried to start a conversation with them, but the head of the drivers rudely stopped them:
- Go away with your prayers, mutterings, your Sufism and search for truth. For thirty-six days we have endured your chatter, now leave us alone. We are simple drivers and have nothing to do with all this.
Such is the difference between the hidden but real Masters and those who only imitate them.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru