Due to the peculiarity of Sufi literature, teachers of the Path often granted permission to worthy people to interpret their books.
Of course, not everyone qualified, and there were many Sufis who made a career for themselves by interpreting the books of Sufi masters.
They tell how a certain dervish was discussing the meaning of one of Jami’s poems, when a man, having made his way to the front row, began to shake his head, more and more often, expressing obvious disapproval of the words of the scientist.
Everyone began to look at the stranger, and finally the dervish pierced him with a suspicious look and asked:
- It seems you don't agree with me?
- Yes.
“And,” continued the dervish, “do you have permission from the great master Jami to interpret his works?”
- No.
“Then who are you and by what right do you behave this way, questioning the words of such an important person like me?!” - shouted the dervish.
“I’m Jami,” said the stranger and disappeared into the crowd.
The great Junaid of Baghdad said: “When you see a Sufi speaking to a crowd, know that he is empty.”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru