Sufi parable from Attar One merchant said that in Rum he knew a rich man whose daughter was never happy. When the merchant, after many years of absence, again visited his Rumian friends, he learned that they had lost all their wealth and became beggars. He was upset for them and cried bitter tears, but at that moment a girl ran out to him with a cheerful laugh. Seeing his tears, she worriedly asked if he had lost anything. He explained to her the reason for his disappointment and expressed surprise at her cheerfulness. She answered him:
“When we were rich, I was afraid of God’s punishment, but now I hope that someday heaven will be my reward.”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru