The family of Jan Fishan Khan tells the story of how a certain emir, accompanied by an impressive retinue, undertook a journey across Arabia to visit the great sage. On arrival he was received with honors due to his rank and richly endowed. Many of Jan Fishan's entourage expected that, having overcome such a difficult path, the prince would bombard Khan with countless questions or, on the contrary, would silently absorb wisdom, extracting it from his very stay in the presence of the great Master. However, a minute before the distinguished guest was officially announced, Khan said:
- Watch our conversation carefully, for such an experience is rarely given.
The emir entered the hall and said:
- Confirm my rank, for I do not belong to the Hashemite family. From time immemorial, the entire aristocracy received such confirmation from the hands of your ancestors.
Can Fishan said:
“Do you want a ceremony with proper etiquette and presentation of credentials, or are you looking for an answer to a question?”
- I would like both, if possible. But if I can only get one thing, then I want an answer to my question,” replied the emir.
“Since you showed lack of greed and asked for one thing, you will be given another,” said Jan Fishan Khan. “I will confirm or deny your right to the title with my answer to your philosophical question.”
- Here's my question. Why do so many Sufis not take seriously the great deeds, heroism, patience and nobility that are the heritage and glory of the Arabs?
Can Fishan said:
- Here's my answer. He will not only clarify our position, but will also show you what your true role as an aristocrat among the Arabs may be. We disapprove and sometimes even ridicule those qualities that many are proud of. Because they are the minimum, not the maximum, of what a person can gain. Heroism, devotion, patience, hospitality or other noble qualities are the point from which a person just begins. Is he an animal or a plant to be proud of his ability to behave decently? Why should people praise him and try to imitate him? On the contrary, he should be ashamed that he does not always behave with dignity, and be grateful that he is capable of great deeds.
After hearing this, the aristocrat renounced the title of emir, saying:
— The word “emir” often refers to people at the lowest level. So why should it apply to me? He whom we call an "ordinary man," that is, one who possesses almost no noble qualities, is not even worthy to be considered a Wanderer until he has risen internally to the stage called "Highness" or "Exaltness."
One of those accompanying him exclaimed:
- How! Do you intend to sacrifice the glory of your family for the sake of what you could read in books?
Emir replied:
“Just because I could read it in books, it didn’t stop being true.” I may have read about this in books, but I didn’t pay attention to it. But if I really ever read about it, then I am doubly blameworthy. For I betrayed my ability to comprehend what I read by ignoring what could have helped me achieve the status of a human being, taking me out of the status of a complacent plant.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru