This is a very old story about how two scholars, highly respected in their circles, one day while walking, talking about affairs and people, touched upon a prominent Sufi.
The first scientist, whose favorite subject was literature and biography, said about him:
- He is a real sage and saint; he never demanded anything for himself.
The second, whose specialty was religion and law, said:
“He doesn’t need to demand anything, because people themselves give him everything.” I'm still sure that he would take it if he could...
Arguing in this way, offering story after story about the Sufi in defense of their position, they came to the caravanserai. They entered, attracted by the sounds of lively discussion. Inside there was a woman sitting in a circle of merchants and just onlookers and repeating:
“My husband divorced me, and I lost my marriage contract, according to which I was supposed to receive half of his property. Now he denies that he signed it, and the court will not listen to me. I only have one copper coin behind my soul.
Listeners offered different solutions: from prayer to murder.
The second scientist immediately decided that Sufi should be invited to help.
“This way,” he said to his companion, “we will immediately find out whether he will do anything for free.”
Since the Sufi was so respected in those places, all those present stood up and went to the sage, who sat in contemplation in the hour before dinner, which he did every week.
The crowd surrounded him and he looked up at the upset woman.
-What do you want? he asked.
“My lord, these two wise and kind gentlemen said that you can help me.” Can you come with me to court and testify that you see in my heart that I am telling the truth that I have lost the marriage contract, according to which half of my husband's property should go to me in case of divorce. The court will only believe the testimony or word of one who is in the truth.
Sufi interrupted her.
“Before we do anything like that, you have to do one more thing.” Go to the market and bring me Turkish sweets.
The crowd gasped, and the first scientist felt disgraced by the greed and superficiality of the Sufi, and the second smiled triumphantly, so cleverly did he manage to demonstrate the true nature of the mystic. The woman frowned for a second, then turned around and went to the market for sweets.
Everyone waited in silence until the woman returned and threw the package purchased with her last coin at Sufi’s feet.
- Is this how they behave when they are looking for favor? - asked Sufi. - Unfold the package.
And as soon as she unwrapped the package, she saw that the sweets were wrapped in paper on which the marriage contract was written.
The crowd, naturally, was amazed at the miracle, and the first scientist was filled with joy, and the second was amazed and embarrassed.
When people scattered to spread the news of the miracle, and the woman and two scientists remained in front of the Sufi, he said to her:
- Know that your need can often be satisfied, but rarely in such a way as telling what to do to someone who knows better. Now go and claim your rights.
To the first scientist he said:
— Judging a person that he is “good” based on superficial things is little better than judging that he is “bad” based on his appearance. Try to study what is really right rather than following what you like.
He said to the second scientist:
- There is a remedy for the bitterness of disappointment, which is a truly superficial way of thinking - to accept something equally trivial, but sweeter. Therefore, I reward you with these sweets - let trifles be cured by trifles. As for the spectators, they were satiated, because they were thirsty for a miracle.
And although this happened centuries ago, the Wise insist that this can be seen even now, and moreover, every day.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru