Sunday, January 30, 2005

Allah is enough for those who believe...

On the patience and great character of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him.

The medieval Muslim poet Rumi adds his own story, which explores how Joseph, exiled and imprisoned by his brothers, refused to take refuge in hate. He wrote this:

'For ten years Joseph never slept at night. That prince kept praying to
God for the sake of his brothers:
O God, if you forgive them, so be it. But if not, then I shall fill the
whole world with my tears.
Punish them not, O Lord, for they are full of guilt for the sin tha
suddenly overtook them!
Joseph's feet became blistered from his night vigils; his eyes full o
pain from weeping and wailing.'

Rumi continues as follows:

'The lamentation spread to the celestial spheres and the angels, and the
Sea of God's Gentleness overflowed, and broke his chains.
Fourteen robes of honour arrived, and God spoke to Joseph, Jacob, and the brothers: "All fourteen of you are prophets, messengers, and chiefs among My servants."
Such is the effort of the saints day and night, in order to deliver
creatures from torment and corruption.'

-- Taken from Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad's recent "Thought for the Day"

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