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Masnavi I, 311-323
Sometimes it (the action of God) appears like this
and
Sometimes the contrary of this: the work of religion is naught but
Bewilderment.
(I mean) not one bewildered in such wise that his back is
(turned) towards Him; nay, but one bewildered (with ecstasy)
like this and drowned (in God) and intoxicated with the Beloved.
The face of one is set towards the Beloved, (while) the
Face of the other is just his own face (he is facing himself).
Look long on the face of every one, keep watch attentively:
It may be that by doing service (to Sufis) you will come to
Know the face (of the true saint).
Since there is many a devil who hath the face of Adam, it is
Not well to give your hand to every hand,
Because the fowler produces a whistling sound in order to
Decoy the bird,
(So that) the bird may hear the note of its congener and
come down from the air and find trap and knife-point.
The vile man will steal the language of dervishes, that he may
Thereby chant a spell over (fascinate and deceive) one who is simple.
The work of (holy) men is (as) light and heat; the work of
Vile men is trickery and shamelessness.
They make a woolen lion for the purpose of begging; they
Give the title of Ahmad (Mohammed) to Bu Musaylim;
But to Bu Musaylim remained the title of Kadhahab (Liar),
To Mohammed remained (the title of) Ulu'l-albab (Endowed
With understanding).
The wine of God, its seal (last result) is pure musk, (but) as
For (the other) wine, its seal is stench and torment.
"The Mathnawi of Jalalu'ddin Rumi"
Edited and translated by Reynold A. Nicholson
Published by "E.J.W.Gibb Memorial",
Cambridge, England.
First published 1926, Reprinted 1990.
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