‘The Sufi’s book is not of ink and letters; it is nothing but a heart white as snow’ (Mevlana Rumi, Mathnawi II.159)
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Peace, one and all…
Hazret Mevlana Rumi (may God sancitfy his secret):
‘Listen, my heart,
don’t be deceived by every intoxication:
Jesus is intoxicated with God,
the ass is intoxicated with barley’
(Mathnawi IV. 2691 trans. Shaykh Kabir Helminski)
This entry was posted on
May 27, 2008 at 3:03 pm and is filed under Chivalry, Learning to Talk, Learning to Listen, Muslim & Sufi Poetry, Muslim Chaplaincy, Our Spiritual Heritage, Shaykh Kabir Helminski, Sufism/Tasawwuf, The Teachings of the Awliya, The Wisdom of Mevlana.
May 27, 2008 at 7:05 pm
As-Salaamu `Alaykum,
Interesting analogy in this poem. In the current Gospels, Jesus (AS) was said to have found an donkey that was untied, in which he later rode since it was unattended.
The Qur’an states the worse sounding beast in a donkey and that those who were given the Torah and neglected to establish it are like donkeys carrying books. The Prophet (SAAS) said that they one who talks during the Jumu’ah prayer is like donkey’s carrying books.
I’m sure that when Mawlana Rumi (QS) wrote this, he understood the depth that he readers could get when reading.
WALLAHU `Alim.
Wassalaam
May 28, 2008 at 9:48 am
Wa alaikum salaam brother Dawud,
I love Mevlana Rumi’s poetry (QS) because it is so multi-layered. And you’re right. I am sure Mevlana (QS) was well aware of all that you say when he wrote these profound words.
Reading this, I was also struck by the fact that barley is the ingredient in most kinds of beer.
Abdur Rahman
May 28, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Salams
I hope you are well inshallah. Do you think you will be able to make it to holland retreat.
salams shalom peace
May 29, 2008 at 3:27 am
Sounds useful. Thank you.
May 29, 2008 at 8:54 am
Salaams Ali,
We’re all fine, al hamdu lillah. How are you and your family? Well, insha Allah.
I don’t think I’ll be going to the Holland retreat. It would be great but I simply don’t have the money at present! Allah!
Abdur Rahman
May 29, 2008 at 8:54 am
Salaams Mossy,
You’re more than welcome. God bless you always. Thank you for stopping by.
Abdur Rahman
May 30, 2008 at 3:54 am
Salaam brother Abdur Rahman,
I read just today in a book on Jesus (based on the Sayings of Allah, Qur’an, the Prophet (SAWS), and the Shia Imam’s (AS)) an emphasis by Jesus (SIEUH) on barley.
In one narration, he specifically prohibited Israel wheat and restricted them to “field vegetables and barley”.
“The Prophet (SAWS) Said: “Jesus (SIEUH) Said:
Sleeping on a matt and eating barley bread for the seeking of Paradise is most expeditious.”"
[Original Source: Majmu'a warraam, 2, 230 -- in 'Jesus through the Qur'an and Shi'ite narrations, 2005 p 356. *highly recommended*.]
The secret of this teaching poem is to consider Jesus ‘riding’ on the ass, and both quite “intoxicated” (over joyed) with that which they have:
i.e.: Your ass will be very happy indeed with (even) barley “dear heart” *if* you mount it as its master while seeking the intoxication of Allah.
/& Salaam!