A Persian Parable

by Saadi Shirazi

 

Far from this Man in Paradise.—" A youth, whose heart was

black with sin, appeared before the cell of a dervish (a monk celebrated

for his sanctity). He began to lament the depth of his sin,

and implore pardon. The proud monk indignantly demanded how

he presumed to appear in the presence of God's holy prophet;

assuring him that it was in vain to seek forgiveness, adding :

'May God grant that I may stand far from this youth on the judgment

day.' On this, Jesus spoke :

“It shall be so. The prayer of both is granted ; this sinner, a penitent, shall

then enter Paradise. But the monk's prayer is also granted ; he shall be

far from the youth in that day, even in torment."