In the Mystic Footsteps of Saints (Sufi Wisdom Book 1)

by Muhammad Nazim Adil Al-Haqqani

The following story should illustrate clearly the likeness of people who rely on television journalism to form their opinions about Islam, rather than seeking accurate historical information. Once upon a time an erudite scholar was traveling through the countryside. He reached a village and went to the mosque to pray. As the prayer began he realized that the village Imam was an ignoramus, making mistakes in the recitation as well as in the movements of the prayer. The scholar addressed the villagers: “Oh people, you must replace that person with a qualified Imam, for this one doesn’t know what he is doing.” The villagers were surprised and asked their Imam: “That person tells us that you are ignorant. What do you say?” “He may say what he pleases, but you may put us to the test and see which one is more learned.” Then the villagers gathered like a peasant jury, to let each press their claims and to pass a verdict. If they saw the letter “1” they would have taken it to be a wooden beam. Then the Imam said to the scholar: “Write the word ‘ox’.” So the scholar put on his glasses and wrote the word ‘ox’ in very beautiful calligraphy. Meanwhile, the Imam sat down and drew a picture of an ox. Then he asked the peasants: “Tell me, which one is a better ox?” “Yours is”, they said, and ran the scholar out of town saying, “You are an imposter! Our Imam is alright and we accept his authority.”