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

by Muhammad Nazim Adil Al-Haqqani

Sunbul Effendi could perceive the envy of their hearts, though they were very careful to conceal it, even from themselves, and he knew that it was necessary for him to show them why he was giving special attention to the young murid, and why he was the most suited to be the shaykh’s successor. So he asked one of the older murids, “I want to ask you a hypothetical question. Of course it is impossible that such a thing could ever be, but if you were the Lord of this world, and had the reins of divine power in your hands, what would you do, what decrees would you issue?” “Well, of course such a thing is impossible, glorified be God! However, if you ask me to imagine this strictly hypothetically, I would, if I could, put an end to all public manifestations of indecency. I would close every cabaret, every bar, and even every coffee house as coffee houses are the soil in which the seed of evil is planted, to be transplanted at a later time into bars.” The shaykh said: “That is very proper, commendable actions no doubt.” Then he asked another old timer what he would do if he were so empowered. He said: “I would make sure that every Muslim woman covers herself properly and behaves modestly. I would not tolerate a single hair showing from beneath their scarves. Everything would be put in order, and I would make my point clear by lining the streets with sword and baton carrying enforcers of the law.” “Oh my son,” said the shaykh, “you are a very important person.” Then he asked the ...