Page 128 - The Book of Rumi

Balal’s Passing

veryone knew Balal and what a great man he had turned out to be, albeit
Eonly a slave. He had lived an honest life and had served his wonderful
master with great love and respect. Balal had aged prematurely, but he didn’t
mind. As he lay on his deathbed, his wife could see that she was losing him
fast.
“My precious love, you’re leaving me!” she sobbed. “Misfortune is knock-
ing at our door; we’re doomed!”
“No, no my dearest!” uttered Balal weakly but compassionately. “It’s time
to rejoice and be merry! Until now, this life’s been laden with sorrow and
mourning. Let me tell you that death is in fact life itself!”
When Balal spoke of death, his face lit up like fresh tulips and narcissus,
his eyes beaming with delight. One could not detect any sign of illness or the
imminent death that awaited him, but these blessings were hidden from his
wife, and she continued crying her heart out miserably.
“The time of separation is upon us!” she lamented.
“No, my love, the time for reunion has arrived!”
“You shall leave your family behind tonight and enter a strange and for-
eign abode.”
“Tonight, I shall leave this alien place at last and step into my cherished
eternal home!” uttered Balal as his whole being prepared for his fi nal journey.
“Will I ever see you again after tonight?” whimpered his wife.
“I shall be among the great men of God! If you can keep your heart clear
and aim for spirit, giving up your attachment to this lowly world, one day we
shall meet again.”
Balal spoke his fi nal words with great love and warmth in his heart and
closed his eyes for the last time.

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