Page 135 - The Book of Rumi

The Mosquito and the Wind

t was the day of the week when Soleiman the prophet, who spoke the lan-
Iguage of animals, customarily held court and heard the complaints of his

subjects, whether they be man or beast. A mosquito had flown a long way to
the city to see Soleiman and ask for his intervention to save his species.
“Great prophet, you are the most just ruler; you deal fairly and equally
with every creature who comes to you, no matter if it’s human, fairy, fi sh, or
bird!” began the tiny mosquito. “I implore you to save us and grant us back
our meadows and prairies. You solve everyone’s problems, but you know how
small and weak we mosquitoes are; in fact, we’re renowned for it. While you’re
praised for your strength and greatness, we’re unrivaled in our meekness. We’re
desperate for your positive judgment for us to survive.”
“All right, little mosquito, whom are you complaining about?” Soleiman
demanded. “Who’s dared to injure you at a time when I’m still the ruler of
this land? The day I was born, cruelty was ended! Mercilessness is rooted in
the darkness of ignorance; when my sun is shining, how can darkness exist? I’ve
been sent here by God to solve your problems so that you don’t disturb Him
every other minute. So, tell me, what seems to be your problem?”
“My complaint is directed at the wind! The wind is enduringly and irre-
vocably cruel to us, and we’re fed up.”
“All right, but God has ordered me to always listen to both sides of any
argument. So I must ask the wind to be present as well to defend itself. It’s
God’s rule, and I can’t change it. So go and bring the wind back with you.”
“But the wind is my enemy! Perhaps, would you be kind enough to sum-
mon it yourself?”
Soleiman beckoned the wind in the far distance: “The mosquito has a
complaint about you; come forth quickly and defend yourself,” he ordered.
The wind immediately changed direction and headed toward Soleiman’s
court. Straightaway, the mosquito made a move to disappear.

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