Page 144 - The Book of Rumi

Jump Off the Roof

li, the prophet’s son-in-law and most trusted companion, was having a
Aheated conversation with a Jewish man who did not believe in the Mos-
lem God. Standing on a high rooftop overlooking the city, the Jew turned to
face Ali and asked him: “Are you one hundred percent certain that your Allah
irrevocably protects you at all times?”
“I’ve no doubt. In fact, I believe that I’ve been under His protection from
the moment I was conceived in the womb!”
“If you want to prove to me that you have absolute faith in your God,
then demonstrate that by jumping off this roof!”
“Be quiet,” snapped Ali. “Before you choke on your words, you’d better
stop! It’s not for you or me to test God! We have no right to do so; it is only
God who can test His servants, at any moment He chooses. Indeed, He tests
us regularly to show us the extent of our devotion and faith.”
The Jewish man had nothing more to say; he quietly left Ali’s side and
climbed down from the roof, pondering his own faith.

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