Page 77 - The Book of Rumi

your words of comfort have brought me much joy. I thank you from the bot-
tom of my heart.”
The prophet looked at the man with great sorrow: “Be aware, and never
again repeat such a prayer! Why would you want to cut off your roots with
your own hands? You’re no more than a minuscule, weak ant scurrying across
the great scheme of life. Why would you invite the weight of a mountain to
crush your back?” retorted the prophet.
“I repent, great prophet; I will never try to outsmart anyone again.”
“When you pray to God, ask for an easier life to endure, not one that’s
more diffi cult than you can bear. Ask God for only goodness in this life, and in
the next! Ask that your path cross through gardens lush with flowers guiding

your way back to Allah, who should be your ultimate destination.”
The prophet took leave after a few more minutes, knowing that the old
man did not have much longer to live and wishing him a departure to a world
that would be easier than the one he had conjured for himself on earth.

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