ভূমিকা
Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Gulistan of Sa'di Chapter III: On the Excellence of Contentment Story 1 A Maghrabi supplicant said in Aleppo in the row of linen-drapers: 'Lords of wealth, if you were just and we contented, the trade of begging would vanish from the world.' O contentment, make me rich For besides thee no other wealth exists. Loqman selected the corner of patience. Who has no patience has no wisdom.
Story 2 Two sons of amirs were in Egypt, the one acquiring science, the other accumulating wealth, till the former became the ullemma of the period and the other the prince of Egypt; whereon the rich man looked with contempt upon the faqih and said: 'I have reached the sultanate whilst thou hast remained in poverty as before.' He replied: 'O brother, I am bound to be grateful to the most high Creator for having obtained the inheritance of prophets whilst thou hast attained the inheritance of Pharaoh and of Haman, namely the kingdom of Egypt.' I am that ant which is trodden under foot Not that wasp, the pain of whose sting causes lament.
How shall I give due thanks for the blessing That I do not possess the strength of injuring mankind? Story 3 I heard that a dervish, burning in the fire of poverty and sewing patch upon patch, said to comfort his mind: 'We are contented with dry bread and a patched robe For it is easier to bear the load of one's own trouble than that of thanks to others.' Someone said to him: 'Why sittest thou?
A certain man in this town possesses a benevolent nature, is liberal to all, has girded his loins to serve the pious and is ready to comfort every heart. If he becomes aware of thy case, he will consider it an obligation to comfort the mind of a worthy person.' He replied: 'Hush! It is better to die of inanition than to plead for one's necessities before any man.' It is better to patch clothes and sit in the corner of patience Than to write petitions for robes to gentlemen.
Verily it is equal to the punishment of hell To go to paradise as a flunkey to one's neighbour. Story 4 One of the kings of Persia had sent an able physician to wait upon the Mustafa, the benediction of Allah and peace be on him; and he remained for some years in the Arab country without anyone coming to him to make a trial of his ability or desiring to be treated by him.