Four persons were travelling together. They were a Persian, an Arab, a Turk and a Greek. They collected among themselves some money and decided to buy some fruit.
The Persian said he would like to buy Angur. The Arab said they should buy Inab. The Turk insisted that Uzum be bought while the Greek was vehement that it should be Astaphil.
They began quarelling and arguing over what should be bought. A learned man passed by. He heard the dispute and told them that they were fighting for nothing. They were all wishing for the same thing in different languages: Angur, Inab, Uzum and Astaphil were different words for GRAPES!
This story illustrates that the ways to reach Allah are many as stated in the Qur’aan. As long as one acts within the parameters of Islam, people’s actions might seem different but they are all headed for one goal: to reach Allah.
Likewise, if we merely concentrate on the outward actions of Islam without the correct spirit and soul, then our actions will not have the maximum benefit that it ought to have in our lives.
On January 14 and 15, 2007 the world commemorated Rumi’s literary contributions to world peace. UNESCO designated 2007 as the year of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi. In commemorating his life, we have 2 stories in this issue from his work. The above story is from his book the Mathnawi which uses parables to illustrate the path to Allah.
The Grapes: Story
