The True Path to Meeting God

The True Path to Meeting God

An ascetic devoted himself to a 40-day retreat, longing for a vision of God. During the day, he fasted; at night, he stood in worship. Isolated from the world, he spent his time in prayer and supplication.

On the 36th night, a voice called out: “Go to the copper market this evening and visit the shop of a certain coppersmith. There, you will find your answer.”

The ascetic eagerly went to the market and searched for the shop. As he wandered through the streets, he noticed an old woman holding a copper pot, offering it to every coppersmith she passed.

She wanted to sell the pot for 6 dinars, but every coppersmith weighed it and offered no more than 4 dinars. Undeterred, the woman continued until she approached a particular coppersmith, who was busy with his work.

The old woman said, “I wish to sell this pot for 6 dinars. Will you buy it?”

The coppersmith asked, “Why only 6 dinars?”

The woman explained, “My son is sick, and the healer has prescribed medicine that costs 6 dinars.”

The coppersmith examined the pot and said, “Mother, this pot is worth much more. If you wish to sell it, I will pay you 25 dinars!”

Shocked, the woman exclaimed, “Are you mocking me?”

The coppersmith replied, “Not at all. I will pay you 25 dinars.” He took the pot and placed 25 dinars into her hands.

Overwhelmed, the old woman blessed him and hurried home.

The ascetic, who had been observing everything, approached the coppersmith and said, “Uncle, it seems you don’t understand business! Every other coppersmith valued the pot at 4 dinars, yet you paid 25. Why?”

The elderly coppersmith smiled and said, “I didn’t buy the pot; I bought the medicine for her sick son. I gave her enough to care for her child for a week, so she wouldn’t have to sell her other belongings.”

The ascetic was stunned. Just then, a divine voice echoed:

“Visions of Me cannot be attained through mere retreats and rituals. Lift the fallen, help the needy, and We will come to you ourselves.”

May Allah grant us understanding, sincerity, and the ability to do good, beginning with those around us.

(A Story from Rumi's Teachings)