Prophet Moses once came upon a poor shepherd engaged in what seemed to be a conversation with God. Speaking aloud, the shepherd said, “Oh God, I wish to be your servant, repair your shoes, comb your hair, kiss your hand, press your feet, and at bed time, I shall sweep your room while glorifying you all the time.”
On hearing these tender intimate words that sounded blasphemous, Moses admonished him, “You fool, you talk like this about the One who needs no socks and shoes, He is our Lord, who has created the universe. If you continue to be blasphemous, then a fire will blacken your soul.” The frightened shepherd repented, tore his clothes and ran away into the desert.
The next day Moses had a revelation from God who said, “Moses, you sent away our sweet servant. Did we send you to separate or unite? The shepherd was remembering me and expressing his love for me in his own unique way. His words are worthy of praise, while the way you talked is worthy of blame. I do not look at the tongue that speaks or the words that are spoken, but at the feelings and sincerity of the heart.”
Moses at once went out into the desert and followed the footsteps of the bewildered shepherd. On finding him, Moses acknowledged his mistake saying, “God has given you permission to speak to Him anyway you desire. God is pleased with your heart and love for Him. You are secure with God for He is pleased with you. It is me who needs to repent for coming in the way of God and His lover.”
As a child, I heard this story of Moses from my grandmother and it has remained a personal favourite. The anecdote is more relevant than ever today, for we live in an age where there is more emphasis on the outer than the inner self. Across religions, there is a growing tendency to see only one way as the only way to realising God. To create healthy, pluralistic and harmonious societies, teaching acceptance and respect for the other has to be nurtured.
This anecdote from the life of Moses serves as a reminder that God goes beyond convention and rituals, looking at the purity of intent and the soul that burns in love for Him.
Sadia Dehlvi is a Delhi-based writer and author of
Sufism: The Heart of Islam. She can be contacted at sadiafeedback@gmail.com
