Download PDF: Deadly Advice (Story Selected from the Masnavi of Rumi)

Once Hazrat Moosa – peace be upon him – told Pharaoh, “You should become Muslim, and as a result of this, apart from the betterment of your hereafter, you will also receive four worldly bounties.  You just have to announce and proclaim that there is none worthy of worship except Allah who is the creator of creations of high domain; like heavens and stars and the lower domain; like the Jinn and humans and animals.  He is the creator of mountains, oceans and jungles and planes and He owns them all.  His kingdom has no limit and He is unparalleled.  He is the caretaker of all; everyone and everything.  He provides sustenance to all and sundry.  He is the protector of earth and heavens.  It’s He who creates flowers on plants and knows all the things hidden in the hearts of His servants.  He rules over the transgressors and degrades them.”

Pharaoh said, “You should tell me what those four things are.  Perhaps my infidelity may fade away in lieu of what you have to offer, and by me changing my religion, thousands of kuffaar may come to the right path.  Hurry up in informing me about those bounties so that the door for my guidance may be opened.”

Hazrat Moosa – peace be upon him – stated:

“If you become a Muslim then the four bounties you will receive are:

  1. You will always remain healthy and will never fall ill.

 

  1. You will feel the proximity of Allah Almighty within your heart and you will treasure it so much that you will rather sacrifice all your desires and force your nafs to be in conformity with Allah’s pleasure and for this, you would not lag behind even if it will cost you your dear life. You will treasure this wealth more than if you were to get the kingdom over all the continents.

This world has blinded you with its luxuries just like the green leaves of a grape tree manipulate the insects with its green leave so that they do not get to enjoy the fruit.  This world has also fooled you by keeping you occupied with its temporary beauty and kept you far away from the real Master, whereas you are lost in scratching the surface like the insects on the grape-trees.

 

  1. Now, you have the kingdom of one country. You will rule over two countries after becoming a Muslim.  Imagine if you are granted the kingdom of one country while being a transgressor to Allah, what would you not get if you were to obey Him?  The one who has given you so much in your state of injustice then what would be the extent of His bounties if you were to love Him?

 

  1. You will always remain young and your hair will also remain black.”

Pharaoh was overwhelmed by this conversation and he said to Hazrat Moosa – peace be upon him, “Let me seek my wife’s advice in this matter.”  He left for home immediately and spoke to Hazrat Aasiyah – may Allah be pleased with her in this matter.

Allamah Rumi has very beautifully described her answer:

باز               گفت            او         ایں       سخن      با             آسیہ

گفت جاں افشاں بریں اے دل سیہ

When Pharoah narrated the incident to Hazrat aasiyah, she said, “Sure, you should go for it even if it costs you your life.”

وقت کشت آمد زہے پر سود کشت

ایں بگفت و گریہ کرد و گرم گشت

The crops is ready and it’s very useful.  And the time that has elapsed thus far has been spent in vain.

As she concluded saying this, she began to cry and said, “Congratulations to you!  The sun has become your crown.  Hazrat Moosa – peace be upon him – hid your sins and wants to bless you with the mystical treasures.  An ordinary cap can hide the baldness of a bald person but Allah’s Mercy has come forward to hide your sins.  I would say that you need not take anyone’s advice on this.  You should have accepted the worthy proposal the same time he had offered you.  Hazrat Moosa – peace be upon him – invited you towards a greater cause, which leaves you needless of seeking anyone’s advice.  It was such an honor that had he offered someone as great as the sun he would have come down to earth with his head first.  This favor of Allah upon you is like showering mercy upon Iblees.  It’s not an ordinary thing that Allah Almighty has considered a sinner and oppressor like you.  What amazes me the most is that why did your bile not burst with joy upon receiving this blessing!  You would have a great name in the world and in the hereafter, you will attain salvation.  The angels rub the tears of Allah’s friends that fall onto the ground on their face and wings and Allah Almighty weighs them parallel to the blood of martyrs.  Turn to Allah Almighty as soon as possible.”

 

Pharaoh then said, “I will also seek the advice of my minister Hamaan.”  Hazrat Aasiyah – may Allah be pleased with her – said, “Do not mention it to him, for he does not deserve.  How will a blind old woman know the worth of a royal bird?”

However, Pharaoh still went to seek his advice, and after listening to the matter, his face went red, “It’s an utter insult to you from Moosa (peace be upon him).  Entire world is at your footstep and delegates of the east and west come to your door and kings happily kiss your doorstep.  He has indeed insulted you.  When you yourself are worshiped by the creation, why after listening to him, would you want to become someone else’s slave?  If you want to accept his proposal, then kill me first so then at least my eyes will not witness this insult of yours.  I cannot stand to see the sky turning into earth and god turning into a slave.”

Allamah Rumi presents his view:

“There were many kingdoms from east to west which have been buried in the wrath of Allah Almighty that even their signs are not traceable.”  He states the following about his “Deadly Advice”:

ایں تکبر زہر قاتل واں کہ ہست

از مئے پر زہر گشت آں کیج و مست

This arrogance in Hamaan was a lethal poison and Pharaoh was fooled by the intoxication of this drink, and he deprived himself of the eternal blessing by acting on his advice and rejecting the Haqq.

Hazrat Moosa – peace be upon him – said to him when he refused to accept his proposal:

“We had poured a great deal of generosity but alas!  You did not deserve the priceless jewels.”

 

Moral:

  • Do not expect a good advice from an ignorant fool and ill-mannered person
  • If a woman is well-mannered then rather go for her advice. She will give you a good advice.
  • Loneliness is better than the company of a fool but what’s better than loneliness is to seek the company of good people.