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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
Again, the Perwāna requested Jelāl himself to instruct him and give him counsel.
After a little reflection, Jelāl said: “I have heard that thou hast committed the Qur’ān to memory. Is it so?” “I have.” “I have heard that thou hast studied, under a great teacher, the Jāmi’u-’l-Usūl, that mighty work on the ‘Elements of Jurisprudence.’ Is it so?” “It is.”
“Then,” answered Jelāl, “thou knowest the Word of God, and thou knowest all the words and acts reported of His Apostle. But thou settest them at naught, and actest not up to their precepts. How, then, canst thou expect that words of mine will profit thee?”
The Perwāna was abashed, and burst into tears. He went his way; but from that day he began to execute justice, so as to become a rival of the great Chosroes. He made himself the phœnix of the age, and Jelāl accepted him as a disciple.