THE TRUE MOSQUE

Fools laud and magnify the mosque,

While they strive to oppress holy men of heart.

But the former is mere form, the latter spirit and truth.

The only true mosque is that in the hearts of saints.

The mosque that is built in the hearts of the saints

Is the place of worship of all, for God dwells there.

So long as the hearts of the saints are not afflicted.

God never destroys the nation.

"IGNORANCE"

Blood is impure, yet its stain is removed by water;

But that impurity of ignorance is more lasting,

Seeing that without the blessed water of God

It is not banished from the man who is subject to it.

O that thou wouldst turn thy face to thy own prayers,

And say, "Ah! my prayers are as defective as my being;

O requite me good for evil!"

The Persian Mystics: Jalálu'd-dín Rúmí · 第 87 / 91 题