Conference-Of-The-Birds

19 The Conference Of The Birds By Farid Ud-Din Attar
The Hoopoe sums up the discourse by adding: “Whoever enters the
path with a valiant spirit will command respect like a prince, even
though he may be a pauper.”
Another bird enquired, “What is the value of justice and fidelity in the
supreme court of the Simurg By the grace of God I am treading in the
path of justice, and I have never been faithless to anyone.”
“The queen of all virtues is justice,” said the Hoopoe. “You will obtain a
much richer reward if you act with justice than if you devote your
whole life to prayer and prostration. There is, moreover, no deed more
valiant than an act of justice.”
A FAITHFUL INFIDEL AND A DECEITFUL CRUSADER
There was a hand to hand fight between a Muhammadan crusader and
a high-minded idolater. The Muhammadan asked for a little respite in
order to perform his devotions. After the prayer was over, the fight
was renewed. It was then time for the “infidel” to offer his prayers.
There was another interval in the hostilities. The “infidel,” who was
more righteous than the crusader, selected a quiet corner, took out his
idol and prostrated himself before it. When his adversary saw the face
of this idol-worshipper laid on the earth, he said to himself, “This is my
opportunity.” He was about to unsheathe his sword and cut off the
head of his enemy, when he heard a voice from the invisible world: “O
treacherous man, faithless from head to foot, how beautifully do you
keep your faith and carry out your promise! The idolater showed
goodness to you, whereas you contemplate evil. Do unto others as you
would do to yourself. From the infidel proceeded fidelity to you.
Where is your fidelity, if you are really faithful O Musulman, you have
shown yourself to be a non-Musulman. In the path of faith you have
lagged behind an infidel.”
These words moved the crusader to tears.
“Why do you weep” asked his antagonist.
“For your sake I am condemned as an infidel,” said the soldier.
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