Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 183Yet when Adam sinned, God expelled himfrom Paradise, but Adam said nothing back. ThenGod said to Adam, “O Adam, I have held youresponsible and punished you for the sin youcommitted, why did you not argue with Me?After all, you had a perfect case. You could havesaid, ‘All things proceed from You and are madeby You. Whatever You desire in the world comesto pass, and whatever You desire not will nevercome to pass.’ You had a clear and valid case,why did you not argue it?” Adam answered, “Iknew that well, Lord, but I did not forget courtesyin Your presence. Because of my love for You Icould say nothing.” Thus Adam’s love stayed firmand was not swayed.This sacred Law of Love is a watering-place, afountainhead. It is just like the court of a kingwhere many study the king’s laws, his commandmentsand prohibitions, his government—equaljustice for nobles and commons—etc. The edictsof the king are without end, and on them the stabilityof the country rests. But the status ofdervishes and Sufis is one of love for the king. Out