Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 291on. After passing far into the desert wilderness,the deer suddenly stopped, turned back its faceand said, “You were not created for this.Beingness was not brought forth from not-beingfor you to hunt me. Even if you catch me, whatwill you have accomplished?”When Ibrahim heard these words, he criedaloud and flung himself from the horse. Therewas no one in that desert except a shepherd.Ibrahim said to him, “Take my royal robesencrusted with jewels, my arms and my horse,and give me your gown of coarse cloth. Andplease tell no one, not even a hint to anyone, whathas become of me.” He put on the rough gownand set out on his way. Now consider what hisintention was, and yet what his true objectiveturned out to be! He wanted to catch a deer, butGod caught him by means of that deer. Therefore,realize that in this world things happen as Godwills. His is the design, and all purpose comesfrom Him.Before becoming a Muslim, Umar entered hissister’s house. His sister was chanting from theKoran in a loud voice: