Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 293cor my religion by means of Umar or Abu Jahl.”For those two were famous in that time forstrength and heroism. Afterwards, when Umarbecame a Muslim, he used to weep and say, “OMessenger of God, woe for me if you had spokenAbu Jahl’s name before mine. What would havebecome of me then? I would have continued inerror.”In short, Umar was on his way, with nakedsword, making for the Prophet’s mosque.Meanwhile Gabriel revealed to Mohammed, “Lo,Messenger of God, Umar is coming to be convertedto Islam. Take him to your bosom.” Just asUmar entered the door of the mosque, he sawclearly an arrow of light fly from Mohammed,and pierce his heart. Umar uttered a loud cry andfell down insensible. Love and passionate desirefilled him, and he wanted to dissolve himself intoMohammed out of extreme affection, and hebecame nothing. He said, “Prophet of God, offerme your faith and speak your blessed word, so Imay hear.” Having become a Muslim, he said,“Now, to correct my actions of coming againstyou with a bared sword, and to cleanse that act,