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Discourses of Rumi

Discourses of Rumi

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discourse 48When God loves people He afflicts them. If theyendure with fortitude, He chooses them. If theyare grateful, He elects them. Some men andwomen are grateful to God for His wrathfulnessand some for His graciousness. Both are good, forgratitude is the antidote for all occasions, changingwrath into grace. The wise and complete servantis grateful for harsh treatment, both publiclyand in private, for with the voice <strong>of</strong> gratitudecomes the inspiration to give more. Even if Godsends them to the lowest reaches <strong>of</strong> Hell, throughgratitude God’s purpose is advanced.Outward complaining is a reflection <strong>of</strong> inwardcomplaining to God. Mohammed said, “I laughas I slay.” That means, “My laughter in the face<strong>of</strong> attackers slays their anger and hatred.”Laughter, here, is gratitude in place <strong>of</strong> complaining.It is related that a certain Jew lived next doorto one <strong>of</strong> the Companions. This Jew lived in anupper room, from which all kinds <strong>of</strong> dirt and

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