Contemplation

If the image of our Beloved is in the heathen temple.

Then it is flagrant error to walk round the Ka'ba.

If in the Ka'ba His fragrance is not present.

Then it is but a synagogue.

And if in the synagogue we sense the fragrance of union with Him.

Then that synagogue is our Ka'ba.

What is to be done, Muslims? I, myself, do not know.

I am neither Christian nor Jew, neither Magian nor Muslim.

I am not from east or west, not from land or sea.

I am not from the quarries of nature not from the spheres of heaven.

I am not of earth, not of water, not of air, not of fire.

I am not from India, not from China, not from Bulgar, not from Saqsin.

I am not from the kingdom of the two Iraqs. I am not from the land of Khurasan.

My place is placeless, my trace is traceless.

No body no soul, I am from the soul of souls.

 

From: Matsnawi Jallaludin Rumi