Story of the infidel

Story of the infidel whom, in the time of Abá Yazíd (Báyazíd), they invited to become a Moslem; and how he answered them. حکایت کافری کی گفتندش در عهد ابا یزید کی مسلمان شو و جواب گفتن او ایشان را

بود گبری در زمان بایزید گفت او را یک مسلمان سعید
There was a certain infidel in the time of Báyazíd: a blessed Moslem said to him,
که چه باشد گر تو اسلام آوری تا بیابی صد نجات و سروری
“How would it be if you profess Islam, so that you may gain a hundred salvations and sovereignties?”
گفت این ایمان اگر هست ای مرید آنک دارد شیخ عالم بایزید
He replied, “If this Faith (of thine), O disciple, is (the same as) that which is held by Báyazíd, the Shaykh (spiritual Director) of the world,
من ندارم طاقت آن تاب آن که آن فزون آمد ز کوششهای جان
I cannot endure the glowing heat thereof, which is too great for (all) the strivings of my soul (to attain unto it).
گرچه در ایمان و دین ناموقنم لیک در ایمان او بس ممنم
Although I feel no certainty as regards the Faith and Religion (of Islam), yet I believe mightily in his Faith.
دارم ایمان که آن ز جمله برترست بس لطیف و با فروغ و با فرست
I hold the faith that that (Faith of his) is higher than all (others): ’tis very beautiful, resplendent, and glorious.
ممن ایمان اویم در نهان گرچه مهرم هست محکم بر دهان
Inwardly I am a believer in his Faith, though a seal is set firmly on my mouth.
باز ایمان خود گر ایمان شماست نه بدان میلستم و نه مشتهاست
Again, if indeed the Faith (which thou wouldst have me embrace) is your Faith, I have no inclination or desire for it.
آنک صد میلش سوی ایمان بود چون شما را دید آن فاتر شود
He that feels a hundred inclinations to believe that (inclination) languishes as soon as he sees you (Moslems),
زانک نامی بیند و معنیش نی چون بیابان را مفازه گفتنی
Because he sees a (mere) name and no meaning in it, like calling the desert mafáza (a safe place).
عشق او ز آورد ایمان بفسرد چون به ایمان شما او بنگرد
When he looks upon your Faith, his love is chilled (and shrinks) from professing it.”


 

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