The Infidel Invited to Islam by Bayazid
From Rumi’s Masnavi (مثنوی معنوی), Book 5, section 139 of 175: 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). Below, each of its 11 couplets is given in Persian, followed by R. A. Nicholson’s English translation.
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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