Welcome whomever comes

"Be grateful for whoever comes, because each guest has been sent as a guide from beyond" –Rumi

Khidr as the one who travels over land and sea, mountains and valleys searching and longing to meet the friends of God. Hakim at-Tirmidhi tells about Khidr a remarkable tale. Khidr knew from the beginning of time what would happen to these friends of God. He wished to see in his own life what would become of their works. Khidr received such a long life that he experienced all of it up to the Day of Resurrection.

Rumi has told the following tale: A certain shahna (a chief of police) was active as such in the days of Harun ar-Rashid. Khidr visited him every day. This shahna suddenly retired from his job. Khidr then stopped visiting him. The poor shahna started to worry as Khidr seemed to ignore him. 

One night it was made clear to him his value was connected to his being active in his work. The next morning he went to the caliph and asked for his job back. Harun ar-Rashid asked him what had taken place and he explained it all. Khidr immediately thereafter again started to visit the reinstated shahna. People forget a person's 'presence' is not always visible.

The shahna then wanted to know of Khidr why he had stopped visiting him. Khidr then said: "The value of your position is that you sit in the Diwaan and protect the poor and the needy and free them from the claws of their oppressors. You should know that this is better than thousand Sufi retreats!"

This Sufi tale is found: http://www.chishti.ru/sufi_khidr.htm

Comments

[Lisa (Mommy Mystic)]

I love this idea that our spiritual journey takes place in the world, with how we treat and empower others, rather than only on retreat from the world (although I personally also value retreat time.) Thanks for sharing - Lisa

[Liara Covert]

Lisa, it is reassuring to remember a person's identity is not wrapped up in a label or a job. In truth, a person is defined by how he enriches the lives of others, those he sees and interacts with as well as those he has never met.

[Jannie Funster]

Prefect example this Internet where we are enriched, if not transformed, by interacting with blog frineds like you.

[Liara Covert]

Jannie, how very kind of you to say that. Every person may choose a slightly different path, but everyone is also simultaneously helping everyone else, even if neither is truly aware of details about the when and how.

[Hilary]

Hi Liara .. I love these fables related to truth. Thanks
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters

[Miruh]

Our work in the world is not what we do but how we serve others from the heart. The story though is a bit confusing. Why does the Khidr withdraw, is the spiritual friendship conditional?

[Liara Covert]

Miruh, you may be familiar with the poem Footprints in the Sand. (Turn on your speakers):
http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php

The general theme is above present in this Sufi tale as well. When a human being fears some reassuring, spiritual presence is no longer there, that is not the truth. No person is ever alone. The mind lies. As fear takes over, true perception is obscured. The policeman in this tale does not believe he is worthy to see the spiritual presence and fears he is less than he is. When he reconnects with his true self, his vision clears and his sense expand. Khidr loves unconditionally. He invites everyone to awaken to self-acceptance.

[Liara Covert]

Hilary, the truth is always accessible to the beholder. Layers of truth are often missed due to evolving self-awareness. In fact, some people do not believe they evolve so much as gradually discard the thoughts, beliefs and perceptions that are conditioned not innate.

[Miruh]

Thanks Liara, the story now makes sense with your perspective.
Great post!

[Joss]

Khidr or Al-Khadir also represents here the invisible mystical links between the Shahna and Allah. It is the selfless service that creates the link, and puts the Shahna in a position better than 1000 retreats. No judgement is implied any more than this; if you don't burn a candle yourself, expect less light.