Sufi and sultan

Translation: Makbule E. Dündar

On day Sultan Veteran Mahmut Sebüktekin came to visit a famous sufi. The most important people of the state, politicians and leaders came to inform him in advance and said :

“Our great sultan will honour you by his visit and he will be here soon !”

Sufi,  listened them and did not palter. Did not say any word or move.and  sultan was appeared in front of door of the gate and sufi was not there  to say welcome! One of the consultant of sultan came to Sufi and begged him.

“İn the name of Allah! Please come to the gate, this attitude of you is galling, sultan will be very sorry !”

But sufi was keeping his silence and at the same minute sultan walked into the room. Sufi was like frozen did not move again! This time one of the Vizier:

“Sufi! Don’t you know that  holly Koran says ‘Respect to Allah, respect to Prophet and respect to people who is your command’ How you can dare to ignore him, he is like a Saint !”

Sufi answered:

“Yes I know this verse, but I was still thinking on the beginning of verse ‘Respect  to God’ soon I will start to think about ‘Respect to Prophet’ Neither  Sultan not somebody else… There is stil time for it…”

Sultan was realised what he wanted to say and he apologized and he said

“Please accept me as your student… There are lots to learn from you…”