Repartee of the Wise

A seeker went to visit Rabia Basri. He found in her home a partly broken jug, a very old straw mat on which she slept and a brick which she used as a pillow. The seeker said: “I have many wealthy friends. Shall I ask them to bring some items for you?”

Rabia replied: “Is my Provider, your Provider and the Provider of the wealthy not the same Being?”

The seeker replied: “Yes.” Rabia then said: “Has He forgotten about the needs of the poor on account of their poverty while remembering the needs of the wealthy?”

The seeker replied: “No, that is not true.”

Rabia then said: “When He never forgets anyone, why should we remind Him? He has wished this condition for me and I am pleased with it because that is His pleasure.”

A group of disciples were discussing the definition of the quote: “Those who know, do not say; those who say, do not know.” When their Master entered the room, they asked him to explain the meaning of the quote. The Master asked his disciples, “Who among you knows the fragrance of a rose?” All of the disciples replied confidently that they knew. The Master then said, “Put it into words.” All of the disciples were silent.