Points to Ponder — Page 18
— 18 country after a persistent sacrifice, and brought it back under your rule. In return you gave him a few yards of cloth, which did not have much value. Just because he was compelled to wipe off his nose with the robe, you became so angry with him. Then, how will I respond to that God who gave me a body which cannot be built by any king? Who has given me this robe and I am dirtying it for your sake. What answer will I give to my Lord?” Shiblī said this and left the court. But he was such a cruel and merciless person that when he went to a mosque and wanted to repent, everyone responded the same: “Get out of here. Can the repentance of a Devil be accepted?” He started visiting all of the places nearby but no one had the courage to accept his repentance. Finally he visited Junaid Baghd ā d ī and told him of his improprieties and that he wanted to repent. “Can my repentance be accepted?” he asked. Junaid said, “Yes , but with a condition. First you will have to accept that condition. ” Shiblī said, “Tell me what it is, for I am ready to accept any condition. ” Junaid said, “Go back to the city where you were the governor. Knock at every door and ask for their forgiveness. Ask for the forgiveness of the excesses you have committed. ” Shiblī said, “I accept. ” So, he went to the city. He knocked at every door. When the people responded, he said, “I am Shiblī who was the governor here. I have made mistakes, and I have committed excesses against you. I ask for your forgiveness. ” The people said, “We forgive you. ”