Shaqiq Balkhi (d. 810). Ninth century sufi saint Shaqiq was from Balkh (a city in present day Afghanistan) and traveled many times as a merchant to Turkestan. On one of his travels he encountered an idol worshiper who was weeping before his idol. Shaqiq felt that the idol worshipper was misguided and decided to lead him towards the correct path. “You should worship the living God who has created the world—the all knowing and all powerful God. Be ashamed of your idol worshipping since nothing comes out of it,” Shaqiq told the idol worshiper. “Well, if your god is so powerful, why can’t he provide for you in your own town so that you wouldn’t have to travel such long distances for a living?” replied the idol worshiper. This response made Shaqiq realize his own ignorance and led him in search of the real God. Similarly, when we encounter someone who demonstrates genuine love and compassion in helping others, we may be led to reflect on our own shortcomings, which in turn may guide us towards the state of talab..... *** For more about Sufism click our website link: www.thesufi.com

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