Epigraph:

And remember when Luqman said to his son while exhorting him, ‘O my dear son! associate not partners with Allah. Surely, associating partners with God is a grievous wrong.’ …

‘O my dear son! observe prayers, and enjoin good, and forbid evil, and endure patiently whatever may befall you. Surely this is of those matters which require firm resolve.’ (Al Quran 31:13-17)

Maulana Rumi

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning is a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of

sorrows who violently sweep

your house empty of its furniture,

still treat each guest honorably.

He may be be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame,

the malice, meet them at the door

laughing, and invite them in.

Be grateful for (whoever) comes,

for each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

 — Rumi

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