A Sufi Tale
LONG, long ago, there lived a great sage who was so good that the amazed angels came down from heaven to see how one could be so godly. He simply went about his daily life, radiating kindness as the star radiates light. His charming smile was always present.
The angels said to God: “O Lord, grant him the gift of miracles” God replied: “Ask him what he wishes, I will consent to this wish.” So they went to the sage, and told him of this. The angels began inquiring as to what gift he would like from God.
“Would you like the touch of your hands to heal the sick?” “No,” answered the sage. “I would rather God did that.”
“Would you like to convert guilty souls, and bring back wandering hearts to the right path?” “No, that is the mission of angels.”
“Would you like to become a model of patience, attracting all by your kindness?” “No,” replied the sage. “If some should be attracted to me, they would become estranged from God.”
“What do you desire, then?” cried the angels. “What should I wish for?” asked the sage, smiling. “That God give me his grace, with that should I not have everything?” But the angels insisted: “You must ask for a miracle or we will choose one for you.”
”Very well,” said the sage. ‘’If you insist, my wish is that I may do a great deal of good, without ever knowing it!” The angels were greatly perplexed. They took counsel together, and resolved upon the following plan: Every time the sage’s shadow fell on a person, it would have the power to cure disease, soothe pain, and comfort sadness.
And so it came to pass. When the sage was walking along, his shadow made barren paths become green, withered plants to bloom, gave clear water to dried-up rivers, fresh color came to pale little children, and joy to unhappy mothers. But the sage simply went about his daily life, reflecting sweetness and harmony without ever being aware of it.
And the people, respecting his humility, followed him silently, never speaking to him about his miracles. Little by little, they came even to forget his name, and called him only, “The Holy Shadow.”