Page:A Moslem seeker after God - showing Islam at its best in the life and teaching of al-Ghazali, mystic and theologian of the eleventh century (IA moslemseekeraft00zwem).pdf/290



268 A MOSLEM SEEKEE AFTEK GOD

Jesus (on him be peace): How beautiful is the shine of his white teeth, as if he wanted to rebuke them for abusing the dog and to warn them not to mention anything of what God has created save at its best." (Vol. Ill, p. 150.) This incident is given by Jallal ud Din in poetic form:

" One evening Jesus lingered in the market-place, Teaching the people parables of truth and grace, When in the square remote a crowd was seen to

rise And stop with loathing gestures and abhorring

cries,

The Master and His meek disciples went to see What cause for this commotion and disgust could

be,

And found a poor dead dog beside the gutter laid: Revolting sight! at which each face its hate be trayed. One held his nose, one shut his eyes, one turned

away,

And all among themselves began aloud to say, Detested creature! he pollutes the earth and air! His eyes are bleared! His ears are foul! His

ribs are bare! In his torn hide there is not a decent shoe-string

left!

No doubt the execrable cur was hung for theft! Then Jesus spake and dropped on him this saving

breath:

Even pearls are dark before the whiteness of his