Rumi's Masnavi - A conflagration occurred in the time of ‘Umar: it was devouring stones as though they were dry wood.

A conflagration occurred in the time of ‘Umar: it was devouring stones as though they were dry wood.

آتشی افتاد در عهد عمر ** همچو چوب خشک می‌‌خورد او حجر

It fell upon buildings and houses, until (at last) it darted at the wings and nests of birds.

در فتاد اندر بنا و خانه‌‌ها ** تا زد اندر پر مرغ و لانه‌‌ها

Half the city caught fire from the flames: water was afraid of it (the fire) and amazed.

نیم شهر از شعله‌‌ها آتش گرفت ** آب می‌‌ترسید از آن و می‌‌شگفت‌‌

Some intelligent persons were throwing skins of water and vinegar on the fire, 3710

مشکهای آب و سرکه می‌‌زدند ** بر سر آتش کسان هوشمند

(But) out of spite (obstinacy) the fire was increasing: aid was coming to it from One who is infinite.

آتش از استیزه افزون می‌‌شدی ** می‌‌رسید او را مدد از بی‌‌حدی‌‌

The people came in haste to ‘Umar, saying, “Our fire will not be quenched at all by water.”

خلق آمد جانب عمر شتاب ** کاتش ما می‌‌نمیرد هیچ از آب‌‌

He said, “That fire is one of God's signs: ’tis a flame from the fire of your avarice.

گفت آن آتش ز آیات خداست ** شعله‌‌ای از آتش بخل شماست‌‌

What are water and vinegar? Deal out bread (in charity), discard avarice if ye are my people (followers).”

آب بگذارید و نان قسمت کنید ** بخل بگذارید اگر آل منید

The folk said to him, “We have opened our doors, we have been bountiful and devoted to generosity.” 3715

خلق گفتندش که در بگشوده‌‌ایم ** ما سخی و اهل فتوت بوده‌‌ایم‌‌

He replied, “Ye have given bread by rule and habit, ye have not opened your hands for the sake of God—

گفت نان در رسم و عادت داده‌‌اید ** دست از بهر خدا نگشاده‌‌اید