Rumi's Masnavi - (As though to say), ‘Oh, I wonder whether there is a fowler in front of me or behind, so that for fear of him I should abstain from this food.’

(As though to say), ‘Oh, I wonder whether there is a fowler in front of me or behind, so that for fear of him I should abstain from this food.’ 755

Do thou see behind (thee) the story of (what happened to) the wicked; see before (thee) the death of (many a) friend and neighbour,

Whom He (God) destroyed without (using) any instrument: He is close to thee in every circumstance.

God inflicted torment (on them), and there is no mace or hand (employed): know, then, that God is one who deals justice (inflicts chastisement) without hands.

He who was saying, ‘If God exists, where is He?’ was confessing on the rack (of pain) that ’tis He (God).

He who was saying, ‘This is far-fetched and marvellous’ was shedding tears and crying, ‘O Thou who art nigh!’ 760

Since he has deemed it necessary to flee from the trap, (’tis strange that) the trap for thee is in fact stuck fast to thy (gaudy) feathers.

I will tear out the pin of this ill-fated trap: I will not suffer bitter grief for the sake of (indulging) a desire.

I have given thee this answer (which is) suitable to thy understanding: apprehend (its meaning) and do not avert thy face from seeking.

Snap this cord, which is greed and envy: remember (the text) on her neck a cord of palm-fibres.”

The reason why Khalíl (Abraham), on whom be peace, killed the crow, indicating (thereby) the subjugation of certain blameworthy and pernicious qualities in the disciple.