Finding the greatest gift for Allah isn’t about offering precious materials. Instead, it lies in cultivating a heart that reflects His attributes—a concept beautifully illustrated through an ancient story.
The Story of Yusuf and the Mirror
Mevlana Rumi recounts a tale where Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) receives a visitor from afar, bound by deep affection. As described in the story, Yusuf, renowned for his beauty, engages in conversation with his guest who then asks, “What gift have you brought from your travels?”
The guest, initially perplexed, responds with profound sincerity: “I searched throughout this world to find a worthy offering. Yet I found nothing that matched your splendor. How could I present a speck of gold or a drop of water as gifts? What seed exists in all of Egypt’s storehouses comparable to your beauty? The only gift befitting you must mirror your own magnificence. Therefore, I have brought a mirror, cleansed and polished, reflecting the light of the heart.”
The visitor then reveals a mirror, presenting it to Prophet Yusuf. This symbolizes that the most valuable offering isn’t something material, but rather a state of inner purity.
What Can We Offer Allah?
Allah is self-sufficient and possesses all beauty and value. Therefore, the most acceptable gift we can offer Him is not a tangible item, but a pure heart – kalb-i selim in Islamic terminology. This means a heart cleansed of worldly impurities, reflecting divine morality, and capable of recognizing His attributes.
Quranic verses reinforce this idea:
“No wealth will be beneficial that day, nor sons—except for those who come with a pure heart.” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 88-89)
Mevlana further explains: “The mirror of existence is non-existence. If you are not foolish, bring nothingness to the presence of Allah.” This signifies detaching from worldly desires and recognizing our dependence on Him.
Purifying the Heart
- Detachment from Desire: Recognize that selfish desires are poisons to the soul and chains binding us.
- Reflecting Divine Attributes: Strive to embody divine morality in your actions, so others see reflections of Allah’s beauty.
- Sincerity & Purity: A heart clouded by worldly concerns cannot truly perceive or reflect divine qualities.
In Sufism, the path to closeness with Allah involves purifying the heart and embodying His attributes – a process known as tasavvuf.
As Abu Bakr al-Kattani stated, “Sufism is character. Whoever excels you in character also excels you in purity.”
Similarly, Abu al-Hussain an-Nuri said, “Sufism is not a form or a science; it is only good character. If it were a form, it would be acquired through struggle; if it were a science, it would be learned. Therefore, mere form and knowledge cannot lead to the goal. Sufism is to be clothed in Allah’s character.”