بخش 219 - تفسیر این خبر کی مصطفی علیه السلام فرمود لا تفضلونی علی یونس بن متی

The Prophet said, “No preference is (to be given) to my ascension as being superior to the ascension of Yúnus (Jonah).

Mine was up to heaven, and his was down below (in the belly of the Fish), because nighness unto God is beyond calculation.”

To be nigh (unto God) is not to go up or down: to be nigh unto God is to escape from the prison of existence.

What room hath non-existence for “up” and “down”? Non-existence hath no “soon” or “far” or “late.”

The laboratory and treasure of God is in non-existence. Thou art deluded by existence: how shouldst thou know what non-existence is?

The sum of the matter (is that) this defeat of theirs, O sire, does not resemble our defeat at all.

They rejoice in being abased and destroyed, just as we (rejoice) in the hour of success and honour.

The provision of unprovidedness is all (that has been assigned to the Prophet as) his fief: poverty and lowliness are his pride and glory.

One (of the captives) said, “If that adversary (of ours) is such (as you describe), how did he laugh when he saw us bound (in chains)?

Since (as you assert) he has been transmuted, and (since) his joy is not caused by this (worldly) prison and this freedom of his (from worldly embarrassments),

How, then, did he rejoice at the subjection of (his) enemies? How was he puffed up by this victory and conquest?

His soul rejoiced because he easily gained the (Divine) help and the upper hand and the victory over fierce lions (like us).

Hence we knew that he is not free (from the bondage of the flesh), and that only on account of this world is he happy and glad at heart.

Else, how should he laugh (at us)? for the otherworldly are compassionate and kind to the evil and the good (alike).”

Thus did those captives mutter to each other under their breath in discussing that (question),

(Saying, “Beware) lest the custodian hear (us) and spring upon us and personally carry our words to the ear of that (spiritual) Sultan.”