What Would You Do? A perfect man was about to pass on to the next World. Before this took place, however, there were certain duties which he needed to complete.
One of these responsibilities involved appointing someone who would continue on with providing spiritual assistance to those individuals who were interested in pursuing the mystical path. There were quite a few outstanding candidates to consider, but there were four people, in particular, who were especially noteworthy due to the extraordinary beauty of their spiritual character. In order to make his selection, the man decided to ask each of the candidates a simple question. He felt certain that one of the four would answer the query in a manner which would single out that person as reflecting the choice which God wished to be made. Arrangements were made to interview the four individuals one at a time. The date, time and place were fixed for each person. The first individual appeared at her appointed time. As soon as she arrived, she was asked the following question: If you were to be given the patched frock which is symbolic of the mystical authority that is invested in the one who wears it, what would you do with such authority? The person reflected on the question, and, then, replied: I would use that authority to try to engender in people an abiding love of, and commitment to the truth. This was a good answer. The one who had asked the question was pleased with the response. Later that day, the next candidate appeared at the indicated time. When asked how he would use the authority which accompanied the wearing of the patched frock, he remarked: I would seek to help people to establish justice so that they would be able to live in a secure, peaceful, and harmonious environment where every individual received what was due to him or her. Another excellent reply. Again, the man who had asked the question felt happy with the quality of the answer. On the following morning, the third person was ready to be interviewed. Once more, the questioner was not disappointed. This individual said: I would use the spiritual authority to assist people to be kind toward, and generous with, one another. The man asking the question could find no fault with such a perspective. Like the other answers, this response was simple, straightforward, and, God willing, would have a tremendously beneficial impact upon the community if implemented. The appointment for the final individual had been set for the afternoon. When the designated time arrived, so did the candidate, and, the same question was asked, yet, again. The person replied: I would use the patched frock to cover the faults of people. The answer was elegant. It brought a smile to the lips of the questioner. Previously, when the dates and times for the interviews had been established, the four candidates were informed that the presentation of the patched frock would be made a certain time on the morning following the last interview, and all four individuals were requested to be present. Morning arrived. The four candidates, plus the interviewer, assembled at the indicated time and place. The one who had asked each of the individuals the same question said: The answers which each of you gave are exemplary. All of your responses brought joy to my heart, and I have no doubt that each of you, irrespective of whether, or not, you receive the patched frock, will dedicate your lives to putting into practice the answers you have voiced. However, as important and correct as the answers are which each of you have given to the question of what you would do if given responsibility for exercising the spiritual authority which is vested in the one who wears the patched frock, the answer that may be most necessary, in view of the weaknesses and mistakes to which human beings are prone, involves hiding their faults. This, truly, is a service to the people which places no demands on them and, yet, which is of great value to the community. Having said this, he took the patched frock, placed it over the shoulders of the one who had responded in this manner, and, then, hugged that individual. He said: You are the one whom God is entrusting with this responsibility. saiyed shahbazi www.shahbazcenter.org
