Story 11

In Baghdad there appeared a dervish whose prayers were always answered. Word reached Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, who summoned him and said: 'Say a good prayer for me.' The dervish said: 'God, take his life.' Hajjaj said: 'For God's sake, what kind of prayer is that?' The dervish replied: 'It is a good prayer for you and for all Muslims.' You who hold power and torment those beneath you, how long can this marketplace of yours last? What good is ruling the world to you? Better that you die than go on hurting people.