Story One

Iraqi style
English

Story One

One of the great men asked a devout person: What do you say about a certain worshipper whom others have mocked and slandered? He replied: I see no fault in his outward conduct, and I have no knowledge of what lies hidden within him. Whoever you see dressed in the garb of piety, take him for a pious and good man. And if you do not know what is hidden inside him, what business does the inspector have inside another's house?
Explanation: The 'inspector' (muhtasib) was an official who policed public morals; here he stands for the busybody who judges what he cannot see.

Original · Persian

حکایت شمارهٔ ۱

یکی از بزرگان گفت پارسایی را: چه گویی در حقِ فلان عابد که دیگران در حقِ وی به طعنه سخن‌ها گفته‌اند؟
گفت: بر ظاهرش عیب نمی‌بینم و در باطنش غیب نمی‌دانم.
هر که را، جامه پارسا، بینی پارسا دان و نیک‌مرد انگار
ور ندانی که در نهانش چیست محتسِب را درونِ خانه چه کار؟