Where would I Go?

Shaykh Shibli rahmatullahi alayh was performing tawaaf around the Ka'bah, as he was performing tawaaf he heard another man who was also performing tawaaf reciting 'Labbayk' ("Here I am at Your Service, O Lord, here I am. Here I am, no partner do You Have, here I am. Truly, the Praise and the Favour is Yours, and the Sovereignty. No partner do You have."). Every time the man recited 'Labbayk' Shaykh Shibli rahmatullahi alayhi could here a voice from above replying 'Laa Laka Labbayk' ("No to your 'Labayk' (it has not been accepted)).

Shaykh Shibli rahmatullahi alayh was disturbed by the reply and felt sorry for the man, he approached the man to help him in any way he could, and asked if he could also here the voice replying to his 'Labbayk'. The man said, 'I too hear the voice saying that my presence is not accepted.' The Shaykh asked, 'despite your presence not being accepted, you continue performing tawaf reciting 'Labayk?'. The man replied, 'you tell me what I should do, despite the voice that descends telling me I am not accepted, if I was to leave here, where would I go? My place is with Allah who other than Him can I beseech? Whether he accepts me or not I belong only to Him.' And again the man continued performing tawaaf reciting 'Labbayk' and again a voice descended from above, but this time replying 'Labayk' (I am also present my servant).

Transcribed from a lecture many years ago but still strikes a cord in the heart. SubhaanAllah, we can turn to everything but only our Creators acceptance can hold any comfort and solace for us. The whole world can accept us, but of what value is the acceptance of the Creation if our Creator is displeased with us.