The detainee and the detained
It is said that a rich man had a slave named Sanqar, who was hard working, honest, feared Allah and abstained from wrongdoing. Always mindful and with a heart full of love for Allah, he was a contrast to his master who was a non-practising Muslim with shaky belief.
Once, at midnight, the master called him aloud to leave his bed, take the luggage and accompany him on a journey. Sanqar made haste, at the first call of his master, left his warm bed, collected the luggage and followed him.
Morning dawned on the way, and they heard the Adhaan from a nearby mosque. Sanqar took his master's permission to join the prayers, reckoning that he would sit close by and relax. The master told him return as soon as possible.
Sanqar entered the mosque and the master, forgetful of Allah, waited outside. The Salah completed, all the worshippers and the Imam came out and walked away.
Now the master walked to the very door of the Masjid and called upon Sanqar by name, demanding how was it that he had not come out of the Masjid yet, while even the Imam had left. Sanqar replied from within, "O Master, I am trying my best, but they don't let me out. Just hold on for a while. I know you are waiting outside."
The master hurried seven times to the entrance of the Masjid, calling Sanqar by name. hearing the same answer every time. His temper flared up, and he shouted indignantly, "Sanqar! All the men and Imam have left long ago, what are you doing alone in the Masjid? Who is detaining you inside the Masjid?"
Sanqar's voice rang from inside, "O Master, the same one who is preventing you from entering the Masjid is the One keeping me inside."
(Source: Tales from Rumi)
