Kisah Sufi
Abu Mansur and the Sultan
The sultan summoned his minister, Abu Mansur. “Come at once!” said the sultan’s messenger. “I must finish my prayers first,” said Abu Mansur. When he finally arrived, the sultan shouted, “How dare you make me wait?” “I serve God first,” Abu Mansur replied, “and then Your Majesty.” The sultan could not protest. Only Abu Mansur knew that he had delayed for a different reason. The sultan was hot-headed and usually summoned Abu Mansur when he wanted to put someone to death. Each time Abu Mansur delayed, the sultan’s anger cooled down, and Abu Mansur persuaded him to lighten the punishment.