64. When Hallaj Grew Pale


Hallaj dared to say, "I am the Truth" (Ana 'l-Haqq). In other words: "I am God."
So the people condemned Hallaj to death.
They impaled him, and they cut off his hands and feet.
The loss of blood made Hallaj grow pale, so he lifted up the stumps of his wrists and moved them across his face.
"I do not want to look pale," he said, "because I do not want them to think I am afraid. With this blood I redden my face. Now when my executioner looks upon me, he will see that I am a brave man."



Inspired by: The Conference of the Birds by Farid Ud-Din Attar, translated by S. C. Nott
Notes: This is in section 25: Anecdote of Hallaj. You can read more about Hallaj at Wikipedia.



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