When the Prophet S.A.W was about to put on his sandals, an eagle swooped down upon one of them and carried it off, when a viper was seen to drop from the sandal. The Prophet S.A.W was at first inclined to grumble at this stroke of ill-luck; but when he saw the viper his displeasure, dissatisfaction was turned into thankfulness to God, who had thus miraculously saved him from being bitten by the viper.
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In difficulties there is provided a way of salvation .
In this tale there is a warning for you, O Soul,
That you may acquiesce in God’s ordinances ,
And be careful and not doubt God’s kindness,
When sudden misfortunes befall you.
Let others grow pale from fear of ill fortune,
Do you smile like the rose at loss and gain;
For the rose, though its petals be torn asunder,
Still smiles on, and it is never cast down .
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It says, “Why should I fall into grief in disgrace?
I gather beauty even from the thorn of disgrace.”
Whatsoever is lost to you through God’s decree
Know of a surety is so much gained from misfortune.
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What is Sufiism? 'It is to find joy in the heart
When so ever distress and care attack it.
Know troubles to be that eagle of the Prophet’s
Which carried off the sandal of that holy one,
In order to save his foot from the bite of the viper
O excellent device! to preserve him from harm.
'It is said, “Mourn not for your slaughtered cattle
If a wolf has destroyed your flocks ;”
For that calamity may turn away a greater calamity ,
And that loss may drive away a more grievous loss.
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From The Masnavi of Rumi R.A