Bahā made the reflection: “Had I not pressed the matter, I had never heard this wonderful saying.”
At another time, the Perwāna, through Bahā’u-’d-Dīn, requested Jelāl to give a public lecture to all the men of science of the city, who were desirous to hear him.
His answer was: “A tree laden with fruit, had its branches bowed down to the earth therewith. At the time, doubts and gainsayings prevented the gardeners from gathering and enjoying the fruit. The tree has now raised its head to the skies, and beyond. Can they hope, then, to pluck and eat of its fruit?”
Again, the Perwāna requested Jelāl himself to instruct him and give him counsel.
After a little reflection, Jelāl said: “I have heard that thou hast committed the Qur’ān to memory. Is it so?” “I have.” “I have heard that thou hast studied, under a great teacher, the Jāmi’u-’l-Usūl, that mighty work on the ‘Elements of Jurisprudence.’ Is it so?” “It is.”
“Then,” answered Jelāl, “thou knowest the Word of God, and thou knowest all the words and acts reported of His Apostle. But thou settest them at naught, and actest not up to their precepts. How, then, canst thou expect that words of mine will profit thee?”
The Perwāna was abashed, and burst into tears. He went his way; but from that day he began to execute justice, so as to become a rival of the great Chosroes. He made himself the phœnix of the age, and Jelāl accepted him as a disciple.
A company of pilgrims arrived one year at Qonya from Mekka, on their way home elsewhere. They were taken in succession to visit all the chief men of rank and learning in the capital, and were received with every demonstration of respect.
At last they were conducted to Jelāl also, in his college. On seeing him seated there, they all screamed out and fainted away.
When they were recovered, Jelāl began to offer excuses, saying to them: “I fear you have been deceived, either by an impostor, or by some person resembling me in feature. There are men who strongly resemble one another.”
The pilgrims one and all objected: “Why talks he thus? Why strive to make us doubt our eyes? By the God of heaven and earth, he was with us in person, habited in the very dress he now wears, when we all assumed the pilgrim garb at Mekka. He performed with us all the ceremonies of the pilgrimage, there and at ‘Arafāt.[15] He visited with us the tomb of the Prophet at Medīna; though he never once ate or drank with us. Now he pretends that he does not know us or we know him.”