A certain Sufi, who taught that God is One, unlimited, beyond all form and indescribable, once happened to have a conversation with an emperor. The emperor had been raised to believe that there were many gods – the god of the sky, the god of the earth, the god of rain, of lightning, of thunder, and so on. He was trying to understand what the Sufi was saying.

“You say there is only one god,” he said. “Then show Him to me.”

“That is not possible,” replied the Sufi.

“But how do you expect me to trust a god whom I cannot even see?” said the emperor.

“Majesty,” said the Sufi, “I have seen that you have a very charming wife.”

The emperor smiled proudly. “Yes, it is true. Her love means more to me than all my kingdom.”

“Would you show me the pocket in which you keep her love? I wish to measure how much she loves you.”

The emperor looked at the Sufi as if he were mad. “Love cannot be kept in a pocket,” he said. “What are you talking about?”

“The sun gives light, but we are unable to look at it,” said the Sufi. “Love gives us meaning, but we are unable to see it. Is it not possible to trust a god whom we cannot see?”