by Paul Brian Campbell,SJ

Sant Kabir was a 16th century mystic-poet revered by both Muslims and Hindus in India.

All his life, he maintained his humble trade as a weaver, living in a hut at the edge of the village. People would come from across India to ask him questions or hear him recite his heart-thrilling poetry, and he would comply joyfully, without interrupting his weaving work.

A group of Muslim scholars were not happy with his ecumenical approach, and decided to test his views in order to ascertain whether he was really Muslim or not. They informed Kabir of their intention and he happily invited them to come to his house the following day.

That evening, Kabir bought a herd of pigs (animals considered impure in Islam) and tied them to a post in front of his door. When the Muslim scholars arrived the next day, they had to push their way through a boisterous herd of pigs before reaching Kabir’s door.

They immediately started complaining and heaping harsh criticism on Kabir demanding to know how he could live in such filth. They thought their reception was disgusting and disrespectful.

Kabir replied calmly, “My learned and esteemed friends, I left my pigs outside, but you brought yours inside.”