In Farid al-Din Attar's Mosibat Nameh, this tale recounts an incident where a water carrier is late returning with water, causing the Sufis to complain and speak ill of him. Abu Sa'id of Mehneh intervenes, explaining that their provision (water) cannot arrive before its divinely appointed time.

Symbolism and Meaning

1. The Destined Water: Represents divine provision (rizq) and grace decreed for each individual.
2. The Delay: Symbolizes the perfect timing of God's decree, which cannot be rushed by human impatience or haste.
3. Abu Sa'id's Lesson: Emphasizes absolute trust (tawakkul) in the divine will, teaching that one cannot receive their portion of life's provisions even a moment before the time decreed by God. It critiques the Sufis' lack of patience and understanding of divine governance.