A Sufi Folktale One day an Angel visited a hermit who had spent many years in spiritual practice. The hermit thought that at last he was about to receive the result of all his sacrifices and years of strict self-control. The Angel said, “You have been chosen as a messenger for delivering one particular information… Continue reading The Angel and the Charitable Man
Tag: sufi stories
When Death is not a Death
A Sufi Folktale A certain man was believed to have died. When he was being prepared for burial, he revived. He sat up, but he was so shocked at the scene surrounding him that he fainted. He was put in a coffin, and the funeral party set off for the cemetery. Just as they arrived… Continue reading When Death is not a Death
THIS TOO WILL PASS
A Sufi Folktale A powerful king, ruler of many domains, was in a position of such magnificence that wise men were his mere employees. And yet one day he felt rather confused and called the wise men to him. He said: “I do not know the cause, but I feel a compelling urge to seek… Continue reading THIS TOO WILL PASS
The Thief
A Sufi story Once lived a man who was an intellectual. One night he started running through the city streets. “Thief, Thief!” he cried. People surrounded him, and when he was a little calmer, asked: “Where is the thief?” “In my house.” The man replied. “Did you see him?” People asked again. “No.” Came the… Continue reading The Thief
The Ants and the Pen
A Sufi Story Once an ant strayed across a piece of paper and saw a pen writing in fine, black strokes. “How wonderful this is!” thought the ant. “This remarkable thing, with a life of its own, makes designs on this beautiful surface, to such an extent and with such energy that it is equal… Continue reading The Ants and the Pen
The Beard of the Dervish
A Sufi story A certain dervish had a long, well-maintained beard of which he was very proud. He passed a great deal of time in devotional practices but some of his attention was upon the beard which he considered was the mark of his gravity. One day Moses was on his way to God, when… Continue reading The Beard of the Dervish
What is Real Fortune?
A Sufi story Once a Sufi Master told his audience that even if help is provided to man, something in him could make the help totally useless. When some people objected to this theory, the Sufi Master smiled and said, “Okay we will see.” When everyone had forgotten the incident, the Sufi Master ordered one… Continue reading What is Real Fortune?
Our Biggest Obstacle
A Sufi story Shibli, a prominent figure in Sufi tradition, is known for his eccentric personality, profound spiritual insights, and unconventional methods of guiding others. He left no writings, but his legacy was passed down orally. He was an ascetic who embraced altered states of consciousness. He was also a great lover of poetry and… Continue reading Our Biggest Obstacle
The Tale of Melon City
A Sufi story The ruler of a certain city one day decided that he would like an arch built, so that he could ride under it with all pomp, for the public to see. But when the great moment came, his crown was knocked off while he was passing the arch. It was found that… Continue reading The Tale of Melon City