"In a like manner it is narrated that one day Moulana [Rumi] when walking in a street heard two men engaged in fierce altercation, hurling vituperations at each other. Moulana heard one of them say to the other; 'If you use one foul word to me, I will reply with a thousand in return.' Moulana came forward and said to them: 'Come, my friend, hurl your wrath upon me; for if you cast a thousand vituperations at me, you will not hear a single one from me!' The two were thus put to shame, and became friends through this wise advice."

This is one of the 100 tales, anecdotes, and narratives used in Sufi tradition to illustrate the path of heart. Many of these stories have been passed down through the generations by sheikhs and teachers. This collection is taken from accounts written about the life and teachings of Jelaludldin Rumi, aka Moulana, which translates as "My Master."

Rumi was a thirteenth century poet and Sufi seer who was honored and admired for his empathy for all living things, his exquisite sense of empathy, his personal refinement, his humility, his kindness and generosity, and his total dedication to Allah. These tales attest to those character qualities and the impact Moulana had upon others. That is why when he died, he was mourned by people of all traditions