Sufi Stories: the Drum

Sufis are Muslim mystics. They help people to escape worldly interests by becoming aware of spiritual things. Sufis often use stories as part of their teaching.

There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day long. His parents and neighbours were at their wits end; no matter what they said, the boy would not be quiet.

Various experts came to help. The first told the boy that he would perforate his eardrums. The second told the boy that beating a drum was a sacred activity and should only be done on special occasions. Other experts offered the neighbours earplugs, gave the boy a book to distract him, gave the neighbours books on how to control their anger, and gave the boy meditation exercises to calm him. The boy kept beating his drum.

Finally a Sufi came along. He looked at the boy and the drum, then pointed to a hammer and chisel lying nearby and said, “I wonder what is inside the drum?”


Why do the solutions of the “experts” fail? What do you think happens after the Sufi makes his comment?

Sufi Stories: The Ring

Sufis are Muslim mystics. They help people to escape worldly interest by becoming aware of spiritual things. Sufis often use stories as part of their teaching.

A powerful king presented a challenge to the wise men of his kingdom.

He said, “I had a dream in which I possessed a ring. The ring helped me bring peace to my state. If I looked upon it when I was unhappy, it made me joyful. If I looked upon it when I was happy, I became sad. Can you find me such a ring?”

The wise men consulted with one another. Finally they found a solution. They had a jeweler make a ring, which they presented to the king. On the ring were engraved the words, “This too will pass.”


Explain the message of this story in your own words.