This is the recorded interchange of questions and answers of an‘alim (a scholar in Islam) and a dervish:

– No one has ever seen you pray!
– That is true!

– You do not wear a patched cloak, like the other Sufis…
– No, I don’t!

– You do not use a rosary to remember God…
– True!

– You do not visit Sufi centres…
– No, I don’t!

– You do not discuss spirituality, you do not quote from the classical masters, and you do not have a beard!
– True, true, true!

– Can you tell me why?
– Because it would interfere with my spiritual activities.