Sufis Quote by Idries Shah
““Salute to the Thief. Junaid of Baghdad was passing the scene of a public hanging, where a thief was on the scaffold. Junaid bowed towards the criminal. Someone asked him: 'What did you do that?' Junaid said: 'I was bowing before his single-mindedness. For his aim, that man has given his life.””
About This Quote
Source Story: Collection of Sufi Anecdotes, 1960
Junaid respects the thief’s single‑minded dedication, seeing value in unwavering purpose despite immoral means.
In simple terms: Respecting focus, even in a criminal.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate focused intent, not just its moral.
Themes
respect
focus
morality
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
paradoxical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- conflict resolution
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Sufism
intentionality
paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we channel single‑minded drive toward positive ends?
- When does dedication become dangerous?
A Different Perspective
Blind focus can lead to harmful outcomes if not guided by ethics.
![“Saadi: Be a true renouncer, (zahid) and [you can even] ware satin.” quote by Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c65/idries-shah-450_psychology_saadi-be-a-true-renouncer-zahid-and-you_139918.jpg)
