There is a well-known story of Halim, the most eminent Sufi of the past, who became so well-known that the world began to revere him for his generosity and love. Once the King of Persia became jealous of him, seeing him so adored by everybody, and he promised the chief of the assassins some part of his territory if he would cut off the head of Halim and bring it to him. The assassin left this country with great pleasure expecting the reward. After many days' journey he arrived in the city where Halim lived. Halim, as was his custom, went to see if there were any stranger in the city whom he might in any way assist.

It chanced that evening that he met the assassin, and seeing him, a stranger, he invited him to stay the night with him as his guest. He brought him to his house. The guest was quite touched with the hospitality and kindness which he received. The next day when morning broke and everybody began to go about on his daily pursuits, Halim very kindly asked his guest if he would stay with him until he had become familiar with the city, and if he could help him in any way with any matter that he wished to accomplish. The guest said, "but you are too kind to be able to help me in my purpose." Halim answered, "but you can tell me and I will try my best to at least advise you."

The man softly whispered, "I have come here to cut off the head of Halim and take it to my king. For doing so I am promised a large portion of territory and if you will help me in this I will give you also a share." Halim answered, "O, it is very easy, I thought you had something more difficult." He entered the house and fetched his shining sword, giving it into his hand, he said, "Here is the sword and this is the head of Halim." The would-be assassin was so startled to see that such persons are really living on this earth, who are ready to sacrifice their life for others, when he, the most cruel of men, had come to take the life of such a person for a transitory reward. He knelt at the feet of Halim and broke into emotion and said, "I would rather prefer to be thy slave, than to have the territory of the king."