Hazrat Inayat Khan sometimes told this story, and mureeds also recall Pir-o-Murshid Ali Khan performing it in a most humorous manner. If the Sufi Message is intended to unite ‘East’ and ‘West’, this tale perhaps gives an idea of what those terms might mean, and how broad the reach of the Message must be.

In days gone by, the court at Lucknow, in northern India, was known for its particular attention to matters of high culture. This permeated the entire region, of course, so that people from that city were known for the extreme refinement of their dress, their speech, their manners, and even the way in which they walked.

It happened once that four gentlemen of Lucknow, who were the best of friends, decided to go on a train journey. They all arrived at the station well in advance of the scheduled time, and waited on the platform, engaged in deeply interesting philosophical discussions. So engrossed were they in their conversation that they scarcely noticed when the train arrived. Finally, it was necessary that the conductor should come to them and politely ask them if they would like to board.

Certainly they would; in a group they moved in a stately, dignified way to the door of the compartment.

The first to arrive there, however, merely stepped back courteously and gestured elegantly to the man beside him. “Please,” he said, “after you.”

The one standing next to him turned to the third one and said, with an equally elegant gesture, “Yes, after you.”

‘Oh, not me,” said this one, turning to the last with a bow. “You must go first.”

“I could not dream of it,” the man replied. “I am younger. The eldest must go first.”

Then the eldest said to another, “But you have such a revered position, it is only natural that we must all follow you.”

“No, no” said that one, turning to another. “I could not accept the honour. You have such a magnificent beard, it reminds us of the Holy Prophet, may peace be upon him. We must follow you.”

“I?” said the one of the beard, with a polite motion of disclaimer. “I am less than the dust beneath the sandals of the Messenger of God.” Turning to another, he said, “When I think of all you have done for people in your life, what great merit you have acquired, I am ashamed even to stand beside you. You must go first.”

And so they continued in great courtesy until the train left the station.