Official blog of www.thesufi.com: Sufi Short Story by Sheikh Muzajfer R.A One day, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna handed a priceless cup to one of his ministers, saying, “Break it!” “But, sire,” protested the minister, “this is a china cup of great value. How could I break it?” “Very well, that’s fine,” said the Sultan Mahmud, handing the cup to another minister and another and another. All objected to breaking the cup. The Sultan then passed it to Ayaz, his close companion, telling him to break it. Ayaz did not hesitate one moment before dashing the cup to the ground, where it shattered. “Wasn’t it a precious cup?” the Sultan asked him. “Yes,” replied Ayaz. “It was very valuable indeed. But your word is worth more to me than this cup. I would sooner break a hundred precious cups like this rather than give offense to you.”