An important element when it comes to oral traditions that have survived the test of time is the simplicity, directness and conciseness with which these traditions tend to be composed. This gives the impression that these first simple teachings can have an endless stream of feedback from a small assortment of simple words. Certainly, such phrases and sayings of the highly revered Islamic revolutionaries Imam Ali and Jalal al-din Rumi tend to be simple in conception, just like these oral traditions, but a careful analysis of their work will depict the true depth of their teachings. Through their teachings, these two men are able to clearly show the distinction between spirituality, as their lessons depend greatly on the individual's recognition that faith is best known as complete trust in something, even if there is has a lack of evidence of this trust and spirituality. is more the process of introspection or examination of one's own private feelings and thoughts and how they themselves relate to the world in which they live. These two connoisseurs of Islamic spirituality also have the mindfulness to develop their lessons in such a way that even non-Muslims can resonate with their teachings and apply them to their own way of life. As the first cousin of Muhammad, arguably Islam's most revered prophet, Imam Ali (Hadrat Ali) was born around 600 AD in Mecca. Many Islamic scholars from the Sunni and Shia sects believe that Imam Ali may have been the first Muslim. Ali is often seen as the embodiment of virtue, honor and sentiment as well as a champion of knowledge. Ali wore many hats in his time, including warrior, scholar, leader, and father. Yet he is best remembered for his quotes and phrases meant to be lessons to bet...... middle of paper ...... similar lessons about faith, love, patience and spirituality. Through these lessons, we can see that both men believe that all men are equal in the eyes of God. They encourage all people to seek God, no matter who they are. Even non-Muslims can benefit from their teachings. The lessons from both men show that neither of them judged people by their past activities. Rather, both emphasized the need to do good toward God and toward family in order to complete the journey toward enlightenment. Works Cited Cleary, Thomas. Living and dying with grace: advice from Ḥaḍrat ʻAlī. Boston: Shambhala, 1995. Print.Lewis, Franklin D. Rumi, Past and Present, East and West: The Life, Teaching, and Poetry of Jalal Al-Din Rumi. Oxford: Oneworld, 2001. PrintSchimmel, Annemarie and Annemarie Schimmel. The world of Rumi: the life and works of the great Sufi poet. Boston: Shambhala, 2001. Print.