When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra Talks on Sufism

Shems Friedlander has studied with Sufi Shaykhs throughout the Middle East—in Mecca, Medina, Cairo and Istanbul. Here he presents ancient Sufi teaching stories rooted in the Islamic tradition. With common sense and insightful wit he addresses questions and problems of contemporary life and awakens our attention to the often overlooked moments that give importance and meaning to our lives. Through the re-telling of classical stories and his own commentary, a pattern unfolds that helps to distinguish knowledge from information, reality from imagination, and makes what seems to lie beyond our perception—accessible.

Shems Friedlander is Professor Emeritus at the American University in Cairo and the author of Rumi: The Hidden Treasure, and Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.