It was a weighty voice of studied modulations, which promised wisdom on the brink of laughter.

He generally chose some moral or religious subject for discourse, and illustrated it by what we call 'nawadir' (rare things) selected from his vast experience of life.

By his own account he had journeyed to the world's rim, and had associated not alone with men, but also with jinn and ghouls.

On the other hand, he had been to Europe several times, and knew the streets of Paris and of London.

Somehow, one never doubted any of his stories while he was telling them, the accents of his voice had such conviction.