Al-Aflāki tells a pretty story concerning the tenderness of Jalal for little children. As the poet passed by some children, they left their play and ran to him and bowed. Jalal bowed in response. One little boy, some distance off, seeing the honour bestowed upon his playmates, cried to Jalal: "Wait for me until I come!" And Jalal waited and bowed to the little child. This story is worth far more than juggler's tricks.
Jalalu'd-Din Rumi died at Qonia in 1273 A.D., praising God and leaving to the world a vast store of spiritual knowledge and many wise instructions to his son, Bahaū-'d-Din Valad. It is very gratifying to note that at the death of Jalal his mourners were of all creeds. A Christian was asked why he wept over a Muslim grave, and he replied: "We esteem him as the Moses, the David, the Jesus of our time; and we are his disciples, his adherents." This was indeed a splendid and worthy tribute to the memory of such a great man.
