These are the stories of the early believers who by the fire of the love of God became as flaming torches, lit the path of servitude and walked through it, sacrificing their all for the Beloved – stories of true believers who trod the path of mortality and reached the Ultimate Reality; stories of love, humility, sacrifice, martyrdom, steadfastness, humour and victory. They have touched my heart and soul and by them, I have learned the true meaning of life. May they similarly inspire the reader.