jelaluddin rumi

8/13/2019 Jelaluddin Rumi

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/jelaluddin-rumi 1/243

Sacred Texts Islam Index Masnavi Index Next

THE SPIRITUAL COUPLETSOFMAULANA JALALU-!-!lN MUHAMMA! RUMI

"##$ I%

PROLO&UE%

HEAR'EN t# t(e reed-)l*te+ (#, it c#mlains+Lamentin. its /anis(ment )r#m its (#me01Ever since t(e2 t#re me )r#m m2 #sier /ed+M2 laintive n#tes (ave m#ved men and ,#men t# tears%

I /*rst m2 /reast+ strivin. t# .ive vent t# si.(s+And t# exress t(e an.s #) m2 2earnin. )#r m2 (#me%He ,(# a/ides )ar a,a2 )r#m (is (#meIs ever l#n.in. )#r t(e da2 (# s(all ret*rn%M2 ,ailin. is (eard in ever2 t(r#n.+In c#ncert ,it( t(em t(at re3#ice and t(em t(at ,ee%Eac( interrets m2 n#tes in (arm#n2 ,it( (is #,n )eelin.s+"*t n#t #ne )at(#ms t(e secrets #) m2 (eart%M2 secrets are n#t alien )r#m m2 laintive n#tes+4et t(e2 are n#t mani)est t# t(e sens*al e2e and ear%"#d2 is n#t veiled )r#m s#*l+ neit(er s#*l )r#m /#d2+4et n# man (at( ever seen a s#*l%1T(is laint #) t(e )l*te is )ire+ n#t mere air%Let (im ,(# lac$s t(is )ire /e acc#*nted dead5Tis t(e )ire #) l#ve t(at insires t(e )l*te+lTis t(e )erment #) l#ve t(at #ssesses t(e ,ine%T(e )l*te is t(e c#n)idant #) all *n(a2 l#vers64ea+ its strains la2 /are m2 inm#st secrets%7(# (at( seen a #is#n and an antid#te li$e t(e )l*te87(# (at( seen a s2mat(etic c#ns#ler li$e t(e )l*te8T(e )l*te tells t(e tale #) l#ves /l##dstained at(+

It rec#*nts t(e st#r2 #) Ma3n*ns l#ve t#ils% N#ne is riv2 t# t(ese )eelin.s save #ne distracted+As ear inclines t# t(e ,(isers #) t(e t#n.*e%T(r#*.( .rie) m2 da2s are as la/#r and s#rr#,+M2 da2s m#ve #n+ (and in (and ,it( an.*is(%4et++ t(#*.( m2 da2s vanis( t(*s+ tis n# matter+!# t(#* a/ide+ O Inc#mara/le P*re One5 9"*t all ,(# are n#t )is(es are s##n tired #) ,ater6And t(e2 ,(# lac$ dail2 /read )ind t(e da2 ver2 l#n.6S# t(e 1Ra,1 c#mre(end n#t t(e state #) t(e 1Rie61 :T(ere)#re it /e(#ves me t# s(#rten m2 disc#*rse%

Arise+ O s#n5 /*rst t(2 /#nds and /e )ree5H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* /e cative t# silver and .#ld8

http://www.sacred-texts.com/index.htm


http://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/index.htm

http://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/masnavi/index.htm

http://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/masnavi/msn02.htm



http://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/index.htm

http://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/masnavi/index.htm




T(#*.( t(#* #*r t(e #cean int# t(2 itc(er+It can (#ld n# m#re t(an #ne da2s st#re%T(e itc(er #) t(e desire #) t(e c#vet#*s never )ills+T(e #2ster-s(ell )ills n#t ,it( earls till it is c#ntent6Onl2 (e ,(#se .arment is rent /2 t(e vi#lence #) l#ve

Is ,(#ll2 *re )r#m c#vet#*sness and sin%Hail t# t(ee+ t(en+ O LO;E+ s,eet madness5T(#* ,(# (ealest all #*r in)irmities57(# art t(e (2sician #) #*r ride and sel)-c#nceit57(# art #*r Plat# and #*r &alen5L#ve exalts #*r eart(l2 /#dies t# (eaven+And ma$es t(e ver2 (ills t# dance ,it( 3#25O I#ver+ t,as l#ve t(at .ave li)e t# M#*nt Sinai+ <7(en 1it =*a$ed+ and M#ses )ell d#,n in a s,##n%1!id m2 "el#ved #nl2 t#*c( me ,it( (is lis+I t##+ li$e t(e )l*te+ ,#*ld /*rst #*t in mel#d2%

"*t (e ,(# is arted )r#m t(em t(at sea$ (is t#n.*e+T(#*.( (e #ssess a (*ndred v#ices+ is er)#rce d*m/%7(en t(e r#se (as )aded and t(e .arden is ,it(ered+T(e s#n. #) t(e ni.(tin.ale is n# l#n.er t# /e (eard%T(e "ELO;E! is all in all+ t(e l#ver #nl2 veils Him6 >T(e "ELO;E! is all t(at lives+ t(e l#ver a dead t(in.%7(en t(e l#ver )eels n# l#n.er LO;Es =*ic$enin.+He /ec#mes li$e a /ird ,(# (as l#st its ,in.s% Alas5H#, can I retain m2 senses a/#*t me+7(en t(e "ELO;E! s(#,s n#t t(e li.(t #) His c#*ntenance8LO;E desires t(at t(is secret s(#*ld /e revealed+F#r i) a mirr#r re)lects n#t+ #) ,(at *se is it8'n#,est t(#* ,(2 t(2 mirr#r re)lects n#t8"eca*se t(e r*st (as n#t /een sc#*red )r#m its )ace%I) it ,ere *ri)ied )r#m all r*st and de)ilement+It ,#*ld re)lect t(e s(inin. #) t(e SUN O) &O!%?O )riends+ 2e (ave n#, (eard t(is tale+7(ic( sets )#rt( t(e ver2 essence #) m2 case%@NOTES0% L#ve si.ni)ies t(e str#n. attracti#n t(at dra,s all creat*res /ac$ t# re*ni#n ,it( t(eirCreat#r%

9% Sel)-anni(ilati#n leads t# eternal li)e in &#d t(e *niversal N#*men#n+ /2 ,(#m all (en#mena s*/sist% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <%:% 1Ra,1 and 1Rie1 are terms )#r 1Men #) externals1 and 1Men #) (eart1 #r M2stics%<% All*din. t# t(e .ivin. #) t(e la, #n M#*nt Sinai% '#ran vii% :D%>% All (en#menal existences man incl*ded are /*t 1veils1 #/sc*rin. t(e )ace #) t(e !ivine

N#*men#n+ t(e #nl2 real existence+ and t(e m#ment His s*stainin. resence is ,it(dra,nt(e2 at #nce relase int# t(eir #ri.inal n#t(in.ness% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% ?>%?% S# "ernard #) Clairva*x% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <:>%

STOR4 I%

T(e Prince and t(e Handmaid%A rince+ ,(ile en.a.ed #n a (*ntin. exc*rsi#n+ esied a )air maiden+ and /2 r#mises #)



.#ld ind*ced (er t# acc#man2 (im% A)ter a time s(e )ell sic$+ and t(e rince (ad (er tended /2 divers (2sicians% As+ (#,ever+ t(e2 all #mitted t# sa2+ 1&#d ,illin.+ ,e ,ill c*re (er+1t(eir treatment ,as #) n# avail% S# t(e rince #))ered ra2er+ and in ans,er t(eret# a (2sician,as sent )r#m (eaven% He at #nce c#ndemned (is redecess#rs vie, #) t(e case+ and /2 aver2 s$il)*l dia.n#sis+ disc#vered t(at t(e real ca*se #) t(e maidens illness ,as (er l#ve )#r a

certain .#ldsmit( #) Samarcand% In acc#rdance ,it( t(e (2sicians advice+ t(e rince sent t#Samarcand and )etc(ed t(e .#ldsmit(+ and married (im t# t(e l#vesic$ maiden+ and )#r sixm#nt(s t(e air lived t#.et(er in t(e *tm#st (arm#n2 and (ainess% At t(e end #) t(at eri#dt(e (2sician+ /2 divine c#mmand+ .ave t(e .#ldsmit( a #is#n#*s dra*.(t+ ,(ic( ca*sed (isstren.t( and /ea*t2 t# deca2+ and (e t(en l#st )av#*r ,it( t(e maiden+ and s(e ,as re*nited t#t(e $in.% T(is !ivine c#mmand ,as recisel2 similar t# &#ds c#mmand t# A/ra(am t# sla2(is s#n Is(mael+ and t# t(e act #) t(e an.el in sla2in. t(e servant #) M#ses+9 and is t(ere)#re

/e2#nd (*man criticism%!escriti#n #) L#ve%A tr*e l#ver is r#ved s*c( /2 (is ain #) (eart6

N# sic$ness is t(ere li$e sic$ness #) (eart%

T(e l#vers ailment is di))erent )r#m all ailments6L#ve is t(e astr#la/e #) &#ds m2steries%A l#ver ma2 (an$er a)ter t(is l#ve #r t(at l#ve+"*t at t(e last (e is dra,n t# t(e 'IN& #) l#ve%H#,ever m*c( ,e descri/e and exlain l#ve+7(en ,e )all in l#ve ,e are as(amed #) #*r ,#rds%Exlanati#n /2 t(e t#n.*e ma$es m#st t(in.s clear+"*t l#ve *nexlained is clearer%7(en en (asted t# ,rite+On reac(in. t(e s*/3ect #) l#ve it slit in t,ain%7(en t(e disc#*rse t#*c(ed #n t(e matter #) l#ve+Pen ,as /r#$en and aer t#rn%In exlainin. it Reas#n stic$s )ast+ as an ass in mire6

Na*.(t /*t L#ve itsel) can exlain l#ve and l#vers5 N#ne /*t t(e s*n can disla2 t(e s*n+I) 2#* ,#*ld see it disla2ed+ t*rn n#t a,a2 )r#m it%S(ad#,s+ indeed+ ma2 indicate t(e s*ns resence+"*t #nl2 t(e s*n disla2s t(e li.(t #) li)e%S(ad#,s ind*ce sl*m/er+ li$e evenin. tal$s+"*t ,(en t(e s*n arises t(e 1m##n is slit as*nder%1 :In t(e ,#rld t(ere is na*.(t s# ,#ndr#*s as t(e s*n+

"*t t(e S*n #) t(e s#*l sets n#t and (as n# 2esterda2%T(#*.( t(e material s*n is *ni=*e and sin.le+7e can c#nceive similar s*ns li$e t# it%"*t t(e S*n #) t(e s#*l+ /e2#nd t(is )irmament+

N# li$e t(ere#) is seen in c#ncrete #r a/stract%<7(ere is t(ere r##m in c#nceti#n )#r His essence+S# t(at similit*des #) HIM s(#*ld /e c#nceiva/le8S(ams*-d-!in #) Ta/riB im#rt*nes Jalal*-d-!int# c#m#se t(e Masnavi%T(e s*n S(ams #) Ta/riB is a er)ect li.(t+A s*n+ 2ea+ #ne #) t(e /eams #) &#d5

7(en t(e raise ,as (eard #) t(e 1S*n #) Ta/riB+1T(e s*n #) t(e )#*rt( (eaven /#,ed its (ead%



N#, t(at I (ave menti#ned (is name+ it is /*t ri.(tT# set )#rt( s#me indicati#ns #) (is /ene)icence%T(at reci#*s S#*l ca*.(t m2 s$irt+Smellin. t(e er)*me #) t(e .arment #) 4*s*)6And said+ 1F#r t(e sa$e #) #*r ancient )riends(i+

Tell )#rt( a (int #) t(#se s,eet states #) ecstas2+T(at eart( and (eaven ma2 /e re3#iced+And als# Reas#n and Sirit+ a (*ndred)#ld%1I said+ 1O t(#* ,(# art )ar )r#m T(e Friend+Li$e a sic$ man ,(# (as stra2ed )r#m (is (2sician+Im#rt*ne me n#t+ )#r I am /eside m2sel)6M2 *nderstandin. is .#ne+ I cann#t sin. raises%7(ats#ever #ne sa2s+ ,(#se reas#n is t(*s astra2+Let (im n#t /#ast6 (is e))#rts are *seless%7(atever (e sa2s is n#t t# t(e #int+And is clearl2 inat and ,ide #) t(e mar$%

7(at can I sa2 ,(en n#t a nerve #) mine is sensi/le8Can I exlain T(e Friend t# #ne t# ,(#m He is n# Friend8;eril2 m2 sin.in. His raise ,ere disraise+F#r t,#*ld r#ve me existent+ and existence is err#r%>Can I descri/e m2 searati#n and m2 /leedin. (eart8

Na2+ *t #)) t(is matter till an#t(er seas#n%1He said+ 1 Feed me+ )#r I am an (*n.ered+And at #nce+ )#r t(e time is a s(ar s,#rd%O c#mrade+ t(e S*)i is t(e s#n #) time resent% ?It is n#t t(e r*le #) (is can#n t# sa2+ T#-m#rr#,%Can it /e t(at t(#* art n#t a tr*e S*)i8Read2 m#ne2 is l#st /2 .ivin. credit%1I said+ 1Tis /est t# veil t(e secrets #) T(e Friend%S# .ive .##d (eed t# t(e m#rals #) t(ese st#ries%T(at is /etter t(an t(at t(e secrets #) T(e FriendS(#*ld /e n#ised a/r#ad in t(e tal$ #) stran.ers%1He said+ 17it(#*t veil #r c#verin. #r deceti#n+Sea$ #*t+ and vex me n#t+ O man #) man2 ,#rds5Stri #)) t(e veil and sea$ #*t+ )#r d# n#t IEnter *nder t(e same c#verlet as t(e "el#ved81I said+ 1I) t(e "el#ved ,ere ex#sed t# #*t,ard vie,+

Neit(er ,#*ldst t(#* end*re+ n#r em/race+ n#r )#rm%Press t(2 s*it+ 2et ,it( m#derati#n6A /lade #) .rass cann#t+ ierce a m#*ntain%I) t(e s*n t(at ill*mines t(e ,#rld7ere t# dra, ni.(er+ t(e ,#rld ,#*ld /e c#ns*med%GCl#se t(2 m#*t( and s(*t t(e e2es #) t(is matter+T(at+ t(e ,#rlds li)e /e n#t made a /leedin. (eart%

N# l#n.er see$ t(is eril+ t(is /l##ds(ed6Herea)ter im#se silence #n t(e S*n #) Ta/riB%1He said+ 1T(2 ,#rds are endless% N#, tell )#rt(All t(2 st#r2 )r#m its /e.innin.%1

@NOTES0% As en3#ined in '#ran xviii% 9:% One cann#t c#nverse ,it( a strict M#salman )#r )ive



min*tes ,it(#*t (earin. t(e )#rm*la+ 1In s(a Alla( Taalla+1 #r !% ;%9% '#ran xviii% G:%:% '#ran liv% I%<% T(ere is a traditi#n+ 1I $n#, m2 L#rd /2 m2 L#rd%1>% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <% In t(e state #) *ni#n sel) remains n#t%

?% T(e S*)i is t(e 1s#n #) t(e time resent+1 /eca*se (e is an Ener.*men+ #r assiveinstr*ment m#ved /2 t(e divine im*lse #) t(e m#ment% 1T(e time resent is a s(ar s,#rd+1 /eca*se t(e divine im*lse #) t(e m#ment d#minates t(e Ener.*men+ and exec*tes its decreess(arl2% See S#(ravardi =*#ted in N#tices et Extraits des MSS%+ xii% :G n#te%G% 17(en its L#rd aears in .l#r2 t# t(e M#*nt #) existence+ Existence is laid l#,+ li$e t(ed*st #) t(e r#ad%1 &*ls(an i RaB+ I% D>%

STOR4 II%T(e Oilman and (is Parr#t%An #ilman #ssessed a arr#t ,(ic( *sed t# am*se (im ,it( its a.reea/le rattle+ and t#

,atc( (is s(# ,(en (e ,ent #*t% One da2+ ,(en t(e arr#t ,as al#ne in t(e s(#+ a cat *set#ne #) t(e #il-3ars% 7(en t(e #ilman ret*rned (#me (e t(#*.(t t(at t(e arr#t (ad d#ne t(ismisc(ie)+ and in (is an.er (e sm#te t(e arr#t s*c( a /l#, #n t(e (ead as made all its )eat(ersdr# #))+ and s# st*nned it t(at it l#st t(e #,er #) seec( )#r several da2s% "*t #ne da2 t(e

arr#t sa, a /ald-(eaded man assin. t(e s(#+ and rec#verin. its seec(+ it cried #*t+ 1Pra2+,(#se #il-3ar did 2#* *set81 T(e assers-/2 smiled at t(e arr#ts mista$e in c#n)#*ndin.

/aldness ca*sed /2 a.e ,it( t(e l#ss #) its #,n )eat(ers d*e t# a /l#,%C#n)*si#n #) saints ,it( (2#crites%7#rldl2 senses are t(e ladder #) eart(+Sirit*al senses are t(e ladder #) (eaven%T(e (ealt( #) t(e )#rmer is s#*.(t #) t(e leec(+T(e (ealt( #) t(e latter )r#m 1T(e Friend%1T(e (ealt( #) t(e )#rmer arises )r#m tendin. t(e /#d2+T(at #) t(e latter )r#m m#rti)2in. t(e )les(%T(e $in.l2 s#*l la2s ,aste t(e /#d2+And a)ter its destr*cti#n (e /*ilds it ane,%Ha2 t(e s#*l ,(# )#r l#ve #) &#dHas lavis(ed )amil2+ ,ealt(+ and .##ds5Has destr#2ed its (#*se t# )ind t(e (idden treas*re+And ,it( t(at treas*re (as re/*ilt it in )airer s#rt6Has dammed * t(e stream and cleansed t(e c(annel+

And t(en t*rned a )res( stream int#% t(e c(annel6Has c*t its )les( t# extract a sear-(ead+Ca*sin. a )res( s$in t# .r#, a.ain #ver t(e ,#*nd6Has raBed t(e )#rt t# #*st+ t(e in)idel in #ssessi#n+And t(en re/*ilt it ,it( a (*ndred t#,ers and /*l,ar$s%7(# can descri/e t(e *ni=*e ,#r$ #) &race8I (ave /een )#rced t# ill*strate it /2 t(ese similes%S#metimes it resents #ne aearance+ s#metimes an#t(er%4ea+ t(e a))air #) reli.i#n is #nl2 /e,ilderment%

N#t+ s*c( as #cc*rs ,(en #ne t*rns #nes /ac$ #n &#d+"*t s*c( as ,(en #ne is dr#,ned and a/s#r/ed in Him%

T(e latter (as (is )ace ever t*rned t# &#d+T(e )#rmers )ace s(#,s (is *ndiscilined sel)-,ill%



7atc( t(e )ace #) eac( #ne+ re.ard it ,ell+It ma2 /e /2 servin. t(#* ,ilt rec#.niBe Tr*t(s )ace%As t(ere are man2 dem#ns ,it( mens )aces+It is ,r#n. t# 3#in (and ,it( ever2 #ne%7(en t(e )#,ler s#*nds (is dec#2 ,(istle+

T(at t(e /irds ma2 /e /e.*iled /2 t(at snare+T(e /irds (ear t(at call sim*latin. a /irds call+And+ descendin. )r#m t(e air+ )ind net and $ni)e%S# vile (2#crites steal t(e lan.*a.e #) !arves(es+In #rder t# /e.*ile t(e simle ,it( t(eir tric$er2%T(e ,#r$s #) t(e ri.(te#*s are li.(t and (eat+T(e ,#r$s #) t(e evil treac(er2 and s(amelessness%T(e2 ma$e st*))ed li#ns t# scare t(e simle+T(e2 .ive t(e title #) M*(ammad t# )alse M*sailima%"*t M*sailma retained t(e name #) 1Liar+1And M*(ammad t(at #) 1S*/limest #) /ein.s%1

T(at ,ine #) &#d t(e ri.(te#*s 2ields a er)*me #) m*s$6Ot(er ,ine t(e evil is reserved )#r enalties and ains%@NOTES0% T(ese are all )i.*res and t2es #) sel)-anni(ilati#n in #rder t# t(e ac=*isiti#n #) eternal li)ein &#d%

STOR4 III%T(e Je,is( 'in.+ (is ;aBir+ and t(e C(ristians%A certain Je,is( $in. *sed t# ersec*te t(e C(ristians+ desirin. t# exterminate t(eir )ait(% His;aBir ers*aded (im t# tr2 a strata.em+ namel2+ t# m*tilate t(e ;aBir (imsel)+ and exel (im)r#m (is c#*rt+ ,it( t(e intent t(at (e mi.(t ta$e re)*.e ,it( t(e C(ristians+ and stir * m*t*aldissensi#ns am#n.st t(em% T(e ;aBirs s*..esti#n ,as ad#ted% He )led t# t(e C(ristians+and )#*nd n# di))ic*lt2 in ers*adin. t(em t(at (e (ad /een treated in t(at /ar/ar#*s ,a2 #nacc#*nt #) (is attac(ment t# t(e C(ristian )ait(% He s##n .ained c#mlete in)l*ence #vert(em+ and ,as acceted as a saintl2 mart2r and a divine teac(er% Onl2 a )e, discernin. mendivined (is treac(er2 6 t(e ma3#rit2 ,ere all del*ded /2 (im% T(e C(ristians ,ere divided int#t,elve le.i#ns+ and at t(e (ead #) eac( ,as a catain% T# eac( #) t(ese catains t(e ;aBir.ave secretl2 a v#l*me #) reli.i#*s directi#ns+ ta$in. care t# ma$e t(e directi#ns in eac(v#l*me di))erent )r#m and c#ntradict#r2 t# t(#se in t(e #t(ers% One v#l*me en3#ined )astin.+an#t(er c(arit2+ an#t(er )ait(+ an#t(er ,#r$s+ and s# #n% A)ter,ards t(e ;aBir ,it(dre, int# a

cave+ and re)*sed t# c#me #*t t# instr*ct (is disciles+ in site #) all t(eir entreaties% Callin.t(e catains t# (im+ (e .ave secret instr*cti#ns t# eac( t# set (imsel) * as (is s*ccess#r+ andt# /e .*ided /2 t(e instr*cti#ns in t(e v#l*me secretl2 c#n)ided t# (im+ and t# sla2 all #t(erclaimants #) t(e a#st#lic #))ice% Havin. .iven t(ese directi#ns+ (e sle, (imsel)% In t(e eventeac( catain set (imsel) * as t(e ;aBirs s*ccess#r+ and t(e C(ristians ,ere slit * int#man2 sects at enmit2 ,it( #ne an#t(er+ even as t(e ;aBir (ad intended% "*t t(e malici#*ssc(eme did n#t+ alt#.et(er s*cceed+ as #ne )ait()*l /and cleaved t# t(e name #) 1A(mad+1menti#ned in t(e &#sel+9 and ,ere t(*s saved )r#m s(arin. t(e r*in #) t(e rest%T(e ;aBirs Teac(in.%M2riads #) C(ristians )l#c$ed r#*nd (im+One a)ter an#t(er t(e2 assem/led in (is street%

T(en (e ,#*ld reac( t# t(em #) m2steries+M2steries #) t(e &#sel+ #) st#les+ #) ra2ers%



T(e '(ali)a said t# Laila+ 1Art t(#* reall2 s(eF#r ,(#m Ma3n*n l#st (is (ead and ,ent distracted8T(#* art n#t )airer t(an man2 #t(er )air #nes%1S(e relied+ 1"e silent6 t(#* art n#t Ma3n*n51I) t(#* (adst Ma3n*ns e2es+

T(e t,# ,#rlds ,#*ld /e ,it(in t(2 vie,%T(#* art in t(2 senses+ /*t Ma3n*n is /eside (imsel)%In l#ve t# /e ,ide a,a$e is treas#n%T(e m#re a man is a,a$e+ t(e m#re (e slees t# l#ve6His critical ,a$e)*lness is ,#rse t(an sl*m/erin.%O*r ,a$e)*lness )etters #*r sirits+T(en #*r s#*ls are a re2 t# divers ,(ims+T(#*.(ts #) l#ss and .ain and )ears #) miser2%T(e2 retain n#t *rit2+ n#r di.nit2+ n#r l*stre+

N#r asirati#n t# s#ar (eaven,ards%T(at #ne is reall2 sleein. ,(# (an$ers a)ter eac( ,(im

And (#lds arle2 ,it( eac( )anc2%T(e t,elve v#l*mes #) t(e#l#.2%

He dre, * a searate scr#ll t# t(e address #) eac(+T(e c#ntents #) eac( scr#ll #) a di))erent ten#r6T(e r*les #) eac( #) a di))erent *r#rt+T(is c#ntradict#r2 #) t(at+ )r#m /e.innin. t# end%In #ne t(e r#ad #) )astin. and asceticism7as made t(e illar and c#nditi#n #) ri.(t dev#ti#n%In #ne t,as said+ 1A/stinence r#)its n#t6Sincerit2 in t(is at( is na*.(t /*t c(arit2%1In #ne t,as said+ 1T(2 )astin. and t(2 c(arit2Are /#t( a ma$in. t(2sel) e=*al ,it( &#d6Save )ait( and *tter resi.nati#n t# &#ds ,illIn ,eal and ,#e+ all virt*es are )ra*d and snares%1In #ne t,as said+ 17#r$s are t(e #ne t(in. need)*l6T(e d#ctrine #) )ait( ,it(#*t ,#r$s is a del*si#n%1In #ne t,as said+ 1C#mmands and r#(i/iti#ns are

N#t )#r #/servance+ /*t t# dem#nstrate #*r ,ea$ness+T(at ,e ma2 see #*r #,n ,ea$ness t# carr2 t(em #*t+And t(ere/2 rec#.niBe and c#n)ess &#ds #,er%1 >In #ne t,as said+ 1Re)erence t# t(ine #,n ,ea$nessIs in.ratit*de )#r &#ds mercies t#,ards *s%Rat(er re.ard t(2 #,er+ )#r t(#* (ast #,er )r#m &#d%'n#, t(2 #,er t# /e &#ds .race+ )#r tis #) Him%1In #ne t,as said+ 1Leave #,er and ,ea$ness al#ne67(atever ,it(dra,s t(ine e2es )r#m &#d is an id#l%1In #ne t,as said+ 1*enc( n#t t(2 eart(2 t#rc(+?T(at it ma2 /e a li.(t t# li.(ten man$ind%

I) t(#* ne.lectest re.ard and care )#r it+T(#* ,ilt =*enc( at midni.(t t(e lam #) *ni#n%1



In #ne t,as said+ 1*enc( t(at t#rc( ,it(#*t )ear+T(at in lie* #) #ne t(#* ma2st see a t(#*sand 3#2s+F#r /2 =*enc(in. t(e li.(t t(e s#*l is re3#iced+And t(2 Laila is t(en as /#ld as (er Ma3n*n%7(#s# t# disla2 (is dev#ti#n ren#*nces t(e ,#rld+

T(e ,#rld is ever ,it( (im+ /e)#re and /e(ind%1In #ne t,as said+ 17(ats#ever &#d (as .iven t(eeIn His creati#n+ t(at He (as made s,eet t# t(ee64ea+ leasant t# t(ee and all#,a/le% Ta$e it+ t(en+And cast n#t t(2sel) int# t(e an.s #) a/stinence%1In #ne t,as said+ 1&ive * all t(#* #ssessest+F#r t# /e r*led /2 c#vet#*sness is .riev#*s sin%1A(5 (#, man2 diverse r#ads are #inted #*t+And eac( )#ll#,ed /2 s#me sect )#r dear li)e5I) t(e ri.(t r#ad ,ere easil2 attaina/le+Ever2 Je, and &*e/er ,#*ld (ave (it #n it5

In #ne t,as said+ 1T(e ri.(t r#ad is attaina/le+F#r t(e (earts li)e is t(e )##d #) t(e s#*l%7(atever is en3#2ed /2 t(e carnal man4ields n# )r*it+ even as salt and ,aste land%Its res*lt is na*.(t /*t rem#rse+Its tra))ic 2ields #nl2 l#ss%It is n#t r#)ita/le in t(e l#n. r*n6Its name is called /an$r*t in t(e *s(#t%!iscern+ t(en+ t(e /an$r*t )r#m t(e r#)ita/le+C#nsider t(e event*al val*e #) t(is and t(at%1In #ne t,as said+ 1C(##se 2e a ,ise !irect#r+"*t )#resi.(t #) res*lts is n#t )#*nd in di.nities%1Eac( sect l##$ed t# res*lts in a di))erent ,a2+And s#+ er)#rce+ /ecame cative t# err#rs%Real )#resi.(t #) res*lts is n#t simle 3*..ler2+Ot(er,ise all t(ese di))erences ,#*ld n#t (ave arisen%In #ne t,as said+ 1T(2sel) art t(2 master+Inasm*c( as t(#* art ac=*ainted ,it( t(e Master #) all6"e a man+ and n#t an#t(er mans /east #) /*rden5F#ll#, t(ine #,n ,a2 and l#se n#t t(2 (ead51In #ne t,as said+ 1All ,e see is One%

7(#ever sa2s tis t,# is s*))erin. )r#m d#*/le visi#n%1In #ne t,as said+ 1A (*ndred are even as #ne%1G"*t ,(#s# t(in$s t(is is a% madman%Eac( scr#ll (ad its c#ntrar2 iece #) r(et#ric+In )#rm and s*/stance *tterl2 ##sed t# it6T(is c#ntrar2 t# t(at+ )r#m )irst t# last+As i) eac( ,as c#m#*nded #) #is#n and antid#tes%@NOTES0% C#mare t(e st#r2 #) #2r*s+ Her#d#t*s+ iii% >>%9% J#(n xiv% 9?0 1"*t t(e C#m)#rter ara$let#s s(all teac( 2#* all t(in.s%1 M#salmans read

eri$l2t#s+ 1raised1 M*(ammad%

:% !a33al+ i%e%+ Antic(rist% Sale+ Prelim% !isc#*rse+ % >G%<% Said #) t(e Seven Sleeers in t(e cave% '#ran xviii% G6 1'n#,er1 t(e &n#stic ,(#



t(r#*.( ecstas2 /e(#lds divine verities%>% T(is ,as t(e d#ctrine #) t(e Ja/ri2an #r extreme redestinarians%?% i%e%% Hide n#t t(2 li.(t #) .##d ,#r$s #r #) sel)-denial *nder a /*s(el%G% All*din. t# t(e d#ctrine #) t(e Trinit2%

STOR4 I;%An#t(er T2rannical Je,is( 'in.%A certain Je,is( $in.+ t(e same ,(# is re)erred t# in t(e S*ra 1Si.ns #) t(e #diac+1 I made* (is mind t# *tterl2 exterminate t(e C(ristian )ait(+ and ,it( t(at vie, (e set * a (*.e id#l+and iss*ed c#mmands t(at all ,(# re)*sed t# ,#rs(i it s(#*ld /e cast int# t(e )ire%T(ere*#n (is #))icers seiBed a C(ristian ,#man ,it( (er /a/e+ and as s(e re)*sed t# ,#rs(iit+ t(e2 cast t(e /a/e int# t(e )ire% "*t t(e /a/e cried #*t t# its m#t(er+ 1"e n#t a)raid+ t(e )ire(as n# #,er t# /*rn me6 it is as c##l as ,ater51 Hearin. t(is+ t(e rest #) t(e C(ristians leatint# t(e )ire+ and )#*nd t(at it did n#t /*rn t(em% T(e $in. rer#ac(ed t(e )ire )#r )ailin. t# d#its #))ice+ /*t t(e )ire relied t(at it ,as &#ds servant+ and t(at its c#ns*min. r#erties ,ere

n#t t# /e *sed )#r evil *r#ses% It t(en /laBed * and c#ns*med t(e $in.+ and all (is Je,s,it( (im%Sec#nd ca*ses #nl2 #erate in s*/#rdinati#n t#+and )#rm t(e im*lsi#n #)+ t(e First Ca*se%Air+ eart(+ ,ater+ and )ire are &#ds servants%T# *s t(e2 seem li)eless+ /*t t# &#d livin.%In &#ds resence )ire ever ,aits t# d# its service+Li$e a s*/missive l#ver ,it( n# ,ill #) its #,n%7(en 2#* stri$e steel #n )lint )ire leas )#rt(6"*t tis /2 &#ds c#mmand it t(*s stes )#rt(%Stri$e n#t t#.et(er t(e )lint and steel #) ,r#n.+F#r t(e air ,ill .enerate m#re+ li$e man and ,#man%T(e )lint and steel are t(emselves ca*ses+ 2etL##$ (i.(er )#r t(e First Ca*se+ O ri.(te#*s man5F#r t(at Ca*se recedes t(is sec#nd ca*se%H#, can a ca*se exist #) itsel) ,it(#*t recedent ca*se8T(at Ca*se ma$es t(is ca*se #erative+And a.ain (elless and in#erative%T(at Ca*se+ ,(ic( is a .*idin. li.(t t# t(e r#(ets+T(at+ I sa2+ is (i.(er t(an t(ese sec#nd ca*ses%Mens minds rec#.niBe t(ese sec#nd ca*ses+

"*t #nl2 r#(ets erceive t(e acti#n #) t(e First Ca*se%Praise c#mared t# va#*r dra,n *,ards+and t(en descendin. in rain%T(#*.( ,ater /e encl#sed in a reserv#ir+4et air ,ill a/s#r/ it+ )#r tis its s*#rter6It sets it )ree and /ears it t# its s#*rce+Little /2 little+ s# t(at 2#* see n#t t(e r#cess%In li$e manner t(is /reat( #) #*rs /2 de.reesSteals a,a2 #*r s#*ls )r#m t(e ris#n-(#*se #) eart(%1 T(e .##d ,#rd riset( * t# Him+19Risin. )r#m *s ,(it(er He $n#,et(%

O*r /reat(in.s are li)ted * in )ear #) &#d+O))erin.s )r#m *s t# t(e t(r#ne #) Eternit2%



T(en c#me d#,n t# *s re,ards )#r #*r raises+T(e d#*/le t(ere#)+ 2ea+ mercies )r#m t(e 'in. #) &l#r2%T(ere)#re are ,e c#nstrained t# *tter t(ese raisesT(at slaves ma2 attain t(e (ei.(t #) &#ds .i)ts%And s# t(is risin. and descent .# #n everm#re+

And cease n#t )#rever and a2e%T# sea$ in lain Persian+ t(is attracti#nC#mes )r#m t(e same =*arter ,(ence c#mes t(is s,eet sav#*r%:@NOTES0% '#ran lxxxv%9% '#ran+ xxxv% II%:% S,eet sav#*r+ i%e%+ t(e 3#2 #) (eart exerienced /2 t(e #))erer #) ra2er ,(en (is ra2er isacceted #) &#d% See "##$ II% St#r2 K;II%

STOR4 ;%

T(e Li#n and t(e "easts%In t(e /##$ #) 'alila and !amna a st#r2 is t#ld #) a li#n ,(# (eld all t(e /easts #) t(enei.(/#r(##d in s*/3ecti#n+ and ,as in t(e (a/it #) ma$in. c#nstant raids *#n t(em+ t# ta$eand $ill s*c( #) t(em as (e re=*ired )#r (is dail2 )##d% At last t(e /easts t##$ c#*nselt#.et(er+ and a.reed t# deliver * #ne #) t(eir c#man2 ever2 da2+ t# satis)2 t(e li#ns (*n.er+i) (e+ #n (is art+ ,#*ld cease t# ann#2 t(em /2 (is c#ntin*al )#ra2s% T(e li#n ,as at )irst*n,illin. t# tr*st t# t(eir r#mise+ remar$in. t(at (e al,a2s re)erred t# rel2 #n (is #,nexerti#ns6 /*t t(e /easts s*cceeded in ers*adin. (im t(at (e ,#*ld d# ,ell t# tr*stPr#vidence and t(eir ,#rd% T# ill*strate t(e t(esis t(at (*man exerti#ns are vain+ t(e2 relateda st#r2 #) a man ,(# .#t S#l#m#n t# trans#rt (im t# Hind*stan t# escae t(e an.el #) deat(+

/*t ,as smitten /2 t(e an.el t(e m#ment (e .#t t(ere% Havin. carried t(eir #int+ t(e /eastsc#ntin*ed )#r s#me time t# er)#rm t(eir en.a.ement% One da2 it came t# t(e t*rn #) t(e (aret# /e delivered * as a victim t# t(e li#n6 /*t (e re=*ested t(e #t(ers t# let (im ractice astrata.em% T(e2 sc#))ed at (im+ as$in. (#, s*c( sill2 /east as (e c#*ld retend t# #*t,it t(eli#n% T(e (are ass*red t(em t(at ,isd#m ,as #) &#d+ and &#d mi.(t c(##se ,ea$ t(in.s t#c#n)#*nd t(e str#n.% At last t(e2 c#nsented t# let (im tr2 (is l*c$% He t##$ (is ,a2 sl#,l2 t#t(e li#n+ and )#*nd (im s#rel2 enra.ed% In exc*se )#r (is tard2 arrival (e reresented t(at (eand an#t(er (are (ad set #*t t#.et(er t# aear /e)#re t(e li#n+ /*t a stran.e li#n (ad seiBedt(e sec#nd (are+ and carried it #)) in site #) (is rem#nstrances% On (earin. t(is+ t(e li#n ,asexceedin. ,r#t(+ and c#mmanded t(e (are t# s(#, (im t(e )#e ,(# (ad tresassed #n (is

reserves% Pretendin. t# /e a)raid+ t(e (are .#t t(e li#n t# ta$e (im *#n (is /ac$+ and

directed (im t# a ,ell% On l##$in. d#,n t(e ,ell+ t(e li#n sa, in t(e ,ater t(e re)lecti#n #)(imsel) and #) t(e (are #n (is /ac$6 and t(in$in. t(at (e sa, (is )#e ,it( t(e st#len (are+ (e l*n.ed in t# attac$ (im+ and ,as dr#,ned+ ,(ile t(e (are sran. #)) (is /ac$ and escaed%T(is )#ll2 #n t(e art+ #) t(e li#n ,as redestined t# *nis( (im )#r den2in. &#ds r*lin.

r#vidence% S# Adam+ t(#*.( (e $ne, t(e names #) all t(in.s+ in acc#rdance ,it( &#ds redestinati#n+ ne.lected t# #/e2 a sin.le r#(i/iti#n+ and (is dis#/edience c#st (im dearl2%Tr*st in &#d+ as ##sed t# (*man exerti#ns%T(e /easts said+ 1O enli.(tened sa.e+La2 aside ca*ti#n6 it cann#t (el t(ee a.ainst destin26T# ,#rr2 ,it( reca*ti#n is t#il and m#il6&#+ tr*st in Pr#vidence+ tr*st is t(e /etter art%

7ar n#t ,it( t(e divine decree+ O (#t-(eaded #ne+Lest t(at decree enter int# c#n)lict ,it( t(ee%



Man s(#*ld /e as dead /e)#re t(e c#mmands #) &#dLest a /l#, /e)all (im )r#m t(e L#rd #) all creat*res%1He said+ 1Tr*e6 /*t t(#*.( tr*st /e #*r mainsta2+4et t(e Pr#(et teac(es *s t# (ave re.ard t# means%T(e Pr#(et cried ,it( a l#*d v#ice+

Tr*st in &#d+ 2et tie t(e camels le.% lHear t(e ada.e+ T(e ,#r$er is t(e )riend #) &#d69T(r#*.( tr*st in Pr#vidence ne.lect n#t t# *se means%&#+ O *ietists+ ractice tr*st ,it( sel)-exerti#n+Exert 2#*rsel) t# attain 2#*r #/3ects+ /it /2 /it%In #rder t# s*cceed+ strive and exert 2#*rselves6I) 2e strive n#t )#r 2#*r #/3ects+ 2e are )##ls%1T(e2 said+ 17(at is .ained )r#m t(e ##r /2 exerti#nsIs a )ra*d*lent m#rsel t(at ,ill /rin. ill l*c$%A.ain+ $n#, t(at sel)-exerti#n srin.s )r#m ,ea$ness6Rel2in. #n #t(er means is a /l#t *#n er)ect tr*st%

Sel)-exerti#n is n#t m#re n#/le t(an tr*st in &#d%7(at is m#re l#vel2 t(an c#mmittin. #nesel) t# &#d8Man2 t(ere are ,(# )lee )r#m #ne dan.er t# a ,#rse6Man2 )lee )r#m a sna$e and meet a dra.#n%Man lans a strata.em+ and t(ere/2 snares (imsel)67(at (e ta$es )#r li)e t*rns #*t+ t# /e destr*cti#n%He s(*ts t(e d##r a)ter (is )#e is in t(e (#*se%A)ter t(is s#rt ,ere t(e sc(emes #) P(ara#(%T(at 3eal#*s $in. sle, a m2riad /a/es+7(ile M#ses+ ,(#m (e s#*.(t+ ,as in (is (#*se%O*r e2es are s*/3ect t# man2 in)irmities6&#5 anni(ilate 2#*r si.(t in &#ds si.(t%F#r #*r )#resi.(t His )#resi.(t is a )air exc(an.e6In His si.(t is all t(at 2e can desire%S# l#n. as a /a/e cann#t .ras #r r*n+It ta$es its )at(ers /ac$ )#r its carria.e%"*t ,(en it /ec#mes indeendent and *ses its (ands+It )alls int# .riev#*s tr#*/les and dis.race%T(e s#*ls #) #*r )irst arents+ even /e)#re t(eir (ands+Fle, a,a2 )r#m )idelit2 a)ter vain leas*re%"ein. made catives /2 t(e c#mmand+ &et d#,n (ence+ :

T(e2 /ecame /#nd-slaves #) enmit2+ l*st+ and vanit2%7e are t(e )amil2 #) t(e L#rd and His s*c$in. /a/es%T(e Pr#(et said+ T(e e#le are &#ds )amil26He ,(# sends )#rt( t(e rain )r#m (eaven+Can He n#t als# r#vide *s #*r dail2 /read81T(e li#n said+ 1Tr*e6 2et t(e L#rd #) creat*resSets a ladder /e)#re #*r )eet%Ste /2 ste m*st ,e m#*nt * t# t(e r##)5T(e n#ti#n #) )atalism is .r#*ndless in t(is lace%4e (ave )eet ,(2 t(en retend 2e are lame84e (ave (ands ,(2 t(en c#nceal 2#*r cla,s8

7(en a master laces a sade in t(e (and #) a slave+T(e slave $n#,s (is meanin. ,it(#*t /ein. t#ld%



Li$e t(is sade+ #*r (ands are #*r Masters (ints t# *s64ea+ i) 2e c#nsider+ t(e2 are His directi#ns t# *s%7(en 2e (ave ta$en t# (eart His (ints+4e ,ill s(ae 2#*r li)e in reliance #n t(eir directi#n67(ere)#re t(ese (ints discl#se His intent+

Ta$e t(e /*rden )r#m 2#*+ and a#int 2#*r ,#r$%He t(at /ears it ma$es it /eara/le /2 2#*+He t(at is a/le ma$es it ,it(in 2#*r a/ilit2%Accet His c#mmand+ and 2#* ,ill /e a/le t# exec*te it6See$ *ni#n ,it( Him+ and 2#* ,ill )ind 2#*rselves *nited%Exerti#n is .ivin. t(an$s )#r &#ds /lessin.s6T(in$ 2e t(at 2#*r )atalism .ives s*c( t(an$s8&ivin. t(an$s )#r /lessin.s increases /lessin.s+"*t )atalism snatc(es t(#se /lessin.s )r#m 2#*r (ands%4#*r )atalism is t# slee #n t(e r#ad6 slee n#tTill 2e /e(#ld t(e .ates #) t(e 'in.s alace%

A(5 slee n#t+ O *nre)lectin. )atalists+Till 2e (ave reac(ed t(at )r*it-laden Tree #) Li)e7(#se /ranc(es are ever s(a$en /2 t(e ,ind+And ,(#se )r*it is s(#,ered #n t(e sleeers (eads%Fatalism means sleein. amidst (i.(,a2men%Can a c#c$ ,(# cr#,s t## s##n exect eace8I) 2e cavil at and accet n#t &#ds (ints+T(#*.( 2e c#*nt 2#*rselves men+ see+ 2e are ,#men%T(e =*ant*m #) reas#n 2e #ssessed is l#st+And t(e (ead ,(#se reas#n (as )led is a tail%Inasm*c( as t(e *nt(an$)*l are desica/le+T(e2 are at last cast int# t(e )ier2 it%I) 2e reall2 (ave tr*st in &#d+ exert 2#*rselves+And strive+ in c#nstant reliance #n t(e Almi.(t2%17isd#m is .ranted #)ten times t# t(e ,ea$%He said+ 1O )riends+ &#d (as .iven me insirati#n%O)ten times str#n. c#*nsel is s*..ested t# t(e ,ea$%T(e ,it ta*.(t /2 &#d t# t(e /eeIs ,it((eld )r#m t(e li#n and t(e ,ild ass%It )ills its cells ,it( li=*id s,eets+F#r &#d #ens t(e d##r #) t(is $n#,led.e t# it%

T(e s$ill ta*.(t /2 &#d t# t(e sil$,#rmIs a learnin. /e2#nd t(e reac( #) t(e ele(ant%T(e eart(l2 Adam ,as ta*.(t #) &#d names+ <S# t(at (is .l#r2 reac(ed t(e sevent( (eaven%He laid l#, t(e name and )ame #) t(e an.els+ >4et /lind indeed are t(e2 ,(#m &#d d##ms t# d#*/t5T(e dev#tee #) seven (*ndred t(#*sand 2ears Satan7as made a m*BBle )#r t(at 2earlin. cal) Adam+ ?Lest (e s(#*ld s*c$ mil$ #) t(e $n#,led.e #) )ait(+And s#ar #n (i.( even t# t(e t#,ers #) (eaven%T(e $n#,led.e #) men #) external sense is a m*BBle

T# st# t(em s*c$in. mil$ #) t(at s*/lime $n#,led.e%"*t &#d dr#s int# t(e (eart a sin.le earl-dr#



7(ic( is n#t /est#,ed #n #ceans #r s$ies511H#, l#n. re.ard 2e mere )#rm+ O )#rm-,#rs(iers84#*r s#*ls+ v#id #) s*/stance+ rest still in )#rms%I) t(e )#rm #) man ,ere all t(at made man+A(mad and A/* Ja(l ,#*ld /e *#n a ar%

A aintin. #n a ,all resem/les a man+"*t see ,(at it is lac$in. in t(at emt2 )#rm%Tis li)e t(at is lac$in. t# t(at mere sem/lance #) man%&#5 see$ )#r t(at earl it never ,ill )ind%T(e (eads #) eart(s li#ns ,ere /#,ed d#,n7(en &#d .ave mi.(t t# t(e Seven Sleeers d#.% G7(at mattered its desised )#rm7(en its s#*l ,as dr#,ned in t(e sea #) li.(t81H*man ,isd#m+ t(e mani)estati#n #) divine%On (is ,a2 t# t(e li#n t(e (are lin.ered+!evisin. a strata.em ,it( (imsel)%

He r#ceeded #n (is ,a2 a)ter dela2in. l#n.+In #rder t# (ave a secret #r t,# )#r t(e li#n%7(at ,#rlds t(e rincile #) Reas#n em/races5H#, /r#ad is t(is #cean #) Reas#n54ea+ t(e Reas#n #) man is a /#*ndless #cean%O s#n+ t(at #cean re=*ires+ as it ,ere+ a diver% On t(is )air #cean #*r (*man )#rmsFl#at a/#*t+ li$e /#,ls #n t(e s*r)ace #) ,ater64ea li$e c*s #n t(e s*r)ace+ till t(e2 are% )illed6And ,(en )illed+ t(ese c*s sin$ int# t(e ,ater%T(e #cean #) Reas#n is n#t seen 6 reas#nin. men are seen6"*t #*r )#rms minds are #nl2 as ,aves #r sra2 t(ere#)%7(atever )#rm t(at #cean *ses as its instr*ment+T(ere,it( it casts its sra2 )ar and ,ide% DTill t(e (eart sees t(e &iver #) t(e secret+Till it esies t(at "#,man s(##tin. )r#m a)ar+It )ancies its #,n steed l#st+ ,(ile in /e,ildermentIt is *r.in. t(at steed (it(er and t(it(er6 It )ancies its #,n steed l#st+ ,(en all t(e ,(ileT(at s,i)t steed is /earin. it #n li$e t(e ,ind%In dee distress t(at /l*nder (ead

R*ns )r#m d##r t# d##r+ searc(in. and in=*irin.+17(# and ,(ere is (e t(at (at( st#len m2 steed81T(e2 sa2+ 17(at is t(is t(#* ridest #n+ O master81He sa2s+ 1Tr*e+ tis a steed6 /*t ,(ere is mine81T(e2 sa2+ 1L##$ t# t(2sel)+ O rider6 t(2 steed is t(ere%1T(e real S#*l is l#st t# vie,+ and seems )ar #))6 T(#* art li$e a itc(er ,it( )*ll /ell2 /*t dr2 li6H#, canst t(#* ever see red+ .reen+ and scarletUnless t(#* seest t(e li.(t )irst #) all87(en t(2 si.(t is daBBled /2 c#l#rs+T(ese c#l#rs veil t(e li.(t )r#m t(ee%

"*t ,(en ni.(t veils t(#se c#l#rs )r#m t(ee+T(#* seest t(at c#l#rs are seen #nl2 t(r#*.( li.(t%



As t(ere is n# seein. #*t,ard c#l#rs ,it(#*t li.(t+S# it is ,it( t(e mental c#l#rs ,it(in%O*t,ard c#l#rs arise )r#m t(e li.(t #) s*n and stars+And in,ard c#l#rs )r#m t(e Li.(t #n (i.(%T(e li.(t t(at li.(ts t(e e2e is als# t(e (earts Li.(t6

T(e e2es li.(t r#ceeds )r#m t(e Li.(t #) t(e (eart%"*t t(e li.(t t(at li.(ts t(e (eart is t(e Li.(t #) &#d+7(ic( is distinct )r#m t(e li.(t #) reas#n and sense%At ni.(t t(ere is n# li.(t+ and c#l#rs are n#t seen6Hence ,e $n#, ,(at li.(t is /2 its ##site+ dar$ness%At ni.(t n# c#l#rs are visi/le+ )#r li.(t is lac$in.%H#, can c#l#r /e t(e attri/*te #) dar$ /lac$ness8L##$in. #n li.(t is t(e same as l##$in. #n c#l#rs6O#site s(#,s * ##site+ as a Fran$ a Ne.r#%T(e ##site #) li.(t s(#,s ,(at is li.(t+Hence c#l#rs t## are $n#,n /2 t(eir ##site%

&#d created ain and .rie) )#r t(is *r#se+T# ,it+ t# mani)est (ainess /2 its ##sites% 9Hidden t(in.s are mani)ested /2 t(eir ##sites6"*t+ as &#d (as n# ##site% He remains (idden%&#ds li.(t (as n# ##site in t(e ran.e #) creati#n7(ere/2 it ma2 /e mani)ested t# vie,%Per)#rce 1O*r e2es see n#t Him+ t(#*.( He sees *s%1 :"e(#ld t(is in t(e case #) M#ses and M#*nt Sinai% <!iscern )#rm )r#m s*/stance+ as li#n )r#m desert+Or as s#*nd and seec( )r#m t(e t(#*.(t t(e2 c#nve2%T(e s#*nd and seec( arise )r#m t(e t(#*.(t6T(#* $n#,est n#t ,(ere is t(e Ocean #) t(#*.(t64et ,(en t(#* seest )air ,aves #) seec(+T(#* $n#,est t(ere is a .l#ri#*s Ocean /eneat( t(em%7(en ,aves #) t(#*.(t arise )r#m t(e Ocean #) 7isd#m+T(e2 ass*me t(e )#rms #) s#*nd and seec(%T(ese )#rms #) seec( are /#rn and die a.ain+T(ese ,a+ves cast t(emselves /ac$ int# t(e Ocean%F#rm is /#rn #) T(at ,(ic( is ,it(#*t )#rm+And .#es a.ain+ )#r+ 1;eril2 t# Him d# ,e ret*rn%1 >7(ere)#re t# t(ee ever2 m#ment c#me deat( and 1ret*rn%1

M*sta)a sait(+ 1T(e ,#rld end*ret( #nl2 a m#ment%1S#+ t(#*.(t is an arr#, s(#t /2 &#d int# t(e air%H#, can it sta2 in t(e air8 It ret*rns t# &#d%Ever2 m#ment t(e ,#rld and ,e are rene,ed+ ?4et ,e are i.n#rant #) t(is rene,in. )#rever and a2e%Li)e+ li$e a stream #) ,ater+ is rene,ed and rene,ed+T(#*.( it ,ears t(e aearance #) c#ntin*it2 in )#rm%T(at seemin. c#ntin*it2 arises )r#m its s,i)t rene,al+As ,(en a sin.le sar$ #) )ire is ,(irled r#*nd s,i)tl2% GI) a sin.le sar$ /e ,(irled r#*nd s,i)tl2+It seems t# t(e e2e a c#ntin*#*s line #) )ire%

T(is aarent extensi#n+ #,in. t# t(e =*ic$ m#ti#n+!em#nstrates t(e raidit2 ,it( ,(ic( it is m#ved%



I) 2e see$ t(e deeest st*dent #) t(is m2ster2+L#5 tis H*sam*-d-!in+ t(e m#st exalted #) creat*res5@NOTES0% 1Tr*st in &#d and $ee 2#*r #,der dr2%19% 1La/#rare est #rare%1

:% '#ran ii% :<%<% 1And He ta*.(t Adam t(e names #) all t(in.s1 '#ran ii% 9D%>% T(e an.els said+ 17e (ave n# $n#,led.e /*t ,(at t(#* (ast .iven *s t# $n#,1 '#ran ii%:%?% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% ><:%G% '#ran xviii% G%% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% >G>0 T(e #cean #) Reas#n is t(e same as ,(at is else,(ere called t(e#cean #) "ein.+ viB%+ t(e N#*men#n+ #r !ivine s*/strat*m #) all (en#menal /ein. andt(#*.(t%D% 1T(#se arr#,s ,ere &#ds+ n#t v#*rs1 '#ran viii% G6 i%e%+ Mans reas#n r#ceeds )r#m&#d+ t(e 1Onl2 Real A.ent%1

% All*din. t# t(e 1"elievers l#st camel 1 "##$ II% St#r2 KII%+ in)ra%% Men see$ ,isd#m+and d# n#t $n#, t(at in t(emselves is t(e re)lected ,isd#m #) &#d &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <:>%% T(e real S#*l+ i%e%+ t(e sirit ,(ic( &#d 1/reat(ed int# man1 '#ran xv% 9D% 1In2#*rselves are si.ns6 ,ill 2e n#t /e(#ld t(em81 '#ran li+ 9%9% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% D9% Mr% Mansel "amt#n Lect*res+ % <D sa2s0 1A t(in. can /e$n#,n as t(at ,(ic( it is #nl2 /2 /ein. distin.*is(ed )r#m t(at ,(ic( it is n#t%1 "*t t(eIn)inite !eit2 ex (2#t(esi incl*des all t(in.s6 s# t(ere is n#t(in. t# c#ntrast Him ,it(%:% '#ran vi% :%<% '#ran vii% :D0 1He said+ T(#* s(alt n#t see me%1>% '#ran ii% >%?% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% ?<>0 All (en#mena are ever2 m#ment rene,ed /2 )res( e))l*xes #)

/ein. )r#m t(e !ivine N#*men#n%G% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% G%

STOR4 ;I%Omar and t(e Am/assad#r%T(e (are+ (avin. delivered (is c#mani#ns )r#m t(e t2rann2 #) t(e li#n+ in t(e manner 3*stdescri/ed+ r#ceeds t# imr#ve t(e #ccasi#n /2 ex(#rtin. t(em t# en.a.e in a .reater andm#re ard*#*s ,ar)are+ viB%+ t(e str*..le a.ainst t(eir in,ard enem2+ t(e l*sts #) t(e )les(% Heill*strates (is meanin. /2 t(e st#r2 #) an am/assad#r ,(# ,as sent /2 t(e Emer#r #) R*m t#

t(e '(ali)a Omar% On ar#ac(in. Medina t(is am/assad#r in=*ired )#r Omars alace+ andlearned t(at Omar d,elt in n# material alace+ /*t in a sirit*al ta/ernacle+ #nl2 visi/le t# *ri)ied (earts% At last (e discerned Omar l2in. *nder a alm-tree+ and dre, near t# (im in)ear and a,e% Omar received (im $indl2+ and instr*cted (im in t(e d#ctrine #) t(e m2stical*ni#n ,it( &#d% T(e am/assad#r (eard (im .ladl2+ and as$ed (im t,# =*esti#ns+ )irst+ H#,can s#*ls descend )r#m (eaven t# eart(8 and sec#ndl2+ 7it( ,(at #/3ect are s#*ls imris#nedin t(e /#nds #) )les( and /l##d8 Omar res#nded+ and t(e am/assad#r acceted (is teac(in.+and /ecame a *re-(earted S*)i% T(e (are *r.ed (is c#mani#ns t# a/3*re l*st and ride+ andt# .# and d# li$e,ise%&#ds a.enc2 rec#nciled ,it( mans )ree,ill%T(e am/assad#r said+ 1O C#mmander #) t(e )ait()*l+

H#, c#mes t(e s#*l d#,n )r#m a/#ve t# eart(8H#, can s# n#/le a /ird /e c#n)ined in a ca.e81



He said+ 1&#d sea$s ,#rds #) #,er t# s#*ls+T# t(in.s #) na*.(t+ ,it(#*t e2es #r ears+And at t(ese ,#rds t(e2 all srin. int# m#ti#n6At His ,#rds #) #,er t(ese n#t(in.s arise =*ic$l2+And str#n. im*lse *r.es t(em int# existence%

A.ain+ He sea$s #t(er sells t# t(ese creat*res+And s,i)tl2 drives t(em /ac$ a.ain int# N#t-/ein.%He sea$s t# t(e r#ses ear+ and ca*ses it t# /l##m6He sea$s t# t(e t*li+ and ma$es it /l#ss#m%He sea$s a sell t# /#d2+ and it /ec#mes s#*l6He sea$s t# t(e s*n+ and it /ec#mes a )#*nt #) li.(t%A.ain+ in its ear He ,(isers a ,#rd #) #,er+And its )ace is dar$ened as /2 a (*ndred eclises%7(at is it t(at &#d sa2s t# t(e ear #) eart(+T(at it attends t(eret# and rests stead)ast87(at is it t(at Sea$er sa2s t# t(e cl#*d+

T(at it #*rs )#rt( rain-,ater li$e a ,ater-s$in87(#s#ever is /e,ildered /2 ,averin. ,ill+ lIn (is ear (at( &#d ,(isered His riddle+T(at He ma2 /ind (im #n t(e (#rns #) a dilemma6F#r (e sa2s+ S(all I d# t(is #r its reverse8Als# )r#m &#d c#mes t(e re)erence #) #ne alternative6Tis )r#m &#ds im*lsi#n t(at man c(##ses #ne #) t(e t,#%I) 2#* desire sanit2 in t(is em/arrassment+St*)) n#t t(e ear #) 2#*r mind ,it( c#tt#n%Ta$e t(e c#tt#n #) evil s*..esti#ns )r#m t(e minds ear+ 9T(at t(e (eavenl2 v#ice )r#m a/#ve ma2 enter it+T(at 2#* ma2 *nderstand t(at riddle #) His+T(at 2#* ma2 /e c#.nisant #) t(at #en secret%T(en t(e minds ear /ec#mes t(e sens#ri*m #) insirati#n6F#r ,(at is t(is !ivine v#ice /*t t(e in,ard v#ice8 :T(e sirits e2e and ear #ssess t(is sense+T(e e2e and ear #) reas#n and sense lac$ it%T(e ,#rd c#m*lsi#n ma$es me imatient )#r l#ves sa$e6Tis (e ,(# l#ves n#t ,(# is )ettered /2 c#m*lsi#n%T(is is cl#se c#mm*ni#n ,it( &#d+ n#t c#m*lsi#n+T(e s(inin. #) t(e s*n+ and n#t a dar$ cl#*d%

Or+ i) it /e c#m*lsi#n+ tis n#t c#mm#n c#m*lsi#n+It is n#t t(e d#minati#n #) ,ant#n ,il)*lness%O s#n+ t(e2 *nderstand t(is c#m*lsi#nF#r ,(#m &#d #ens t(e e2es #) t(e inner man%T(in.s (idden and t(in.s )*t*re are lain t# t(em6T# sea$ #) t(e ast seems t# t(em desica/le%T(e2 #ssess )ree,ill and c#m*lsi#n /esides+ <As in #2ster-s(ells raindr#s are earls%O*tside t(e s(ell t(e2 are raindr#s+ .reat and small6Inside t(e2 are reci#*s earls+ /i. and little%T(ese men als# resem/le t(e m*s$ deers /a.6

O*tside it is /l##d+ /*t inside *re m*s$64et+ sa2 n#t t(at #*tside t,as mere /l##d+



7(ic( #n enterin. t(e /a. /ec#mes m*s$% N#r sa2 t(at #*tside t(e alem/ic t,as mere c#er+And /ec#mes .#ld inside+ ,(en mixed ,it( elixir%In 2#* )ree,ill and c#m*lsi#n are vain )ancies+"*t in t(em t(e2 are t(e li.(t #) Almi.(t2 #,er%

On t(e ta/le /read is a mere li)eless t(in.+7(en ta$en int# t(e /#d2 it is a li)e-.ivin. sirit%T(is transm*tati#n #cc*rs n#t in t(e ta/les (eart+Tis s#*l e))ects t(is transm*tati#n ,it( ,ater #) li)e%S*c( is t(e #,er #) t(e s#*l+ O man #) ri.(t vie,s5T(en ,(at is t(e #,er #) t(e S#*l #) s#*ls8 &#d%"read is t(e )##d #) t(e /#d2+ 2et c#nsider+H#, can it /e t(e )##d #) t(e s#*l+ O s#n8Fles(-/#rn man /2 )#rce #) s#*lCleaves m#*ntains ,it( t*nnels and mines%T(e mi.(t #) Fer(ads s#*l cle)t a (ill6

T(e mi.(t #) t(e S#*ls s#*l cleaves t(e m##n6 >I) t(e (eart #ens t(e m#*t( #) m2ster2s st#re+T(e s#*l srin.s * s,i)tl2 t# (i.(est (eaven%I) t#n.*e disc#*rses #) (idden m2steries+It $indles a )ire t(at c#ns*mes t(e ,#rld%"e(#ld+ t(en+ &#ds acti#n and mans acti#n6'n#,+ acti#n d#es /el#n. t# *s 6 t(is is evident%I) n# acti#ns r#ceeded )r#m men+H#, c#*ld 2#* sa2+ 7(2 act 2e t(*s8T(e a.enc2 #) &#d is t(e ca*se #) #*r acti#n+O*r acti#ns are t(e si.ns #) &#ds a.enc26

Nevert(eless #*r acti#ns are )reel2 ,illed /2 *s+7(ence #*r rec#mense is eit(er (ell #r T(e Friend%1@NOTES0% T(e #ets insistence #n t(e d#ctrine #) &#d /ein. t(e Fail i Ha$i$i+ #r Onl2 Real A.ent+,it(#*t ,(#se ,#rd n# /ein. and n# acti#n can /e+ leads (im t# t(e =*esti#n #) )ree,ill andc#m*lsi#n #) mans ,ill see &*ls(an i RaB+ I% >>>%9% S# &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <<9%:% T(e leadin. rincile #) all m2sticism is t(at+ indeendentl2 #) sense and reas#n+ man

#ssesses an in,ard sense+ #r int*iti#n+ ,(ic( c#nve2s t# (im a $n#,led.e #) &#d /2 directare(ensi#n see &*ls(an i RaB% I% <:%

<% T(eir ,ills are identi)ied ,it( &#ds ,ill+ as in t(e case #) t(e saint !a=*=i in)ra+ "##$ III%St#r2 KII%>% As a si.n #) t(e last da2 '#ran liv% %

STOR4 ;II%T(e Merc(ant and (is Clever Parr#t%T(ere ,as a certain merc(ant ,(# $et a arr#t in a ca.e% "ein. a/#*t t# travel t# Hind*stan#n /*siness+ (e as$ed t(e arr#t i) (e (ad an2 messa.e t# send t# (is $insmen in t(at c#*ntr2+and t(e arr#t desired (im t# tell t(em t(at (e ,as $et c#n)ined in a ca.e% T(e merc(ant

r#mised t# deliver t(is messa.e+ and #n reac(in. Hind*stan+ d*l2 delivered it t# t(e )irst

)l#c$ #) arr#ts (e sa,% On (earin. it #ne #) t(em at #nce )ell d#,n dead% T(e merc(ant ,asann#2ed ,it( (is #,n arr#t )#r (avin. sent s*c( a )atal messa.e+ and #n (is ret*rn (#me



s(arl2 re/*$ed (is arr#t )#r d#in. s#% "*t t(e arr#t n# s##ner (eard t(e merc(ants talet(an (# t## )ell d#,n dead in (is ca.e% T(e merc(ant+ a)ter lamentin. (is deat(+ t##$ (isc#rse #*t #) t(e ca.e and t(re, it a,a26 /*t+ t# (is s*rrise+ t(e c#rse immediatel2rec#vered li)e+ and )le, a,a2+ exlainin. t(at t(e Hind*stani arr#t (ad #nl2 )ei.ned deat( t#s*..est t(is ,a2 #) escain. )r#m c#n)inement in a ca.e%

Saints are reserved )r#m all (arm %As t# a 1man #) (eart+1 (e ta$es n# (*rt+Even t(#*.( (e s(#*ld eat deadl2 #is#n%He ,(# .ains (ealt( )r#m racticin. a/stinence is sa)e6T(e ##r discile is sa)e in t(e midst #) )ever%T(e r#(et said+ 1O discile+ t(#*.( 2#* /e /#ld+4et enter n#t int# c#n)lict ,it( ever2 )#e%17it(in 2#* is a Nimr#d6 enter n#t (is )ire6"*t i) 2#* m*st d# s#+ )irst /ec#me an A/ra(am% 9I) 2#* are neit(er s,immer n#r seaman+Cast n#t 2#*rsel) int# t(e sea #*t #) sel)-c#nceit%

A s,immer /rin.s earls )r#m t(e dee sea64ea+ (e l*c$s .ain )r#m t(e midst #) erils%I) t(e saint (andles eart(+ it /ec#mes .#ld6I) a sinner (andles .#ld+ it t*rns t# d*st%7(ereas t(e saint is ,ell-leasin. t# &#d+In (is acti#ns (is (and is t(e (and #) &#d%"*t t(e sinners (and is t(e (and #) Satan and dem#ns+"eca*se (e is ensnared in )alsit2 and )ra*d%I) )#ll2 meets (im+ (e ta$es it )#r ,isd#m64ea+ t(e learnin. .ained /2 t(e ,ic$ed is )#ll2%7(atever a sic$ man eats is a s#*rce #) sic$ness+"*t i) a saint im/i/e in)idelit2 it /ec#mes )ait(%A(5 )##tman ,(# c#ntendest ,it( (#rsemen+T(#* ,ilt n#t s*cceed in carr2in. t(e da25T(e 3eal#*s2 #) &#d :%T(e ,(#le ,#rld is 3eal#*s )#r t(is ca*se+T(at &#d s*rasset( t(e ,#rld in 3eal#*s2%&#d is as a s#*l and t(e ,#rld as a /#d2+And /#dies derive t(eir .##d and evil )r#m s#*ls%He t# ,(#m t(e sanct*ar2 #) tr*e ra2er is revealed!eems it s(ame)*l t# t*rn /ac$ t# mere )#rmal reli.i#n%

He ,(# is master #) t(e r#/es #) a $in."rin.s s(ame #n (is l#rd /2 ett2 (*c$sterin.%He ,(# is admitted t# t(e $in.s resence-c(am/er 7#*ld s(#, disresect /2 tarr2in. at t(e d##r,a2%I) t(e $in. .rants (im license t# $iss (is (and+He ,#*ld err ,ere (e t# $iss merel2 t(e $in.s )##t%T(#*.( t# la2 (ead at t(e $in.s )eet is d*e #/eisance+In t(e case s*#sed it ,#*ld /e ,r#n. t# $iss t(e )eet%T(e $in.s 3eal#*s2 ,#*ld /e $indled a.ainst (im7(#+ a)ter (e (ad seen (is )ace+ re)erred (is mere er)*me%&#ds 3eal#*s2 ma2 /e li$ened t# a .rain #) ,(eat+

"*t mans 3eal#*s2 is /*t emt2 c(a))%F#r $n#, 2e t(at t(e s#*rce #) 3eal#*s2 is in &#d+



And mans 3eal#*s2 is #nl2 an #))s(##t )r#m &#ds%"*t+ let me n#, =*it t(is s*/3ect+ and ma$e c#mlaintO) t(e severit2 #) T(at Fic$le Fair One%C#mlaints #) &#ds (ars( dealin.s ,it( His ad#rin. slaves%17(ere)#re d#st t(#* a/and#n t(2 creed and )ait(8

7(at matters it i) it /e (eat(en #r tr*e87(2 (ast t(#* )#rsa$en t(2 "el#ved87(at matters it i) s(e /e )air #r *.l281 <Let me t(en+ I sa2+ ma$e c#mlaintO) t(e severit2 #) T(at Fic$le Fair One%I cr2+ and m2 cries s#*nd s,eet in His ear6He re=*ires )r#m t(e t,# ,#rlds cries and .r#ans%H#, s(all I n#t ,ail *nder His c(astenin. (and8H#, s(all I n#t /e in t(e n*m/er #) t(#se /e,itc(ed /2 Him8H#, s(all I /e #t(er t(an ni.(t ,it(#*t His da287it(#*t t(e visi#n #) His )ace t(at ill*mes t(e da28

His /itters are ver2 s,eets t# m2 s#*l+M2 sad (eart is a livel2 sacri)ice t# m2 "el#ved%I am enam#*red #) m2 #,n .rie) and ain+F#r it ma$es me ,ell-leasin. t# m2 eerless 'in.%I *se t(e d*st #) m2 .rie) as salve )#r m2 e2es+T(at m2 e2es+ li$e seas+ ma2 teem ,it( earls%T(e tears ,(ic( are s(ed /eca*se #) His c(astenin.Are ver2 earls+ t(#*.( men deem t(em mere tears%Tis 1T(e S#*l #) s#*ls1 #) ,(#m I am ma$in. c#mlaint64et I d# n#t c#mlain6 I merel2 state m2 case%M2 (eart sa2s+ 1He (as in3*red me+1"*t I la*.( at t(ese retended in3*ries%!# me 3*stice+ O T(#* ,(# art t(e .l#r2 #) t(e 3*st+7(# art t(e t(r#ne+ and I t(e lintel #) T(2 d##r5"*t+ in s#/er tr*t(+ ,(ere are t(r#ne and d##r,a287(ere are 17e1 and 1I81 T(ere ,(ere #*r "el#ved is5O T(#*+ ,(# art exemt )r#m 1Us1 and 1Me+17(# ervadest t(e sirits #) all men and ,#men67(en man and ,#man /ec#me #ne+ T(#* art t(at One57(en t(eir *ni#n is diss#lved+ l#5 T(#* a/idest5T(#* (ast made t(ese 1Us1 and 1Me1 )#r t(is *r#se+

T# ,it+ t# la2 c(ess ,it( t(em /2 T(2sel)% >7(en T(#* s(alt /ec#me #ne entit2 ,it( 1Us1 and 14#*%1T(en ,ilt T(#* s(#, tr*e a))ecti#n )#r t(ese l#vers%7(en t(ese 17e1 and 14e1 s(all all /ec#me #ne S#*l+T(en t(e2 ,ill /e l#st and a/s#r/ed in t(e 1"el#ved%1T(ese are lain tr*t(s% C#me t(en+ O L#rd57(# art exalted a/#ve descriti#n and exlanati#n5Is it #ssi/le )#r t(e /#dil2 e2e t# /e(#ld T(ee8Can mind #) man c#nceive T(2 )r#,ns and T(2 smiles8Are (earts+ ,(en /e,itc(ed /2 T(2 smiles and )r#,ns+ ?In a )it state t# see t(e visi#n #) T(2sel)8

7(en #*r (earts are /e,itc(ed /2 T(2 smiles and )r#,ns+Can ,e .ain li)e )r#m t(ese t,# alternatin. states8



T(e )ertile .arden #) l#ve+ as it is /#*ndless+C#ntains #t(er )r*its /esides 3#2 and s#rr#,%T(e tr*e l#ver is exalted a/#ve t(ese t,# states+He is )res( and .reen indeendentl2 #) a*t*mn #r srin.5Pa2 tit(e #n T(2 /ea*t2+ O "ea*te#*s One5

Tell )#rt( t(e tale #) t(e "el#ved+ ever2 ,(it5F#r t(r#*.( c#=*etr2 His .lancesAre still in)lictin. )res( ,#*nds #n m2 (eart%I .ave Him leave t# s(ed m2 /l##d+ i) He ,illed it6I #nl2 said+ 1Is it ri.(t8 1 and He )#rs##$ me%7(2 d#st T(#* )lee )r#m t(e cries #) *s #n eart(87(2 #*rest T(#* s#rr#, #n t(e (eart #) t(e s#rr#,)*l8O T(#* ,(#+ as eac( ne, m#rn da,ns )r#m t(e east+Art seen *risin. ane,+ li$e a /ri.(t )#*ntain57(at exc*se ma$est T(#* )#r T(2 ,itc(eries8O T(#* ,(#se lis are s,eeter t(an s*.ar+

T(#* t(at ever rene,est t(e li)e #) t(is #ld ,#rld+Hear t(e cr2 #) t(is li)eless /#d2 and (eart5"*t+ )#r &#ds sa$e+ leave #)) tellin. #) t(e R#se6Tell #) t(e "*l/*l ,(# is severed )r#m (is R#se%M2 ard#*r arises n#t )r#m 3#2 #r .rie)+M2 sense mates n#t ,it( ill*si#n and )anc2%M2 c#nditi#n is di))erent+ )#r it is stran.e%!en2 it n#t 5 &#d is all-#,er)*l%Ar.*e n#t )r#m t(e c#nditi#n #) c#mm#n men+St*m/le n#t at severit2 and at merc2%F#r merc2 and severit2+ 3#2 and s#rr#,+ are transient+And transient t(in.s die6 1&#d is (eir #) all%1 G1Tis da,n5 O Pr#tect#r and As2l*m #) t(e da,n5Ma$e exc*se )#r me t# m2 l#rd H*sam*-d-!in5T(#* ma$est exc*ses )#r cUniversal Reas#n and S#*l6 S#*l #) s#*ls and &em #) li)e art T(#*5T(e li.(t #) m2 da,n is a /eam )r#m T(2 li.(t+S(inin. in t(e m#rnin. dra*.(t #) T(2 r#tecti#n5Since T(2 .i)t $ees me+ as it ,ere+ int#xicated+7(at is t(is sirit*al ,ine t(at ca*ses me t(is 3#28

Nat*ral ,ine lac$s t(e )erment in m2 /reast+

T(e s(eres la. /e(ind me in rev#l*ti#ns57ine is int#xicated ,it( me+ n#t I ,it( it5T(e ,#rld ta$es its /ein. )r#m me+ n#t I )r#m it5I am li$e /ees+ and eart(l2 /#dies li$e ,ax+ DI /*ild * t(ese /#dies as ,it( m2 #,n ,ax5@NOTES0% T(is is a c#mment #n t(e sa2in. #) Farid*-d-!in Attar+ 1T(#* art a man #) l*sts+ O )##l5 Ind*st eat /l##d5 /*t i) a man #) (eart eats #is#n+ tis as (#ne2%19% See '#ran xxi% ?+ and R#d,ells n#te%:% T(is is a c#mment #n t(e Hadis+ 1;eril2 Sad is a 3eal#*s man+ and I am m#re 3eal#*s t(an(e+ and &#d is m#re 3eal#*s t(an I+ and #) His 3eal#*s2 He r#(i/its All #ll*ti#ns+ /#t(

#*t,ard and in,ard%1 '#ran vi% >9%<% T(is is a =*#tati#n )r#m Ha$im Sanai+ and )#rms t(e text #) t(e )#ll#,in. disc#*rse%



>% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <+ and Omar '(a22am *atr%+ 9G%?% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% G<>0 Fr#,ns are t(e #cc*ltati#n #) t(e "el#ved /2 t(e veil #)

(en#mena6 smiles+ t(e revelati#n #) A/s#l*te "ein. t# its v#taries% Sadi &*listan+ "##$ II%St#r2 KI% sa2s0 1T(e visi#n+ #) &#d t# t(e i#*s c#nsists #) mani)estati#n and #cc*ltati#n6 Hes(#,s Himsel)+ and a.ain ,it(dra,s Himsel) )r#m #*r si.(t%1

G% '#ran xv% 9:%% i%e%+ t(e L#.#s+ and First S#*l+ *#sed t# /e re)erred t# in t(e text0 1O men+ )ear 2#*r L#rd+,(# (at( created 2#* )r#m #ne S#*l+ and #) (im created (is ,i)e1 '#ran iv% I% See &*ls(an iRaB+ I% 9:%D% i%e%+ in (is sirit*al exaltati#n (e )eels (imsel) as t(e L#.#s+ ,(ere )r#m t(# ,(#le materialcreati#n emanates%

STOR4 ;III%T(e Harer%

In t(e time #) t(e '(ali)a Omar t(ere lived a (arer+ ,(#se v#ice ,as as s,eet as t(at #) t(ean.el Isra)il+ and ,(# ,as in .reat re=*est at all )easts% "*t (e .re, #ld+ and (is v#ice /r#$e+and n# #ne ,#*ld eml#2 (im an2 l#n.er% In desair (e ,ent t# t(e /*rial-.r#*nd #)4at(r*/+ and t(ere la2ed (is (ar t# &#d+ l##$in. t# Him )#r rec#mense% Havin. )inis(ed(is mel#d2 (e )ell aslee+ and dreamed (e ,as in (eaven% T(e same ni.(t a divine v#ice camet# Omar+ directin. (im t# .# t# t(e /*rial-.r#*nd+ and relieve an #ld man ,(#m (e s(#*ld)ind t(ere% Omar r#ceeded t# t(e lace+ )#*nd t(e (arer+ and .ave (im m#ne2+ r#misin.(im m#re ,(en (e s(#*ld need it% T(e (arer cast a,a2 (is (ar+ sa2in. t(at it (ad diverted(im )r#m &#d+ and exressed .reat c#ntriti#n )#r (is ast sins% Omar t(en instr*cted (im t(at(is ,#rldl2 3#*rne2 ,as n#, #ver+ and t(at (e m*st n#t .ive ,a2 t# c#ntriti#n )#r t(e ast+ as(e ,as n#, entered int# t(e state #) ecstas2 and int#xicati#n #) *ni#n ,it( &#d+ and in t(isexalted state re.ard t# ast and )*t*re s(#*ld /e s,et a,a2% T(e (arer acted #n (isinstr*cti#ns+ and san. n# m#re%A#l#.2 )#r al2in. t(e term 1"ride1 t# &#d%M*sta)a /ecame /eside (imsel) at t(at s,eet call+His ra2er )ailed #n 1t(e ni.(t #) t(e earl2 m#rnin. (alt%1He li)ted n#t (ead )r#m t(at /liss)*l slee+1 S# t(at (is m#rnin. ra2er ,as *t #)) till n##n%On t(at+ (is ,eddin. ni.(t+ in resence #) (is /ride+His *re s#*l attained t# $iss (er (ands%

L#ve and mistress are /#t( veiled and (idden+Im*te it n#t as a )a*lt i) I call Him 1"ride%1I ,#*ld (ave $et silence )r#m )ear #) m2 "el#ved+I) He (ad .ranted me /*t a m#ments resite%"*t He said+ 1Sea$ #n+ tis n# )a*lt+Tis na*.(t /*t t(e necessar2 res*lt #) t(e (idden decree+Tis a )a*lt #nl2 t# (im ,(# #nl2 sees )a*lts%H#, can t(e P*re Hidden Sirit n#tice )a*lts81Fa*lts seem s# t# i.n#rant creat*res+

N#t in t(e si.(t #) t(e L#rd #) "eni.nit2%"las(em2 even ma2 /e ,isd#m in t(e Creat#rs si (t+

7(ereas )r#m #*r #int #) vie, it is .riev#*s sin%I) #ne )a*lt #cc*r am#n. a (*ndred /ea*ties



Tis as #ne dr2 stic$ in a .arden #) .reen (er/s%"#t( ,ei.( e=*all2 in t(e scalesF#r t(e t,# resem/le /#d2 and s#*l%7(ere)#re t(e sa.es (ave said n#t idl2+1 T(e /#dies #) t(e ri.(te#*s are as *re s#*ls%1

T(eir ,#rds+ t(eir acti#ns+ t(eir raises+Are all as a *re s#*l ,it(#*t s#t #r /lemis(%Omar re/*$es t(e Harer )#r /r##din. #verand /e,ailin. t(e ast%T(en Omar said t# (im+ 1T(is ,ailin. #) t(ineS(#,s t(#* art still in a state #) s#/riet2%1A)ter,ards (e t(*s *r.ed (im t# =*it t(at stateAnd called (im #*t #) (is /e..ar2 t# a/s#rti#n in &#d01S#/riet2 sav#*rs #) mem#r2 #) t(e ast6Past and )*t*re are ,(at veil &#d )r#m #*r si.(t%"*rn * /#t( #) t(em ,it( )ire5 H#, l#n.

7ilt t(#* /e artiti#ned /2 t(ese se.ments as a reed8S# l#n. as a reed (as artiti#ns tis n#t riv2 t# secrets+

N#r is it v#cal in res#nse t# li and /reat(in.%7(ile circ*mam/*latin. t(e (#*se t(#* art a stran.er67(en t(#* enterest in t(#* art at (#me%T(#* ,(#se $n#,led.e is i.n#rance #) t(e &iver #) $n#,led.e+T(2 ,ailin. c#ntriti#n is ,#rse t(an t(2 sin%T(e r#ad #) t(e anni(ilated is an#t(er r#ad6S#/riet2 is ,r#n.+ and a stra2in. )r#m t(at #t(er r#ad%O t(#* ,(# see$est t# /e c#ntrite )#r t(e ast+H#, ,ilt t(#* /e c#ntrite )#r t(is c#ntriti#n8At #ne time t(#* ad#rest t(e m*sic #) t(e l*te+At an#t(er em/racest ,ailin. and ,eein.%17(ile t(e 1!iscerner1 re)lected t(ese m2steries+T(e (eart #) t(e (arer ,as emanciated%Li$e a s#*l (e ,as )reed )r#m ,eein. and re3#icin.+His #ld li)e died+ and (e ,as re.enerated%AmaBement )ell *#n (im at t(at m#ment+F#r (e ,as exalted a/#ve eart( and (eaven+An *li)tin. #) t(e (eart s*rassin. all *li)tin.6I cann#t descri/e it 6 i) 2#* can+ sa2 #n5

Ecstas2 and ,#rds /e2#nd all ecstatic ,#rds6Immersi#n in t(e .l#r2 #) t(e L#rd #) .l#r25Immersi#n ,(ere)r#m ,as n# extricati#n+As it ,ere identi)icati#n ,it( t(e ;er2 Ocean5Partial Reas#n is as na*.(t t# Universal Reas#n+I) #ne im*lse deendent #n an#t(er im*lse /e na*.(t6"*t ,(en t(at im*lse m#ves t(is im*lse+T(e ,aves #) t(at sea rise t# t(is #int6 9@NOTES0% T(e ni.(t #) (is marria.e ,it( Sa)i22a%9% i%e%+ (e is #ssessed /2 t(e !eit2 as an 1Ener.*men+1 and t(e !eit2 ,#r$s t(ese ecstatic

states in (im%



STOR4 IK%T(e Ara/ and (is 7i)e%An Ara/ lived ,it( (is ,i)e in t(e desert in extreme #vert2+ s# t(at t(e2 /ecame a rer#ac(t# t(eir nei.(/#*rs% T(e ,i)e at last l#st atience+ and /e.an t# a/*se (er (*s/and+ and t# *r.e

(im t# imr#ve t(eir c#nditi#n% T(e Ara/ re/*$ed (er )#r (er c#vet#*sness+ remindin. (ert(at t(e Pr#(et (ad said+ 1P#vert2 is m2 .l#r2+1 and s(#,in. (er (#, #vert2 ,as a /etter rearati#n )#r deat( t(an ric(es+ and )inall2 t(reatenin. t# div#rce (er i) s(e ersisted in (er=*er*l#*s ,a2s% T(e ,i)e+ (#,ever+ /2 /landis(ments red*ced (er (*s/and t# #/edience+ as,ives al,a2s d#+ and made (im r#mise t# carr2 #*t (er ,is(es% S(e directed (im t# .# andreresent t(eir case t# t(e '(ali)a at "a.dad+ and t# ma$e (im an #))erin. #) a #t #) ,ater+t(at /ein. t(e #nl2 resent t(e2 c#*ld a))#rd t# ma$e% Acc#rdin.l2 t(e Ara/ travelled t#"a.dad+ and laid (is #))erin. at t(e )eet #) t(e '(ali)a+ ,(# received it .raci#*sl2+ and inret*rn )illed t(e #t ,it( ieces #) .#ld+ and t(en sent (im /ac$ t# (is (#me in a /#at * t(eriver Ti.ris% T(e Ara/ ,as l#st in ,#nder at t(e /eni.nit2 #) t(e '(ali)a+ ,(# (adrec#mensed (im s# /#*nti)*ll2 )#r (is ett2 #))erin. #) a dr# #) ,ater% T(e st#r2 c#ntains

several di.ressi#ns+ #n P(ara#(+ #n t(e r#(et Sali(+ and #n Adam and t(e an.els+ and t(e #et+ ar##s #) its disc#nnectedness+ c#mares it t# eternit2+ as it (as n# /e.innin. and n#end%Men s*/d*ed /2 ,#mens ,iles%In t(is manner s(e leaded ,it( .entle c#axin.+T(e ,(ile (er tears )ell *#n (er c(ee$s%H#, c#*ld (is )irmness and end*rance a/ide7(en even ,it(#*t tears s(e c#*ld c(arm (is (eart8T(at rain /r#*.(t )#rt( a )las( #) li.(tnin.7(ic( $indled a sar$ in t(e (eart #) t(at ##r man%Since t(e man ,as t(e slave #) (er )air )ace+H#, ,as it ,(en s(e st##ed t# slavis( entreaties87(en s(e ,(#se airs set t(2 (eart a-=*a$in.+7(en s(e ,ees+ (#, )eelest t(#* t(en87(en s(e ,(#se c#=*etr2 ma$es t(2 (eart /leedC#ndescends t# entreaties+ (#, is it t(en8S(e ,(# s*/d*es *s ,it( (er ride and severit2+7(at lea is le)t *s ,(en s(e /e.ins t# lead87(en s(e ,(# traded in na*.(t /*t /l##ds(edS*/mits at last+ a(5 ,(at a r#)it s(e ma$es5&#d (as ad#rned t(em 1)air in t(e si.(t #) men61

Fr#m (er ,(#m &#d (as ad#rned (#, can man escae8Since He created (im 1t# d,ell t#.et(er ,it( (er+1 9H#, can Adam sever (imsel) )r#m (is Eve8T(#*.( (e /e R*st*m+ s#n #) al+ and /raver t(an HamBa+4et (e is s*/missive t# t(e /e(ests #) (is dame%He /2 ,(#se reac(in. t(e ,#rld ,as entranced7as (e ,(# sa$e t(e t,# ,#rds+ 1O H*maira51 :T(#*.( ,ater revails #ver )ire in mi.(t+4et it /#ils /2 )ire ,(en in a ca*ldr#n%7(en t(e ca*ldr#n intervenes /et,een t(ese t,#+Air desire ma$es as na*.(t t(e acti#n #) t(e ,ater%

Aarentl2 t(#* art t(e r*ler #) t(2 ,i)e+ li$e ,ater6In realit2 t(#* art r*led /2 and s*liant t# (er%



S*c( is t(e ec*liarit2 #) man+He cann#t ,it(stand animal desire6 t(at is (is )ailin.%T(e Pr#(et said t(at ,#men (#ld d#mini#nOver sa.es and #ver men #) (eart+"*t t(at )##ls+ a.ain+ (#ld t(e *er (and #ver ,#men+

"eca*se )##ls are vi#lent and exceedin.l2 )r#,ard%T(e2 (ave n# tenderness #r .entleness #r amit2+"eca*se t(e animal nat*re s,a2s t(eir temerament%L#ve and tenderness are =*alities #) (*manit2+Passi#n and l*st are =*alities #) animalit2%7#man is a ra2 #) &#d+ n#t a mere mistress+T(e Creat#rs sel)+ as it ,ere+ n#t a mere creat*re5M#ses and P(ara#(+ ali$e d#ers #) &#ds ,ill+as Li.(t and !ar$ness% P#is#n and Antid#te%;eril2+ /#t( M#ses and P(ara#( ,al$ed in t(e ri.(t ,a2+T(#*.( seemin.l2 t(e #ne did s#+ and t(e #t(er n#t%

"2 da2 M#ses ,et /e)#re &#d+At midni.(t P(ara#( li)ted * (is cr2+Sa2in.+ 17(at a 2#$e is t(is *#n m2 nec$+ O &#d57ere it n#t )#r t(is 2#$e ,(# ,#*ld /#ast+ I am 8"eca*se T(#* (ast made M#ses )ace /ri.(t as t(e m##n+And (ast made t(e m##n #) m2 )ace /lac$ in t(e )ace%Can m2 star ever s(ine /ri.(ter t(an t(e m##n8I) it /e eclised+ ,(at remed2 (ave I8T(#*.( rinces and $in.s /eat dr*ms+And men /eat c2m/als /eca*se #) m2 eclise+ <T(e2 /eat t(eir /rass dis(es and raise a clam#*r+And ma$e m2 m##n as(amed t(ere/2+I+ ,(# am P(ara#(+ ,#e is me5 T(e e#les clam#*r C#n)#*nds m2 /#ast+ I am L#rd S*reme5 >M#ses and I are T(2 n*rslin.s /#t( ali$e+4et T(2 axe c*ts d#,n t(# /ranc(es in T(2 ,##ds%S#me #) t(ese /ranc(es T(#* lantest in t(e .r#*nd+Ot(ers T(#* castest a,a2 as *seless%Can /ranc( strive a.ainst axe8 N#t s#%Can /ranc( el*de t(e #,er #) t(e axe8 Na2+O L#rd #) t(e #,er t(at d,ells in T(2 axe+

In merc2 ma$e t(ese cr##$ed t(in.s strai.(t51Man and ,i)e t2es #) t(e sirit and t(e )les(%T(e dissensi#n #) t(is (*s/and and ,i)e is a ara/le6T(e2 are t2es #) t(2 animal and rati#nal s#*ls%T(is (*s/and and ,i)e are t(e reas#n and t(e )les(+A c#*le 3#ined t#.et(er )#r .##d and )#r evil%And in t(is eart(l2 (#*se t(is lin$ed air !a2 and ni.(t are ever at variance and stri)e%T(e ,i)e is ever see$in. dainties )#r d#mestic needs+

Namel2+ /read and meat and (er #,n di.nit2 and #siti#n%Li$e t(e ,i)e+ t(e animal s#*l see$s c#m)#rt+

S#metimes carnal+ s#metimes am/iti#*s6Reas#n (as n# care )#r t(ese matters+



In its mind is na*.(t /*t re.ard t# Alla(%T(#*.( t(e secret m#ral (ere#) is a /ait and snare+Hear its #*t,ard )#rm t# t(e end%I) sirit*al mani)estati#ns (ad /een s*))icient+T(e creati#n #) t(e ,#rld (ad /een needless and vain%

I) sirit*al t(#*.(t ,ere e=*ivalent t# l#ve #) &#d+O*t,ard )#rms #) temles and ra2ers ,#*ld n#t exist%Presents ,(ic( )riends ma$e #ne t# an#t(er Are na*.(t /*t si.ns and indicati#ns+T# .ive #*t,ard testim#n2 and ,itnessO) t(e l#ve c#ncealed ,it(in t(e (eart%"eca*se #*t,ard attenti#ns are evidenceO) secret l#ve+ O /el#ved5T(e ,itness ma2 /e tr*e #r )alse+

N#, dr*n$ ,it( real ,ine+ n#, ,it( s#*r ,(e26He ,(# drin$s )ermented ,(e2 disla2s dr*n$enness+

Ma$es a n#ise+ and reels t# and )r#%T(at (2#crite in ra2ers and )asts!isla2s exceedin. dili.ence+T(at men ma2 t(in$ (im dr*n$ ,it( l#ve #) &#d6"*t i) 2#* l##$ int# t(e tr*t(+ (e is dr#,ned in (2#cris2%In )ine+ #*t,ard acti#ns are .*idesT# s(#, t(e ,a2 t# ,(at is c#ncealed ,it(in%S#metimes t(e .*ide is tr*e+ s#metimes )alse+S#metimes a (el+ and at #t(er times a (indrance%O L#rd+ .rant+ in ans,er t# m2 ra2ers+ discernment+T(at I ma2 $n#, s*c( )alse si.ns )r#m t(e tr*e5'n#, 2#* (#, discernment accr*es t# t(e sense8Tis ,(en sense 1sees /2 t(e li.(t #) Alla(%1I) e))ects are #/sc*re+ still ca*ses testi)26'indred+ )#r instance+ s(#,s t(at t(ere is l#ve%"*t (e t# ,(#m &#ds li.(t is t(e .*ideIs n# l#n.er a slave t# e))ects and ca*ses%7(en t(e li.(t #) Alla( ill*mes (is senses+A man is n# l#n.er a slave t# e))ects%7(en l#ve #) &#d $indles a )lame in t(e in,ard man+He /*rns+ and is )reed )r#m e))ects%

He (as n# need #) si.ns t# ass*re (im #) l#ve+F#r l#ve casts its #,n li.(t * t# (eaven%Ot(er details are ,antin. t# c#mlete t(is s*/3ect+"*t ta$e t(is m*c(+ and all (ail t# 2#*5T(#*.( realit2 is ex#sed t# vie, in t(is )#rm+F#rm is at #nce ni.( t# and )ar )r#m realit2%F#r instance+ t(ese t,# resem/le ,ater and a tree67(en 2#* l##$ t# t(eir essence t(e2 are )ar aart64et see (#, =*ic$l2 a seed /ec#mes a (i.( treeO*t #) ,ater+ al#n. ,it( eart( and s*ns(ine5I) 2#* t*rn 2#*r e2es t# t(eir real essence+

T(ese t,# are )ar+ )ar aart )r#m eac( #t(er5"*t let *s =*it t(is tal$ #) essences and r#erties+



And ret*rn t# t(e st#r2 #) t(#se t,# ,ealt(-see$ers%H#, &#d made Adam s*eri#r t# t(e An.elsin ,isd#m and (#n#*r%He said+ 1"2 Alla(+ ,(# $n#,et( (idden secrets+7(# created *re Adam #*t #) d*st6

In t(e )#rm+ t(ree c*/its (i.(+ ,(ic( (e .ave (im+He disla2ed t(e c#ntents #) all sirits+ all decrees5C#mm*nicated t# (im t(e indeli/le ta/let #) existence+ ?T(at (e mi.(t $n#, all t(at is ,ritten #n t(#se ta/lets+A t(at s(#*ld /e )irst and last t# endless eternit2He ta*.(t (im+ ,it( t(e $n#,led.e #) (is #,n names+ GS# t(at t(e an.els ,ere /eside t(emselves at (is instr*cti#n+And .ained m#re sanctit2 )r#m (is sancti)icati#n%T(e exansi#n #) t(eir minds+ ,(ic( Adam /r#*.(t a/#*t+7as a t(in. *ne=*alled /2 t(e exansi#n #) t(e (eavens%F#r t(e ,ide exanse #) t(at *re mind

T(e ,ide sace #) t(e seven (eavens ,as n#t en#*.(%1T(e Pr#(et said t(at &#d (as declared+1I am n#t c#ntained in a*.(t a/#ve #r /el#,+I am n#t c#ntained in eart( #r s$2+ #r evenIn (i.(est (eaven% 'n#, t(is )#r a s*ret2% O /el#ved54et am I c#ntained in t(e /elievers (eart5I) 2e see$ me+ searc( in s*c( (earts51He said als#+ 1Enter t(e (earts #) m2 servants T# .ain t(e aradise #) /e(#ldin. Me+ O )earer #) &#d%1Hi.(est (eaven+ ,it( all its li.(t and ,ide exanse+7(en it /e(eld Adam+ ,as s(a$en )r#m its lace5Hi.(est (eaven is .reatness itsel) revealed6"*t ,(at is )#rm ,(en realit2 dra,s ni.(8Ever2 an.el declared+ 1In times #) 2#re7e /#re )riends(i t# t(e lains #) eart(67e ,ere ,#nt t# s#, t(e seed #) service #n t(e eart(+7(ere)#re ,e /#re a ,#ndr#*s attac(ment t# it%7(at ,as t(is attac(ment t# t(at (#*se #) eart(7(en #*r #,n nat*res are (eavenl287(at ,as t(e )riends(i #) li.(ts li$e *s t# dar$ness8H#, can li.(t d,ell t#.et(er ,it( dar$ness8

O Adam5 t(at )riends(i ar#se )r#m t(e scent #) t(ee+"eca*se t(e eart( is t(e ,ar and ,e)t #) t(2 /#d2%T(2 eart(l2 /#d2 ,as ta$en )r#m t(ere+T(2 *re sirit #) li.(t ,as s(ed d#,n )r#m (ere5"*t #*r s#*ls ,ere enli.(tened /2 t(2 sirit DL#n.+ l#n. /e)#re eart( (ad diverted it t# itsel)%7e *sed t# /e #n eart(+ i.n#rant #) t(# eart(+I.n#rant #) t(e treas*re /*ried ,it(in it%7(en ,e ,ere c#mmanded t# deart )r#m t(at lace+7e )elt s#rr#, at t*rnin. #*r stes a,a2 )r#m it%S# t(at ,e raised man2 =*esti#ns+ sa2in.+

O L#rd5 ,(# ,ill c#me t# ta$e #*r lace87ilt T(#* /arter t(e .l#r2 #) #*r raises and (#ma.e



F#r t(e vain /a//le #) men8T(e c#mmands #) &#d t(en di))*sed 3#2 *#n *s6 He said+7(at are 2e sa2in. at s*c( len.t(87(at 2e .ive t#n.*e t# s# )##lis(l2Is as t(e ,#rds #) s#iled c(ildren t# t(eir )at(er%

I $ne, #) m2sel) ,(at 2e t(#*.(t+"*t I desired t(at 2e s(#*ld sea$ it6As t(is /#astin. #) 2#*rs is ver2 imr#er+S# s(all m2 merc2 /e s(#,n t# revail #ver m2 ,rat(0O an.els+ in #rder t# s(#, )#rt( t(at revailin.+I insired t(at retensi#n t# cavil and d#*/t6I) 2#* sa2 2#*r sa2+ and I )#r/ear t# *nis( 2#*+T(e .ainsa2ers #) m2 merc2 m*st (#ld t(eir eace%M2 merc2 e=*als t(at #) a (*ndred )at(ers and m#t(ers6Ever2 s#*l t(at is /#rn is amaBed t(ereat%T(eir merc2 is as t(e )#am #) t(e sea #) m2 merc26

It is mere )#am #) ,aves+ /*t t(e sea a/ides ever57(at m#re s(all I sa28 In t(at eart(l2 s(ellT(ere is na*.(t /*t )#am #) )#am #) )#am #) )#am51&#d is t(at )#am6 &#d is als# t(at *re sea+F#r His ,#rds are neit(er a temtati#n n#r a vain /#ast%Pl*ralit2 and Partial Evil+ t(#*.( seemin.l2##sed t# Unit2+ s*/serve &##d%T(e st#r2 is n#, c#ncl*ded+ ,it( its *s and d#,ns+Li$e l#vers m*sin.s+ ,it(#*t /e.innin. #r endin.%It (as n# /e.innin.+ even as eternit2+

N#r endin.+ )#r tis a$in t# ,#rld ,it(#*t end%Or li$e ,ater+ eac( dr# ,(ere#) is at #nce"e.innin. and end+ and als# (as n# /e.innin. #r end%"*t &#d )#r/id5 T(is st#r2 is n#t a vain )a/le+Tis t(e read2 m#ne2 #) 2#*r state and mine+ /e s*re5"e)#re ever2 S*)i ,(# is enli.(tened7(atever is ast is never menti#ned%7(en (is ,(#le t(#*.(ts are a/s#r/ed in resent ecstas2+

N# t(#*.(t #) c#nse=*ences enters (is mind% lAra/+ ,ater-#t+ and an.els are all #*rselves517(ats#ever t*rnet( )r#m &#d is t*rned )r#m Him%1

'n#, t(e (*s/and is reas#n+ t(e ,i)e l*st and .reed6S(e is vested ,it( dar$ness and a .ainsa2er #) reas#n%Learn n#, ,(ence srin.s t(e r##t #) t(is circ*mstance+Fr#m t(is+ t(at t(e 7(#le (as arts #) divers $inds%T(ese arts #) t(e 7(#le are n#t arts in relati#n t# it+

N#t in t(e ,a2 t(at r#ses scent is a art #) t(e r#se%T(e /ea*t2 #) t(e .reen s(##t is art #) t(e r#ses /ea*t2+"*t t(e t*rtle-d#ves c##in. is a art #) t(at "*l/*ls m*sic%"*t i) I en.a.e in d#*/ts and ans,ers+H#, can I .ive ,ater t# t(irst2 s#*ls84et+ i) 2#* are erlexed /2 7(#le and )inite arts+

Have atience+ )#r c atience is t(e $e2 #) 3#2%1"e a/stinent+ a/stinent )r#m va.*e t(#*.(ts+



Since t(ere are li#ns in t(at desert #) t(#*.(ts%A/stinence is t(e rince #) medicines+As scratc(in. #nl2 a..ravates a sca/%A/stinence is certainl2 t(e r##t #) medicine6Practise a/stinence+ see (#, it invi.#rates t(2 s#*l5

Accet t(is c#*nsel and .ive ear t(eret#+T(at it ma2 /e t# t(ee as an earrin. #) .#ld5 Na2+ n#t a mere earrin.+ /*t t(at t(#* ma2est /e a mine #) .#ld+Or t(at t(#* ma2est s*rass m##n and Pleiades%First+ $n#, creati#n is in vari#*s )#rms6S#*ls are as vari#*s as t(e letters )r#m Ali) t# 4a%In t(is variet2 #) letters t(ere seems dis#rder+T(#*.( in )act t(e2 a.ree in an inte.ral *nit2%In #ne asect t(e2 are ##sed+ in an#t(er *nited6In #ne asect carici#*s+ in an#t(er seri#*s%T(e da2 #) 3*d.ment is t(e da2 #) t(# .reat revie,6

7(#s# is )air and enli.(tened l#n.s )#r t(at revie,67(#s#+ li$e a Hind##+ is /lac$ ,it( sin+T(e da2 #) revie, ,ill s#*nd t(e $nell #) (is dis.race%Since (e (as n#t a )ace li$e a s*n+He desires #nl2 ni.(t li$e t# a veil5I) (is t(#rn *ts n#t )#rt( a sin.le r#se/*d+T(e srin. in discl#sin. (im is (is )#e%"*t (e ,(# is )r#m (ead t# )##t a er)ect r#se #r lil2+T# (im srin. /rin.s re3#icin.%T(e *seless t(#rn desires t(e a*t*mn+T(at a*t*mn ma2 ass#ciate itsel) ,it( t(e .arden6And (ide t(e r#ses /ea*t2 and t(e t(#rns s(ame+T(at men ma2 n#t see t(e /l##m #) t(e #ne and t(e #t(ers s(ame+T(at c#mm#n st#ne and *re r*/2 ma2 aear all as #ne%Tr*e+ t(e &ardener $n#,s t(e di))erence even in a*t*mn+"*t t(e si.(t #) One is /etter t(an t(e ,#rlds si.(t%T(at One Pers#n is Himsel) t(e ,#rld+ as He is t(e s*n+And ever2 star in (eaven is a art #) t(e s*n%T(at One Pers#n is Himsel) t(e ,#rld+ and t(e restAre all His deendents and arasites+ O man5He is t(e er)ect ,#rld+ 2et He is sin.le6

He (#lds in (and t(e ,ritin. #) t(e ,(#le #) existence%7(ere)#re all )#rms and c#l#*rs #) /ea*t2 cr2 #*t+1 &##d ne,s5 .##d ne,s5 L#5 t(e srin. is at (and51I) t(e /l#ss#ms did n#t s(ine as /ri.(t (elmets+H#, c#*ld t(e )r*its disla2 t(eir .l#/es87(en t(e /l#ss#ms are s(ed t(e )r*its c#me t# a (ead+7(en t(# /#d2 is destr#2ed t(e s#*l li)ts * its (ead%T(e )r*it is t(e s*/stance+ t(e /l#ss#m #nl2 its )#rm+"l#ss#m t(e .##d ne,s+ and )r*it t(e r#mised /##n%7(en t(e /l#ss#ms )all t(e )r*it aears+7(en t(e )#rmer vanis( t(e )r*it is tasted%

Till /read is /r#$en+ (#, can it serve as )##d8Till t(e .raes are cr*s(ed+ (#, can t(e2 2ield ,ine8



Till citr#ns /e #*nded * ,it( dr*.s+H#, can t(e2 a))#rd (ealin. t# t(e sic$8@NOTES0% '#ran iii% 9%9% '#ran iii% D%

:% M*(ammad said t(ese ,#rds t# (is ,i)e+ A2is(a%<% C#mare t(e ancient c*st#m #) rin.in. /ells t# still t(*nder%>% '#ran lxxix% 9<% P(ara#(s /#ast%?% T(e ta/let #n ,(ic( &#d ,rites His eternal decrees%G% '#ran ii% 9D%% '#ran lxxxix% 9D%D% T(e L#.#s+ t(e )irst #) created /ein.s+ ,as a)ter,ards em/#died in Adam+ t(e 1Per)ectMan+1 #r Micr#c#sm%% He is t(e 1s#n #) t(e time resent and instant+1 as said a/#ve%% '#ran li% D%

STOR4 K%T(e Man ,(# ,as Tatt##ed%It ,as t(e c*st#m #) t(e men #) aB,in t# (ave vari#*s devices tatt##ed *#n t(eir /#dies% Acertain c#,ard ,ent t# t(e artist t# (ave s*c( a device tatt##ed #n (is /ac$+ and desired t(at itmi.(t /e t(e )i.*re #) a li#n% "*t ,(en (e )elt t(e ric$s #) t(e needles (e r#ared ,it( ain+and said t# t(e artist+ 17(at art #) t(e li#n are 2#* n#, aintin.81 T(e artist relied+ 1I amd#in. t(e tail%1 T(e atient cried+ 1Never mind t(e tail6 .# #n ,it( an#t(er art%1 T(e artistacc#rdin.l2 /e.an in an#t(er art+ /*t t(e atient a.ain cried #*t and t#ld (im t# tr2s#me,(ere else% 7(erever t(e artist alied (is needles+ t(e atient raised similar #/3ecti#ns+till at last t(e artist das(ed all (is needles and i.ments #n t(e .r#*nd+ and re)*sed t# r#ceedan2 )*rt(er%T(e Pr#(ets c#*nsels t# Ali t# )#ll#, t(e directi#n #) t(e Pir #r Sirit*al &*ide+ and t#end*re (is c(astisements atientl2%T(e Pr#(et said t# Ali+ 1O Ali+T(#* art t(e Li#n #) &#d+ a (er# m#st valiant64et c#n)ide n#t in t(2 li#n-li$e val#*r+"*t see$ re)*.e *nder t(e alm-trees #) t(e Tr*t(%7(#s# ta$es #/edience as (is exemlar S(ares its r#ximit2 t# t(e ine))a/le Presence%!# t(#* see$ t# dra, near t# Reas#n6 let n#t t(2 (eart

Rel2+ li$e #t(ers+ #n t(2 #,n virt*e and iet2%C#me *nder t(e s(ad#, #) t(e Man #) Reas#n+ lT(#* canst n#t )ind it in t(e r#ad #) t(e traditi#nists%T(at man en3#2s cl#se r#ximit2 t# Alla(6T*rn n#t a,a2 )r#m #/edience t# (im in an2 ,ise6F#r (e ma$es t(e t(#rn a /ed #) r#ses+And .ives si.(t t# t(e e2es #) t(e /lind%His s(ad#, #n eart( is as t(at #) M#*nt a)+His sirit is as a Sim*r.( s#arin. #n (i.(%He lends aid t# t(e slaves #) t(e )riends #) &#d+And advances t# (i.( lace t(em ,(# see$ (im%

7ere I t# tell (is raises till t(e last da2+M2 ,#rds ,#*ld n#t /e t## man2 n#r admit #) c*rtailment+



He is t(e s*n #) t(e sirit+ n#t t(at #) t(e s$2+F#r )r#m (is li.(t men and an.els dra, li)e%T(at s*n is (idden in t(e )#rm #) a man+Understand me5 Alla( $n#,s t(e tr*t(%O Ali+ #*t #) all )#rms #) reli.i#*s service

C(##se t(#* t(e s(ad#, #) t(at dear )riend #) &#d5Ever2 man ta$es re)*.e in s#me )#rm #) service+And c(##ses )#r (imsel) s#me as2l*m6!# t(#* see$ re)*.e in t(e s(ad#, #) t(e ,ise man+T(at t(#* ma2est escae t(2 )ierce secret )#es%O) all )#rms #) service t(is is )ittest )#r t(ee6T(#* s(alt s*rass all ,(# ,ere /e)#re t(ee%Havin. c(#sen t(2 !irect#r+ /e s*/missive t# (im+Even as M#ses s*/mitted t# t(e c#mmands #) '(iBr6 9Have atience ,it( '(iBrs acti#ns+ O sincere #ne5Lest (e sa2+ T(ere is a artiti#n /et,een *s%

T(#*.( (e stave in t(2 /#at+ 2et (#ld t(2 eace6T(#*.( (e sla2 a 2#*n. man+ (eave n#t a si.(%&#d declares (is (and t# /e even as &#ds (and+F#r He sait(+ T(e (and #) &#d is #ver t(eir (ands% :T(e (and #) &#d imels (im and .ives (im li)e6

Na2+ n#t li)e #nl2+ /*t an eternal s#*l%A )riend is needed6 travel n#t t(e r#ad al#ne+Ta$e n#t t(2 #,n ,a2 t(r#*.( t(is desert57(#s# travels t(is r#ad al#neOnl2 d#es s# /2 aid #) t(e mi.(t #) (#l2 men%T(e (and #) t(e !irect#r is n#t ,ea$er t(an t(eirs6His (and is n#ne #t(er t(an t(e .ras #) Alla(5I) a/sent saints can c#n)er s*c( r#tecti#n+!#*/tless resent saints are m#re #,er)*l t(an a/sent%I) s*c( )##d /e /est#,ed #n t(e a/sent+7(at dainties ma2 n#t t(e .*est ,(# is resent exect8T(e c#*rtier ,(# attends in t(e resence #) t(e $in.Is served /etter t(an t(e stran.er #*tside t(e .ate%T(e di))erence /et,een t(em is /e2#nd calc*lati#n6One sees t(e li.(t+ t(e #t(er #n2 t(e veil%Strive t# #/tain entrance ,it(in+

I) t(#* ,#*ldst n#t remain as a rin. #*tside t(e d##r%Havin. c(#sen t(2 !irect#r+ /e n#t ,ea$ #) (eart+ N#r 2et sl*..is( and lax as ,ater and m*d6"*t i) t(#* ta$est *m/ra.e at ever2 r*/+H#, ,ilt t(#* /ec#me a #lis(ed mirr#r81@NOTES0% i%e%+ t(e Pir+ #r Per)ect S(ai$(+ #r Sirit*al !irect#r% S# St% J#(n #) t(e Cr#ss and St%T(eresa en3#in #/edience t# t(e !irect#r ;a*.(an+ xii% 99%9% See '#ran xviii% GG )#r t(e st#r2 #) M#ses and '(iBr% It is als# .iven in Parnells Hermit%:% '#ran xlviii% %

STOR4 KI%



T(e Li#n ,(# H*nted ,it( t(e 7#l) and t(e F#x%A li#n t##$ a ,#l) and a )#x ,it( (im #n a (*ntin. exc*rsi#n+ and s*cceeded in catc(in. a,ild #x+ an i/ex+ and a (are% He t(en directed t(e ,#l) t# divide t(e re2% T(e ,#l) r##sedt# a,ard t(e #x t# t(e li#n+ t(e i/ex t# (imsel)+ and t(e (are t# t(e )#x% T(e li#n ,as enra.ed,it( t(e ,#l) /eca*se (e (ad res*med t# tal$ #) 1I1 and 1T(#*+1 and 1M2 s(are1 and 1T(2

s(are1 ,(en it all /el#n.ed #) ri.(t t# t(e li#n+ and (e sle, t(e ,#l) ,it( #ne /l#, #) (is a,% T(en+ t*rnin. t# t(e )#x+ (e #rdered (im t# ma$e t(e divisi#n% T(e )#x+ rendered ,ar2 /2t(e )ate #) t(e ,#l)+ relied t(at t(e ,(#le s(#*ld /e t(e #rti#n #) t(e li#n% T(e li#n+ leased,it( (is sel)-a/ne.ati#n+ .ave it all * t# (im+ sa2in.+ 1T(#* art n# l#n.er a )#x+ /*t m2sel)%1Till man destr#2s 1sel)1 (e is n# tr*e )riend #) &#d%Once a man came and $n#c$ed at t(e d##r #) (is )riend%His )riend said+ 1,(# art t(#*% O )ait()*l #ne81He said+ 1Tis I%1 He ans,ered+ 1T(ere is n# admittance%T(ere is n# r##m )#r t(e ra, at m2 ,ell-c##$ed )east%

Na*.(t /*t )ire #) searati#n and a/senceCan c##$ t(e ra, #ne and )ree (im )r#m (2#cris25

Since t(2 sel) (as n#t 2et le)t t(ee+T(#* m*st /e /*rned in )ier2 )lames%1T(e ##r man ,ent a,a2+ and )#r #ne ,(#le 2ear J#*rne2ed /*rnin. ,it( .rie) )#r (is )riends a/sence%His (eart /*rned till it ,as c##$ed6 t(en (e ,ent a.ainAnd dre, near t# t(e (#*se #) (is )riend%He $n#c$ed at t(e d##r in )ear and treidati#nLest s#me careless ,#rd mi.(t )all )r#m (is lis%His )riend s(#*ted+ 17(# is t(at at t(e d##r81He ans,ered+ 1Tis T(#* ,(# art at t(e d##r% O "el#ved51T(e )riend said+ 1Since tis I+ let me c#me in+T(ere is n#t r##m )#r t,# Is in #ne (#*se%1

STOR4 KII%J#se( ad t(e Mirr#r%An #ld )riend came t# a2 (is resects t# J#se(+ and+ a)ter s#me remar$s *#n t(e /ad

/e(avi#*r #) (is /ret(ren+ J#se( as$ed (im ,(at resent (e (ad /r#*.(t t# s(#, (is resect%T(e )riend relied t(at (e (ad l#n. c#nsidered ,(at .i)t ,#*ld /e m#st s*ita/le t# #))er+ andat last (ad )ixed *#n a mirr#r+ ,(ic( (e acc#rdin.l2 r#d*ced )r#m (is #c$et and resentedt# J#se(+ at t(e same time /e..in. (im t# admire (is #,n /ea*te#*s )ace in it%

!e)ect and N#t-/ein. t(e Mirr#r ,(ereinA/s#l*te Per)ect "ein. is re)lected %He dre, )#rt( a mirr#r )r#m (is sideA mirr#r is ,(at "ea*t2 /*sies itsel) ,it(%Since N#t-/ein. is t(# mirr#r #) "ein.+I) 2#* are ,ise+ c(##se N#t-/ein. sel)-a/ne.ati#n%"ein. ma2 /e disla2ed in t(at N#t-/ein.+7ealt(2 men s(#, t(eir li/eralit2 #n t(e ##r%He ,(# is an (*n.ered is t(e clear mirr#r #) /read+T(e tinder is t(e mirr#r #) t(e )lint and steel%

N#t-/ein. and !e)ect+ ,(erever t(e2 #cc*r+

Are t(e mirr#rs #) t(e "ea*t2 #) all /ein.s%"eca*se N#t-/ein. is a clear )iltered essence+



7(erein all t(ese /ein.s are in)*sed%7(en a .arment is made /2 a .##d tail#r+Tis an evidence #) t(e tail#rs art%L#.s #) ,##d ,#*ld n#t /e d*l2 s(aed!id n#t t(e carenter lan #*tline and detail%

T(e leec( s$illed in settin. /#nes .#es7(ere lies t(e atient ,it( a /r#$en le.%I) t(ere ,ere n# sic$ and in)irm+H#, c#*ld t(e excellence #) t(e leec(s art /e seen8I) vile /ase c#er ,ere n#t min.led+H#, c#*ld t(e alc(emist s(#, (is s$ill8!e)ects are t(e mirr#rs #) t(e attri/*tes #) "ea*t2+T(e /ase is t(e mirr#r #) t(e Hi.( and &l#ri#*s One+"eca*se #ne c#ntrar2 s(#,s )#rt( its c#ntrar2+ 9As (#ne2s s,eetness is s(#,n /2 vine.ars s#*rness%7(#s# rec#.niBes and c#n)esses (is #,n de)ects

Is (astenin. in t(e ,a2 t(at leads t# er)ecti#n5"*t (e advances n#t t#,ards t(e Almi.(t27(# )ancies (imsel) t# /e er)ect%

N# sic$ness ,#rse t(an )anc2in. t(2sel) er)ectCan in)ect t(2 s#*l+ O arr#.ant mis.*ided #ne5S(ed man2 tears #) /l##d )r#m e2es and (eart+T(at t(is sel)-satis)acti#n ma2 /e driven #*t%T(e )a*lt #) I/lis la2 in sa2in.+ 1I am /etter t(an (e+1 :And t(is same ,ea$ness l*r$s in t(e s#*l #) all creat*res%@NOTES0% C#mare t(e arallel assa.e in &*ls(an i RaB+ % :>+ and t(e n#tes t(ere#n%9% C% 1Reli.i# Medici+1 Sect% :>0 1Herein is divinit2 c#n)#rmant *nt# (il#s#(2+ and n#t#nl2 .enerati#n )#*nded #n c#ntrarieties+ /*t als# creati#n% &#d+ /ein. all t(in.s+ is c#ntrar2*nt# n#t(in.6 #*t #) ,(ic( ,ere made all t(in.s+ and s# n#t(in. /ecame s#met(in.+ andOmneit2 in)#rmed n*llit2 int# existence%1:% '#ran vii% II%

STOR4 KIII%T(e Pr#(ets Scri/e%T(e Pr#(et (ad a scri/e ,(# *sed t# ,rite d#,n t(e texts t(at )ell )r#m (is lis% At last t(is

scri/e /ecame s# c#nceited t(at (e ima.ined all t(is (eavenl2 ,isd#m r#ceeded )r#m (is#,n ,it+ and n#t )r#m t(e Pr#(et% P*))ed * ,it( sel)-im#rtance+ (e )ancied (imsel)insired+ and (is (eart ,as (ardened a.ainst (is master+ and (e /ecame a rene.ade+ li$e t(e)allen an.els Har*t and Mar*t% He t##$ (is #,n )##lis( s*rmises t# /e t(e tr*t(+ ,(ereas t(e2,ere all ,ide #) t(e mar$+ as t(#se #) t(e dea) man ,(# ,ent t# c#nd#le ,it( a sic$nei.(/#*r and ans,ered all (is remar$s at cr#ss *r#ses%H#, (il#s#(ers deceive t(emselves%On t(e last da2+ 1,(en Eart( s(all =*a$e ,it( =*a$in.+1T(is eart( s(all .ive ,itness #) (er c#nditi#n%F#r s(e 1s(all tell #*t (er tidin.s #enl2+14ea+ eart( and (er r#c$s s(all tell t(em )#rt(5

T(e (il#s#(er reas#ns )r#m /ase anal#.iesTr*e reas#n c#mes n#t #*t #) a dar$ c#rner 6



T(e (il#s#(er I sa2 denies t(is in (is ride #) intellect%Sa2 t# (im+ 1&#+ das( t(2 (ead a.ainst a ,all51T(e seec( #) ,ater+ #) eart(+ #) mire+Is a*di/le /2 t(e ears #) men #) (eart5T(# (il#s#(er+ ,(# denies !ivine Pr#vidence+

Is a stran.er t# t(e erceti#ns #) saints%He sa2s t(at t(e )las(es #) mens m#r/id ima.inati#nsInstil man2 vain )ancies int# mens minds%"*t+ #n t(e c#ntrar2+ tis (is erverseness and ,ant #) )ait(7(ic( imlant in (imsel) t(is vain )anc2 #) ne.ati#n%T(e (il#s#(er denies t(e existence #) t(e !evil6At t(e same time (e is t(e !evils la*.(in.-st#c$%I) t(#* (ast n#t seen t(e !evil+ l##$ at t(2sel)+7it(#*t dem#ns aid (#, came t(at /l*e t*r/an 9 #n t(2 /r#,87(#s#ever (as a d#*/t #r dis=*iet*de in (is (eartIs a secret denier and (il#s#(er%

N#, and t(en (e disla2s )irm /elie)+"*t t(at sli.(t das( #) (il#s#(2 /lac$ens (is )ace%"e,are+ O /elievers5 T(at l*r$s in 2#* t##64#* ma2 devel# inn*mera/le states #) mind%All t(e sevent2 and t,# (eresies l*r$ in 2#*6Have a care lest #ne da2 t(e2 revail #ver 2#*5He in ,(#se /reast t(e lea) #) tr*e )ait( is .r#,nM*st trem/le as a lea) )r#m )ear #) s*c( a catastr#(e%T(#* ma$est a m#c$ #) I/lis and t(e !evil+"eca*se t(#* art a )ine man in t(2 #,n si.(t6"*t ,(en t(2 s#*l s(all tell t(2 ,retc(ed )a*lts+7(at lamentati#n t(#* ,ilt ca*se t# t(e )ait()*l5T(e sellers #) /ase .#ld sit smilin. in t(eir s(#s+"eca*se t(e t#*c(st#ne is n#t as 2et in t(eir si.(t%O ;eiler #) sins5 stri n#t t(e veil )r#m *s6Lend *s aid #n t(e da2 #) trial5@NOTES0% '#ran xcix% -<%9% "l*e t*r/ans ,ere c#nsidered a si.n #) (2#cris2 Ha)iB+ Ode >%

STOR4 KI;%T(e C(inese and t(e &ree$ Artists%T(e C(inese and t(e &ree$s dis*ted /e)#re t(e S*ltan ,(ic( #) t(em ,ere t(e /etter

ainters6 and+ in #rder t# settle t(e dis*te+ t(e S*ltan all#tted t# eac( a (#*se t# /e ainted /2t(em% T(e C(inese r#c*red all $inds #) aints+ and c#l#*red t(eir (#*se in t(e m#st ela/#rate,a2% T(e &ree$s+ #n t(e #t(er (and+ *sed n# c#l#*rs at all+ /*t c#ntented t(emselves ,it(cleansin. t(e ,alls #) t(eir (#*se )r#m all )ilt(+ and /*rnis(in. t(em till t(e2 ,ere as clearand /ri.(t as t(e (eavens% 7(en t(e t,# (#*ses ,ere #))ered t# t(# S*ltans insecti#n+ t(at

ainted /2 t(# C(inese ,as m*c( admired6 /*t t(e &ree$ (#*se carried #)) t(e alm+ as all t(ec#l#*rs #) t(e #t(er (#*se ,ere re)lected #n its ,alls ,it( an endless variet2 #) s(ades and(*es%

'n#,led.e #) t(e (eart re)era/let# t(e $n#,led.e #) t(e sc(##ls%



T(e $n#,led.e #) men #) (eart /ears t(em *+T(e $n#,led.e #) men #) t(e /#d2 ,ei.(s t(em d#,n%7(en tis $n#,led.e #) t(e (eart+ it is a )riend67(en $n#,led.e #) t(e /#d2+ it is a /*rden%&#d sait(+ 1As an ass /earin. a l#ad #) /##$s+1

T(e $n#,led.e ,(ic( is n#t #) Him is a /*rden%'n#,led.e ,(ic( c#mes n#t immediatel2 )r#m HimEnd*res n# l#n.er t(an t(e r#*.e #) t(e tire,#man%

Nevert(eless+ i) 2#* /ear t(is /*rden in a ri.(t siritT,ill /e rem#ved+ and 2#* ,ill #/tain 3#2%See 2#* /ear n#t t(at /*rden #*t #) vain.l#r2+T(en 2#* ,ill /e(#ld a st#re #) tr*e $n#,led.e ,it(in%7(en 2#* m#*nt t(e steed #) t(is tr*e $n#,led.e+Strai.(t,a2 t(e /*rden ,ill )all )r#m 2#*r /ac$%I) 2#* drin$ n#t His c*+ (#, ,ill 2#* escae l*sts84#*+ ,(# see$ n# m#re #) Him t(an t# name His name8

7(at d# His name and )ame s*..est8 T(e idea #) Him%And t(e idea #) Him .*ides 2#* t# *ni#n ,it( Him%'n#, 2#* a .*ide ,it(#*t s#met(in. t# ,(ic( it .*ides87ere t(ere n# r#ads t(ere ,#*ld /e n# .(#*ls%'n#, 2#* a name ,it(#*t a t(in. ans,erin. t# it8Have 2#* ever l*c$ed a r#se &*l )r#m &a) and Lam84#* name His name6 .#+ see$ t(e realit2 named /2 it5L##$ )#r t(e m##n in (eaven+ n#t in t(e ,ater5I) 2#* desire t# rise a/#ve mere names and letters+Ma$e 2#*rsel) )ree )r#m sel) at #ne str#$e5Li$e a s,#rd /e ,it(#*t trace #) s#)t ir#n6Li$e a steel mirr#r+ sc#*r #)) all r*st ,it( c#ntriti#n6Ma$e 2#*rsel) *re )r#m all attri/*tes #) sel)+T(at 2#* ma2 see 2#*r #,n *re /ri.(t essence54ea+ see in 2#*r (eart t(e $n#,led.e #) t(e Pr#(et+7it(#*t /##$+ ,it(#*t t*t#r+ ,it(#*t recet#r%T(e Pr#(et sait(+ 1He is #ne #) m2 e#le+7(#s# is #) li$e temer and sirit ,it( me%His s#*l /e(#lds me /2 t(e sel)same li.(t7(ere/2 I m2sel) /e(#ld (im+7it(#*t traditi#ns and scrit*res and (ist#ries+

In t(e )#*nt #) t(e ,ater #) li)e%1Learn t(e m2ster2+ 1I ,as last ni.(t a '*rd+And t(is m#rnin. am /ec#me an Ara/%1 9T(is m2ster2 #) 1last ni.(t1 and 1t(is m#rnin.1Leads 2#* int# t(e r#ad t(at /rin.s 2#* t# &#d%"*t i) 2#* ,ant an instance #) t(is secret $n#,led.e+Hear t(e st#r2 #) t(e &ree$s and t(e C(inese%@NOTES0% '#ran lxii% >%9% S2ad A/*l 7a)a+ an *nlettered '*rd+ )#*nd a aer ,it( t(e ,#rds "ismilla( *#n it+ and+a)ter sendin. t(e ni.(t in ra2er+ )#*nd (imsel) a/le t# *nderstand Ara/ic L*c$-n#,

C#mmentat#r%



STOR4 K;%C#*nsels #) Reserve .iven /2 t(e Pr#(et t# (is Freedman aid%At da,n t(e Pr#(et said t# aid+1H#, is it ,it( t(ee t(is m#rnin.+ O *re discile81

He relied+ 1T(2 )ait()*l slave am I%1 A.ain (e said+1I) t(e .arden #) )ait( (as /l##med+ s(#, a t#$en #) it%1He ans,ered+ 1I ,as at(irst man2 da2s+"2 ni.(t I slet n#t )#r t(e /*rnin. an.s #) l#ve6S# t(at I assed /2 da2s and ni.(ts+As t(e #int #) a sear .lances #)) a s(ield%F#r in t(at state all )ait( is #ne+A (*ndred t(#*sand 2ears and a m#ment are all #ne67#rld ,it(#*t /e.innin. and ,#rld ,it(#*t end are #ne6Reas#n )inds n# entrance ,(en mind is t(*s l#st%1T(e Pr#(et a.ain *r.ed aid t# deliver t# (im a resent )r#m t(at celestial re.i#n+ as a t#$en

t(at (e (ad reall2 /een t(ere in t(e sirit% aid ans,ered t(at (e (ad seen t(e ei.(t (eavensand t(e seven (ells+ and t(e destinies #) all men+ ,(et(er /#*nd t# (eaven #r (ell% T(e /#d2+(e said+ is as a m#t(er+ and t(e s#*l as (er in)ant+ and deat( is t(e time #) art*riti#n+ ,(en it

/ec#mes mani)est t# ,(at class t(e in)ant s#*l /el#n.s% As+ #n t(e da2 #) 3*d.ment it ,ill /emani)est t# all men ,(et(er a s#*l /el#n.s t# t(e saved #r t# t(e l#st+ s# n#, it ,as lain andmani)est t# (im% He ,ent #n t# as$ t(e Pr#(et i) (e s(#*ld */lis( t(is secret $n#,led.e #)(is t# all men+ #r (#ld (is eace% T(e Pr#(et t#ld (im t# (#ld (is eace% aid+ (#,ever+

r#ceeded t# detail t(e visi#n #) t(e last 3*d.ment+ ,(ic( (e (ad seen ,(en in t(e sirit6 andt(e Pr#(et a.ain c#mmanded (im t# a*se+ addin. t(at1 &#d is never as(amed t# sa2 t(etr*t(+1 l and all#,s His Pr#(et t# sea$ )#rt( t(e tr*t(+ /*t t(at )#r aid t# /la/ )#rt( t(esecrets seen in ecstatic visi#n ,#*ld /e ,r#n.% aid relied t(at it ,as im#ssi/le )#r #ne,(# (ad #nce /e(eld t(e S*n #) 1T(e Tr*t(1 t# $ee (is visi#n a secret% "*t t(e Pr#(et inrel2 instr*cted (im t(at all men are masters #) t(eir #,n ,ills+ and t(at (e m*st n#t reveal,(at &#d (as determined t# $ee secret till t(e last da2+ in #rder t# leave men till t(en *ndert(e stim*l*s #) (#e and )ear+ and t# .ive t(em t(e credit #) 1/elievin. ,(at is n#t seen%1 9M#re (#n#*r is .iven t# t(e ,arder #) a castle ,(# )ait()*ll2 exec*tes (is tr*st at a distance)r#m t(e c#*rt t(an t# t(#se c#*rtiers ,(# serve c#nstantl2 *nder t(e $in.s #,n e2e% aids*/mitted t# t(# Pr#(ets in3*ncti#ns+ and remained sel)-c#ntained in (is ecstatic visi#ns%Anecd#tes #) t(e sa.e L*=man+ #) 'in. S#l#m#n+ and #) a c#n)la.rati#n in t(e da2s #) t(e'(ali)a Omar c#mlete t(e secti#n%T(e Pr#(ets )inal c#*nsels #) 1Reserve1%

T(e Pr#(et said+ 1M2 c#mani#ns are as t(e stars+Li.(ts t# t(em t(at ,al$ ari.(t+ missiles a.ainst Satan%I) ever2 man (ad stren.t( #) e2esi.(tT# l##$ strai.(t at t(e li.(t #) t(e s*n in (eaven+7(at need ,ere t(ere #) stars+ O (*m/le #ne+T# #ne ,(# ,as .*ided /2 t(e li.(t #) t(e s*n8

Neit(er m##n n#r lanets ,#*ld /e needed"2 #ne ,(# sa, directl2 t(e S*n #) T(e Tr*t(%T(e M##n : declares+ as als# t(e cl#*ds and s(ad#,s+ I am a man+ 2et it (at( /een revealed t# me% <Li$e 2#*+ I ,as nat*rall2 dar$+

T,as t(e S*ns revelati#n t(at .ave me s*c( li.(t%I still am dar$ c#mared t# t(e S*n+



T(#*.( I am li.(t c#mared t# t(e dar$ s#*ls #) men%T(ere)#re is m2 li.(t ,ea$+ t(at 2#* ma2 /ear it+F#r 2#* are n#t str#n. en#*.( t# /ear t(e daBBlin. S*n%I (ave+ as it ,ere+ mixed (#ne2 ,it( vine.ar+T# s*cc#*r t(e sic$ness #) 2#*r (earts%

7(en 2#* are c*red #) 2#*r sic$ness+ O invalid+T(en leave #*t t(e vine.ar and eat *re (#ne2%7(en t(e (eart is .arnis(ed and s,et clear #) l*st+T(erein T(e &#d #) Merc2 sittet( #n His t(r#ne% >T(en &#d r*les t(e (eart immediatel2+7(en it (as .ained t(is immediate c#nnecti#n ,it( Him%T(is s*/3ect is endless6 /*t ,(ere is aid+T(at I ma2 tell (im a.ain n#t t# see$ n#t#riet28Tis n#t ,ise t# */lis( t(ese m2steries+Since t(e last da2 is ar#ac(in. t# reveal all t(in.s%1

N#, 2#* ,ill n#t )ind aid+ )#r (e is )led+

He sran. )r#m t(e lace ,(ere t(e s(#es ,ere le)t+ ?Scatterin. t(e s(#es in (is (*rr2%I) 2#* (ad /een aid+ 2#* t## ,#*ld (ave /een l#st+As a star is l#st ,(en t(# s*n s(ines #n it6F#r t(en 2#* see n# trace #r si.n #) it+

N# lace #r trac$ #) it in t(# mil$2 ,a2%O*r senses and #*r endless disc#*rsesAre anni(ilated in t(e li.(t #) t(e $n#,led.e #) #*r 'in.%O*r senses and #*r reas#n ,it(in *sAre as ,aves #n ,aves 1assem/led /e)#re *s%1 G7(en ni.(t ret*rns and tis t(e time #) t(e s$2s levee+T(e stars t(at ,ere (idden c#me )#rt( t# t(eir ,#r$%T(e e#le #) t(e ,#rld lie *nc#nsci#*s+7it( veils dra,n #ver t(eir )aces+ and aslee6"*t ,(en t(e m#rn s(all /*rst )#rt( and t(e s*n ariseEver2 creat*re ,ill raise its (ead )r#m its c#*c(6T# t(e *nc#nsci#*s &#d ,ill rest#re c#nsci#*sness6T(e2 ,ill stand in rin.s as slaves ,it( rin.s in ears6!ancin. and clain. (ands ,it( s#n.s #) raise+Sin.in. ,it( 3#2+ 1O*r L#rd (at( rest#red *s t# li)e51S(eddin. t(eir #ld s$ins and /#nes+

As (#rsemen stirrin. * a cl#*d #) d*st%All ressin. #n )r#m N#t-/ein. t# "ein.+On t(e last da2+ as ,ell t(e t(an$)*l as t(e *nt(an$)*l%@NOTES0% '#ran xxxiii% >:%9% '#ran ii% 9%:% i%e%+ t(e Pr#(et%<% '#ran xviii% %>% '#ran xx% <%?% i%e%+ t(e vesti/*le #) t(e (#*se%G% '#ran xxxvi% >:%



STOR4 K;I%Alis F#r/earance%Ali+ t(e 1Li#n #) &#d+1 ,as #nce en.a.ed in c#n)lict ,it( a Ma.ian c(ie)+ and in t(e midst #)t(e str*..le t(e Ma.ian sat in (is )ace% Ali+ instead #) ta$in. ven.eance #n (im+ at #nce

dr#ed (is s,#rd+ t# t(e Ma.ians .reat ast#nis(ment% On (is in=*irin. t(e reas#n #) s*c()#r/earance+ Ali in)#rmed (im t(at t(e 1Li#n #) &#d1 did n#t destr#2 li)e )#r t(e satis)acti#n#) (is #,n ven.eance+ /*t siml2 t# carr2 #*t &#ds ,ill+ and t(at ,(enever (e sa, 3*stca*se+ (e (eld (is (and even in t(e midst #) t(e stri)e+ and sared t(e )#e% T(e Pr#(et+ Alic#ntin*ed+ (ad l#n. since in)#rmed (im t(at (e ,#*ld die /2 t(e (and #) (is #,n stirr*-

/earer I/n Mal3*n+ and t(e stirr*-/earer (ad )re=*entl2 iml#red Ali t# $ill (im+ and t(*ssave (im )r#m t(e c#mmissi#n #) t(at .reat crime6 /*t Ali said (e al,a2s re)*sed t# d# s#+ ast# (im deat( ,as as s,eet as li)e+ and (e )elt n# an.er a.ainst (is destined assassin+ ,(# ,as#nl2 t(e instr*ment #) &#ds eternal *r#se% T(e Ma.ian c(ie)+ #n (earin. Alis disc#*rse+,as s# m*c( a))ected t(at (e em/raced Islam+ t#.et(er ,it( all (is )amil2+ t# t(e n*m/er #))i)t2 s#*ls%

H#, t(e Pr#(et ,(isered t# Alis stirr*-/earert(at (e ,#*ld #ne da2 assassinate (is master%1T(e Pr#(et ,(isered in t(e ear #) m2 servantT(at #ne da2 (e ,#*ld sever m2 (ead )r#m m2 nec$%T(e Pr#(et als# ,arned /2 insirati#n me+ (is )riend+T(at t(e (and #) m2 servant ,#*ld destr#2 me%M2 servant cried+ 1O $ill me )irst+T(at I ma2 n#t /ec#me .*ilt2 #) s# .riev#*s a sin51I relied+ 1Since m2 deat( is t# c#me )r#m t(ee+H#, can I /al$ t(e )ate)*l decree81He )ell at m2 )eet and cried+ 1O .raci#*s l#rd+F#r &#ds sa$e cleave n#, m2 /#d2 in t,ain+T(at s*c( an evil deed ma2 n#t /e ,r#*.(t /2 me+And m2 s#*l /*rn ,it( an.*is( )#r its /el#ved%1I relied+ 17(at &#ds en (as ,ritten+ it (as ,ritten6In resence #) its ,ritin.s $n#,led.e is c#n)#*nded6T(ere is n# an.er in m2 s#*l a.ainst t(ee+"eca*se I attri/*te n#t t(is deed t# t(ee6T(#* art &#ds instr*ment% &#ds (and is t(e a.ent%H#, can I c(ide #r )ret at &#ds instr*ment81He said+ 1I) t(is /e s#+ ,(2 is t(ere retaliati#n81

I ans,ered+ 1Tis )r#m &#d+ and tis &#ds secret6I) He s(#,s disleas*re at His #,n acts+Fr#m His disleas*re He ev#lves a Paradise6He )eels disleas*re at His #,n acts+"eca*se He is a &#d #) ven.eance as #) merc2%In t(is cit2 #) events He is t(e L#rd+In t(is realm He is t(e 'in. ,(# lans all events%I) He cr*s(es His #,n instr*ments+He ma$es t(#se cr*s(ed #nes )air in His si.(t%'n#, t(e .reat m2ster2 #) ,(atever verses ,e cancel+Or ca*se 2#* t# )#r.et+ ,e s*/stit*te /etter )#r t(em% 9

7(atever la, &#d cancels+ He ma$es as a ,eed+And in its stead He /rin.s )#rt( a r#se%



S# ni.(t cancels t(e /*siness #) t(e da2time+7(en t(e reas#n t(at li.(ts #*r minds /ec#mes inanimate%A.ain+ ni.(t is cancelled /2 t(e li.(t #) da2+And inanimate reas#n is re$indled t# li)e /2 its ra2s%T(#*.( dar$ness r#d*ces t(is slee and =*iet+

Is n#t t(e ,ater #) li)e in t(e dar$ness8 :Are n#t sirits re)res(ed in t(at ver2 dar$ness8Is n#t t(at silence t(e seas#n #) (eavenl2 v#ices8F#r )r#m c#ntraries c#ntraries are /r#*.(t )#rt(+O*t #) dar$ness ,as created li.(t%T(e Pr#(ets ,ars /r#*.(t a/#*t t(e resent eace+T(e eace #) t(ese latter da2s res*lted )r#m t(#se ,ars%T(at c#n=*er#r #) (earts c*t #)) a t(#*sand (eads+T(at t(e (eads #) (is e#le mi.(t rest in eace%1&#ds re/*$e t# Adam )#r sc#rnin. I/lis%T# ,(#ms#ever &#ds #rder c#mes+

He m*st smite ,it( (is s,#rd even (is #,n c(ild%Fear t(en+ and revile n#t t(e ,ic$ed+F#r t(e ,ic$ed are im#tent *nder &#ds c#mmands%In resence #) &#ds c#mmands /#, d#,n t(e nec$ #) ride%Sc#)) n#t n#r c(ide even t(em t(at .# astra25One da2 Adam cast a l##$ #) c#ntemt and sc#rnU#n I/lis+ t(in$in. ,(at a ,retc( (e ,as%He )elt sel)-im#rtant and r#*d #) (imsel)+And (e smiled at t(e acti#ns #) c*rsed I/lis%&#d Almi.(t2 cried #*t t# (im+ 1O *re #ne+T(#* art ,(#ll2 i.n#rant #) (idden m2steries%I) I ,ere t# /la/ t(e )a*lts #) t(e *n)#rt*nate+I s(#*ld r##t * t(e m#*ntains )r#m t(eir /ases+And la2 /are t(e secrets #) a (*ndred Adams+And c#nvert a (*ndred )res( I/lises int# M#salmans%1Adam ans,ered+ 1I reent me #) m2 sc#rn)*l l##$s6S*c( arr#.ant t(#*.(ts s(all n#t /e mine a.ain%O L#rd+ ard#n t(is ras(ness in T(2 slave6I reent6 c(astise me n#t )#r t(ese ,#rds51O Aider #) aid-see$ers+ .*ide *s+F#r t(ere is n# sec*rit2 in $n#,led.e #r ,ealt(6

1Lead n#t #*r (earts astra2 a)ter T(#* (ast .*ided *s+1 <And avert t(e evil t(at t(e 1Pen1 (as ,ritten%T*rn aside )r#m #*r s#*ls t(e evil ,ritten in #*r )ates+Reel *s n#t )r#m t(e ta/les #) *rit25O &#d+ T(2 .race is t(e r#er #/3ect #) #*r desire6T# c#*le #t(ers ,it( T(ee is n#t r#er%

N#t(in. is /itterer t(an severance )r#m T(ee+7it(#*t T(2 s(elter t(ere is na*.(t /*t erlexit2%O*r ,#rldl2 .##ds r#/ *s #) #*r (eavenl2 .##ds+O*r /#d2 rends t(e .arment #) #*r s#*l%O*r (ands+ as it ,ere+ re2 #n #*r )eet6

7it(#*t reliance #n T(ee (#, can ,e live8And i) t(e s#*l escaes t(ese .reat erils+



Patience ,ill acc#mlis( t(2 desire+ n#t (aste%"e atient+ &#d $n#,s ,(at is /est%@NOTES0% M*(ammadans t(in$ t(e )#r/idden )r*it t# (ave /een ,(eat%9% T(e descendin. n#de #) t(e m##n see &*ls(an i RaB+ I% 9::%


"##$ II%PROLO&UE%

THE C#m#siti#n #) t(is Masnavi (as /een dela2ed )#r a seas#n6 Time is needed )#r /l##d t# /ec#me mil$%Till t(2 )#rt*ne c#mes )#rt( as a ne,-/#rn /a/e+"l##d /ec#mes n#t mil$+ s,eet and leasant t# t(e mind%7(en t(at li.(t #) &#d+ H*sam*-d-!inT*rned (is c#*rse d#,n )r#m t(e s*mmit #) (eaven+7(ile (e (ad ascended t# s*/limest verities+In t(e a/sence #) (is srin. t(e /*ds /l#ss#med n#t+"*t ,(en #*t #) t(at sea (e came t# s(#re+

T(e l*te #) t(e #es2 #) t(e Masnavi s#*nded a.ain%T(is Masnavi+ ,(ic( is t(e #lis(er #) sirits+Its rec#mmencement #cc*rred #n t(e da2 #) 1Oenin.%1T(e c#mmencement date #) t(is reci#*s ,#r$ 7as t(e 2ear six (*ndred and sixt2-t,# #) t(e Fli.(t%T(e "*l/*l started #n t(is date and /ecame a (a,$64ea+ a (a,$ t# (*nt #*t t(ese m2steries%Ma2 t(e ,rist #) t(e 'in. /e t(e restin.-lace #) t(is (a,$+And ma2 t(is d##r /e #en t# t(e e#le )#r ever5@NOTES0% T(e dela2 ,as ca*sed /2 t(e .rie) #) H*sam )#r t(e deat( #) (is ,i)e%

STOR4 I%T(e S*)is "eastA)ter anecd#tes #) t(e man+ in t(e time #) Omar+ ,(# mist##$ (is e2elas( )#r t(e ne, m##n+#) #ne ,(# st#le a sna$e and .#t /itten /2 it+ and #) Isas )##lis( discile ,(# /es#*.(t t(eL#rd t# teac( (im t(e sell ,(ere/2 (e raised t(e dead+ c#mes t(e )#ll#,in. st#r2%A certain S*)i+ a)ter a l#n. da2s 3#*rne2+ arrived at a m#naster2+ ,(ere (e *t * )#r t(eni.(t+ and strictl2 en3#ined (is servant t# .r##m (is ass care)*ll2 and .ive (im lent2 #) litterand )#dder% T(e servant ass*red (im t(at (is min*te directi#ns ,ere s*er)l*#*s+ and

r#mised t# attend t# t(e ass m#st care)*ll26 /*t ,(en (is masters /ac$ ,as t*rned (e

ne.lected t(e ass+ and t(e ##r animal remained all ni.(t ,it(#*t ,ater #r )##d% C#nse=*entl2(e ,as ,ea$ and *n)it t# travel next m#rnin.+ and in site #) t(e /l#,s and $ic$s t(at ,ere



s(#,ered #n (im+ c#*ld n#t carr2 (is master+ /*t (ad t# /e led% T(e #t(er S*)is ,(# ,eretravelin. ,it( (is #,ner t(#*.(t t(at t(e ass ,as *seless+ and ,(en t(e2 arrived at t(e lace,(ere t(e2 (alted )#r t(e ni.(t+ t(e2 s#ld t(e ass t# a traveler+ and ,it( t(e r#ceeds #) t(esale /#*.(t delicate viands and t#rc(es+ and made a )east% T(e #,ner #) t(e ass+ ,(# ,asi.n#rant #) t(is transacti#n+ s(ared t(e )east+ and 3#ined in t(e c(#r*s s*n. /2 t(e #t(ers+ 1T(e

ass is .#ne+ t(e ass is .#ne+1 ,it(#*t attac(in. an2 sense t# t(e ,#rds+ and /lindl2 )#ll#,in.t(eir examle% Next m#rnin. (e as$ed (is servant ,(at (ad /ec#me #) t(e ass+ and t(e servantt#ld (im it (ad /een s#ld+ addin. t(at (e t(#*.(t (e (ad $n#,n it #verni.(t+ /eca*se (e (ad(eard (im sin.in. 1T(e ass is .#ne1 al#n. ,it( t(e #t(er S*)is% In t(e c#*rse #) t(is st#r2t(ere #cc*r anecd#tes #) &#d c#ns*ltin. ,it( t(e an.els as t# t(e creati#n #) man+ #) a $in.,(# l#st (is (a,$ and )#*nd it a.ain in t(e (#*se #) a ##r #ld man+ and #) S(ai$( A(mad'(iBra,i2a /*2in. s,eetmeats )#r (is credit#rs%7(2 t(e #et veils (is d#ctrines in )a/les%7(at is it (inders me )r#m ex#*ndin. m2 d#ctrines"*t t(is+ t(at m2 (earers (earts incline else,(ere%T(eir t(#*.(ts are intent #n t(at S*)i .*est6

T(e2 are immersed in (is a))airs nec$ dee%S# I am c#melled t# t*rn )r#m m2 disc#*rseT# t(at st#r2+ and t# set )#rt( (is c#nditi#n%"*t+ O )riend+ t(in$ n#t t(is S*)i a mere #*t,ard )#rm+As c(ildren see in a vine n#t(in. /*t raisins%O s#n+ #*r /#dies are as dried .raes and raisins6I) 2#* are a man+ cast a,a2 t(ese t(in.s%I) 2#* ass #n t# t(e *re m2steries #) &#d+4#* ,ill /e exalted a/#ve t(e nine (eavenl2 s(eres%

N#, (ear t(e #*t,ard )#rm #) m2 st#r2+"*t 2et searate t(e .rain )r#m t(e c(a))%7(2 t(e r#(ets ,ere sent%&#d sent t(e r#(ets )#r t(is *r#se+

Namel2+ t# sever in)idelit2 )r#m )ait(%&#d sent t(e r#(ets t# man$indT(at t(e2 mi.(t .at(er t(e *re .rain #n t(eir tra2%In)idel and )ait()*l+ M#salman and Je,+"e)#re t(e r#(ets came+ seemed all as #ne%"e)#re t(e2 came ,e ,ere all ali$e+

N# #ne $ne, ,(et(er (e ,as ri.(t #r ,r#n.%&en*ine c#in and /ase c#in ,ere c*rrent ali$e6

T(e ,#rld ,as a ni.(t+ and ,e travelers in t(e dar$+Till t(e s*n #) t(e r#(ets ar#se+ and cried+1"e.#ne% O sl*m/er6 ,elc#me+ O *re li.(t51

N#, t(e e2e sees (#, t# distin.*is( c#l#rs+It sees t(e di))erence /et,een r*/ies and e//les%T(e e2e distin.*is(es 3e,els )r#m d*st+Hence it is d*st ma$es t(e e2es smart%Ma$ers #) /ase c#in (ate t(e da2li.(t+C#ins #) *re .#ld l#ve t(e da2li.(t+"eca*se da2li.(t is t(e mirr#r t(at re)lects t(em+S# t(at t(e2 see t(eir #,n er)ect /ea*t2%

M2stical Meanin. #) 1!a2li.(t1



&#d (as named t(e res*rrecti#n 1t(at da261!a2 s(#,s #)) t(e /ea*t2 #) red and 2ell#,%

7(ere)#re 1!a21 in tr*t( is t(e m2ster2 #) t(e saints6One da2 #) t(eir m##ns is as ,(#le 2ears%'n#,+ 1!a2 1 is t(e re)lecti#n #) t(e m2ster2 #) t(e saints+E2e-cl#sin. ni.(t t(at #) t(eir (idden secrets%T(ere)#re (at( &#d revealed t(e c(ater 1!a2li.(t+1 7(ic( da2li.(t is t(e li.(t #) t(e (eart #) M*sta)a%On t(e #t(er vie,+ t(at da2li.(t means 1T(e Friend+1It is als# a re)lecti#n #) t(e same r#(et%F#r+ as it is ,r#n. t# s,ear /2 a transit#r2 /ein.+H#, can ,e s*#se a transit#r2 /ein. s#$en #) /2 &#d8T(e Friend #) &#d said+ 1I l#ve n#t t(em t(at set81 9

H#,+ t(en+ c#*ld Alla( (ave meant a transit#r2 /ein.8A.ain+ t(e ,#rds 1/2 t(e ni.(t1 mean M*(ammads veilin.+

Namel2+ t(e )air eart(l2 /#d2 t(at (e /#re67(en (is s*n r#ceeded )r#m (eaven #n (i.(Int# t(at /#d2s ni.(t+ it said+ 1He (at( n#t )#rsa$en t(ee61Uni#n ,it( &#d ar#se #*t #) t(e det( #) t(at dis.race6T(at /##n ,as t(e ,#rd+ 1He (at( n#t /een disleased%1Exressi#ns #) reli.i#*s #r #t(er )eelin. derive t(eir #nl2 val*e )r#m t(e state #) mind )r#m,(ic( t(e2 r#ceed%Ever2 exressi#n is t(e si.n #) a state #) mind6T(at state is a (and+ t(e exressi#n an instr*ment%A .#ldsmit(s instr*ments in t(e (and #) a c#//ler Are as .rains #) ,(eat s#,n #n sand%T(e t##ls #) a c#//ler in t(e (and #) a c*ltivat#r Are as .rass /e)#re a d#. #r /#nes /e)#re an ass%T(e ,#rds+ 1I am t(e Tr*t(1 ,ere li.(t in Mans*rs : m#*t(+In t(e m#*t( #) P(ara#( 1I am L#rd S*reme1 ,as /las(em2%T(e sta)) in t(e (and #) M#ses ,as a ,itness+In t(e (ands #) t(e ma.icians it ,as na*.(t%F#r t(is ca*se Isa ta*.(t n#t t# t(at )##lis( manT(e ,#rds #) #,er ,(ere/2 (e raised t(e dead%

F#r (e ,(# is i.n#rant mis*ses t(e instr*ment 6I) 2#* stri$e )lint #n m*d 2#* ,ill .et n# )ire%Hand and instr*ment resem/le )lint and steel64#* m*st (ave a air6 a air is needed t# .enerate%He ,(# (as n# eer #r mem/er is t(e 1One+1An *neven n*m/er+ One ,it(#*t dis*te57(#s# sa2s 1#ne1 and 1t,#+1 and s# #n+C#n)esses t(ere/2 t(e existence #) t(e 1One%17(en t(e ill*si#n #) seein. d#*/le is s,et a,a2+T(e2 ,(# sa2 1#ne1 and 1t,#1 are even as t(e2 ,(# sa2 1One%1I) 2#* ta$e 1One1 as 2#*r /all in (is tennis-)ield+

It is made t# rev#lve /2 t(e str#$es #) (is /at% <4ea+ t(e /all t(at is even and ,it(#*t )a*lt



Is made t# rev#lve /2 t(e str#$es #) t(e 'in.s (and%O man #) d#*/le visi#n+ > (ear$en ,it( attenti#n+See$ a c*re )#r 2#*r de)ective si.(t /2 listenin.%Man2 are t(e (#l2 ,#rds t(at )ind n# entranceInt# /lind (earts+ /*t t(e2 enter (earts )*ll #) li.(t%

"*t t(e deceits #) Satan enter cr##$ed (earts+Even as cr##$ed s(#es )it cr##$ed )eet%T(#*.( 2#* reeat i#*s exressi#ns a.ain and a.ain+I) 2#* are a )##l+ t(e2 a))ect 2#* n#t at all6

Na2+ n#t t(#*.( 2#* set t(em d#,n in ,ritin.+And t(#*.( 2#* r#claim t(em va*ntin.l267isd#m averts its )ace )r#m 2#*+ O man #) sin+7isd#m /rea$s a,a2 )r#m 2#* and ta$es t# )li.(t5n Ta=lid+ /lind imitati#n #r cant%1O ,retc(+ ,(2 did 2#* n#t c#me and sa2 t# me+S*c( and s*c( a disastr#*s a))air (as #cc*rred81

T(e servant relied+ 1"2 Alla(+ I came a.ain and a.ain+T(at I mi.(t ac=*aint 2#* ,it( t(e matter%4#* ,ere al,a2s sa2in.+ T(e ass is .#ne+ m2 lad5Al#n. ,it( t(e #t(ers in (i.( excitement6S# I ,ent a,a2+ t(in$in. 2#* $ne, all a/#*t it+And ,ere leased at t(e transacti#n+ /ein. a ,ise man%1T(e S*)i said+ 1T(e2 ,ere all sin.in. t(e same ,#rds+S# I )elt imelled t# sin. t(em as ,ell%"lind imitati#n #) t(em (as *nd#ne me%C*rsed /e t(at /lind imitati#n51T(e e))ect #) /lindl2 imitatin. *nr#)ita/le c#nd*ctIs t(at men cast a,a2 (#n#r )#r a m#rsel #) /read%T(e ecstas2 #) t(at c#man2 cast a re)lecti#n+7(ere/2 t(at S*)is (eart /ecame ecstatic li$e t(em%4#* need man2 re)lecti#ns )r#m 2#*r ass#ciatesIn #rder t# dra, ,ater )r#m t(e eerless Ocean%T(e )irst re)lecti#n cast is mere /lind imitati#n6A)ter it (as /een #)ten reeated 2#* ma2 test its tr*t(%Till it is t(*s veri)ied+ ta$e it n#t )r#m 2#*r )riends6T(e dr#+ n#t 2et /ec#me earl+ sever n#t )r#m its s(ell%Evil in)l*ence #) c#vet#*sness%

7#*ld 2#* (ave e2es and ears #) reas#n clear+Tear #)) t(e #/str*ctin. veil #) .reed5T(e /lind imitati#n #) t(at S*)i r#ceeded )r#m .reed6&reed cl#sed (is mind t# t(e *re li.(t%4ea+ t,as .reed t(at led astra2 t(at S*)i+And /r#*.(t (im t# l#ss #) r#ert2 and r*in%&reed #) vict*als+ .reed #) t(at ecstatic sin.in.Hindered (is ,its )r#m .rasin. t(e tr*t(%I) .reed stained t(e )ace #) a mirr#r+

T(at mirr#r ,#*ld /e as deceit)*l as ,e men are% ?I) a air #) scales ,ere .reed2 #) ric(es+



7#*ld t(e2 tell tr*l2 t(e ,ei.(t #) an2t(in.8T(e Pr#(et sait(+ 1O e#le+ t(r#*.( sin.leness #) mind+I as$ #) 2#* n# rec#mense )#r m2 r#(es2in.6 GI am a .*ide6 &#d /*2et( m2 .*idance )#r 2#*+&#d .ivet( 2#* m2 .*idance in /#t( ,#rlds%

Tr*e+ a .*ide deserves (is ,a.es67a.es are d*e t# (im )#r directin. 2#* ari.(t%"*t ,(at are m2 ,a.es8 T(e visi#n #) T(e Friend%A/* "a$r indeed #))ered me )#rt2 t(#*sand ieces #) .#ld+"*t (is )#rt2 t(#*sand ieces ,ere n# ,a.es )#r me% H#, c#*ld I ta$e /rass /eads )#r earls #) Aden81I ,ill tell 2#* a tale6 (ear$en attentivel2+T(at 2#* ma2 $n#, (#, .reed cl#ses * t(e ears%Ever2 man s*/3ect t# .reed is a miser%Can e2es #) (earts cl#*ded ,it( .reed see clearl28T(e ill*si#n #) ran$ and ric(es /linds (is si.(t+

Li$e (air dr#in. d#,n /e)#re (is e2es%@NOTES0% '#ran xciii0 1"2 t(e da2li.(t and /2 t(e ni.(t t(2+ L#rd (at( n#t )#rsa$en t(ee n#r /eendisleased%19% '#ran vi% G?0 1And ,(en t(e ni.(t #vers(ad#,ed A/ra(am+ (e /e(eld a star+ and (e said+T(is is m2 L#rd6 /*t ,(en it set (e said+ I l#ve n#t &#ds ,(ic( set%1:% Mans*r Halla3+ a cele/rated S*)i ,(# ,as *t t# deat( at "a.dad in :D A%H% )#r *sin.t(ese ,#rds%<% i%e%+ *nit2 is made t# aear as l*ralit2 see &*ls(an i RaB+ I% G%>% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <%?% T(e T*r$is( c#mmentat#r translates t(*s% T(e L*c$n#, c#2 reads "a sati )#r Ma sti%G% '#ran xi >:%% A/* "a$r made #ver all (is .##ds t# t(e Pr#(et in aid #) t(e exediti#n t# S2ria%

STOR4 II%T(e Pa*er and t(e Pris#ners%A certain a*er #/tained admittance t# a ris#n+ and ann#2ed t(e ris#ners /2 eatin. * allt(eir vict*als and leavin. t(em n#ne% At last t(e2 made a )#rmal c#mlaint t# t(e aBi+ and

ra2ed (im t# /anis( t(e .reed2 a*er )r#m t(e ris#n% T(e aBi s*mm#ned t(e a*er /e)#re (im+ and as$ed (im ,(2 (e did n#t .# t# (is #,n (#*se instead #) livin. #n t(e

ris#ners% T(e a*er relied t(at (e (ad n# (#*se #r means #) liveli(##d excet t(at s*lied /2 t(e ris#n6 ,(ere*#n t(e aBi #rdered (im t# /e carried t(r#*.( t(e cit2+ and r#clamati#n t# /e made t(at (e ,as a a*er+ t(at n# #ne mi.(t /e ind*ced t# lend (imm#ne2 #r trade ,it( (im% Acc#rdin.l2 t(e attendants s#*.(t )#r a camel ,(ere#n t# carr2 (imt(r#*.( t(e cit2+ and at last ind*ced a '*rd ,(# s#ld )ire,##d t# lend (is camel )#r t(e

*r#se% T(e '*rd c#nsented )r#m .reed #) re,ard+ and t(e a*er+ /ein. seated #n t(ecamel+ ,as carried t(r#*.( t(e cit2 )r#m m#rnin. till evenin.+ r#clamati#n /ein. made inPersian+ Ara/ic+ and '*rdis( t(at (e ,as a a*er% 7(en evenin. came t(e '*rd demanded

a2ment+ /*t t(e a*er re)*sed t# .ive (im an2t(in.+ #/servin. t(at i) (e (ad $et (is ears#en (e m*st (ave (eard t(e r#clamati#n% T(*s t(e '*rd ,as led /2 .reed t# send t(e da2in *seless la/#r%

Satans #))ice in t(e ,#rld%T(e a*er said+ 14#*r /ene)icence is m2 s*stenance6



T# me+ as t# aliens+ 2#*r ris#n is a aradise%I) 2#* /anis( me )r#m 2#*r ris#n in rer#/ati#n+I m*st needs die #) #vert2 and a))licti#n%1J*st s# I/lis said t# Alla(+ 1O (ave c#massi#n6L#rd5 resite me till t(e da2 #) res*rrecti#n6

F#r in t(is ris#n #) t(e ,#rld I am at #ase+T(at I ma2 sla2 t(e c(ildren #) m2 enemies%Fr#m ever2 #ne ,(# (as tr*e )ait( )#r )##d+And as /read )#r (is r#visi#ns /2 t(e ,a2+I ta$e it a,a2 /2 )ra*d #r deceit+S# t(at t(e2 raise /itter cries #) re.ret%S#metimes I menace t(em ,it( #vert2+ 9S#metimes I /lind t(eir e2es ,it( tresses and m#les%1In t(is ris#n t(e )##d #) tr*e )ait( is scarce+And /2 t(e tric$s #) t(is d#. ,(at t(ere is is l#st%In site #) ra2ers and )asts and endless ains+

O*r )##d is alt#.et(er dev#*red /2 (im%Let *s see$ re)*.e ,it( Alla( )r#m Satan%Alas 5 ,e are eris(in. /2 (is ins#lence%T(e d#. is #ne+ 2et (e enters a t(#*sand )#rms6 :7(atever (e enters strai.(t /ec#mes (imsel)%7(atever ma$es 2#* s(iver+ $n#, (e is in it+T(e !evil is (idden /eneat( its #*t,ard )#rm%7(en (e )inds n# )#rm at (and+ (e enters 2#*r t(#*.(ts+T# ca*se t(em t# dra, 2#* int# sin%Fr#m 2#*r t(#*.(ts r#ceeds destr*cti#n+7(en )r#m time t# time evil t(#*.(ts #cc*r t# 2#*%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) leas*re+ s#metimes #) /*siness+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) science+ s#metimes #) (#*se and (#me%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) .ain and tra))ic+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) merc(andise and ,ealt(%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) m#ne2 and ,ives and c(ildren+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) ,isd#m #r #) sadness%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) (#*se(#ld .##ds and )ine linen+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) carets+ s#metimes #) s,eeers%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) mills+ .ardens+ and villas+S#metimes #) cl#*ds and mists and 3#$es and 3ests%

S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) eace and ,ar+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) (#n#r and dis.race%A(5 cast #*t #) 2#*r (ead t(ese vain ima.inati#ns+A(5 s,ee #*t #) 2#*r (eart t(ese evil s*..esti#ns%Cr2+ 1T(ere is n# #,er n#r stren.t( /*t in &#d51T# avert t(e Evil One )r#m t(e ,#rld and 2#*r #,n s#*l%It is t(e tr*e "el#ved ,(# ca*ses all#*t,ard eart(l2 /ea*t2 t# exist%7(ats#ever is erceived /2 sense He ann*ls+"*t He esta/lis(es t(at ,(ic( is (idden )r#m t(e senses%T(e l#vers l#ve is visi/le+ (is "el#ved (idden%

T(e Friend is a/sent+ t(e distracti#n (e ca*ses resent%Ren#*nce t(ese a))ecti#ns )#r #*t,ard )#rms+



L#ve deends n#t #n #*t,ard )#rm #r )ace%7(atever is /el#ved is n#t a mere emt2 )#rm+7(et(er 2#*r /el#ved /e #) t(e eart( #r #) (eaven%7(atever /e t(e )#rm 2#* (ave )allen in l#ve ,it(+7(2 d# 2#* )#rsa$e it t(e m#ment li)e leaves it8

T(e )#rm is still t(ere6 ,(ence+ t(en+ t(is dis.*st at it8A(5 l#ver+ c#nsider ,ell ,(at is reall2 2#*r /el#ved%I) a t(in. erceived /2 #*t,ard senses is t(e /el#ved+T(en all ,(# retain t(eir senses m*st still l#ve it6And since l#ve increases c#nstanc2+H#, can c#nstanc2 )ail ,(ile )#rm a/ides8 <"*t t(e tr*t( is+ t(e s*ns /eams stri$e t(e ,all+And t(e ,all #nl2 re)lects t(at /#rr#,ed li.(t%7(2 .ive 2#*r (eart t# mere st#nes+ O simlet#n8&#5 see$ t(e s#*rce #) li.(t ,(ic( s(inet( al,a2s5!istin.*is( ,ell tr*e da,n )r#m )alse da,n+

!istin.*is( t(e c#l#r #) t(e ,ine )r#m t(at #) t(e c*6S# t(at+ instead #) man2 e2es #) carice+One e2e ma2 /e #ened t(r#*.( atience and c#nstanc2%T(en 2#* ,ill /e(#ld tr*e c#l#rs instead #) )alse+And reci#*s 3e,els in lie* #) st#nes%"*t ,(at is a 3e,el8 Na2+ 2#* ,ill /e an #cean #) earls64ea+ a s*n t(at meas*res t(e (eavens5T(e real 7#r$man is (idden in His ,#r$s(#+&# 2#* int# t(at ,#r$s(# and see Him )ace t# )ace%Inasm*c( as #ver t(at 7#r$man His ,#r$ sreads a c*rtain+4#* cann#t see Him #*tside His ,#r$%Since His ,#r$s(# is t(e a/#de #) t(e 7ise One+7(#s# see$s Him ,it(#*t is i.n#rant #) Him%C#me+ t(en+ int# His ,#r$s(#+ ,(ic( is N#t-/ein.+ >T(at 2#* ma2 see t(e Creat#r and creati#n at #nce%7(#s# (as seen (#, /ri.(t is t(e ,#r$s(#Sees (#, #/sc*re is t(e #*tside #) t(at s(#%Re/elli#*s P(ara#( set (is )ace t#,ards "ein. e.#ism+And ,as er)#rce /lind t# t(at ,#r$s(#%Per)#rce (e l##$ed )#r t(e !ivine decree t# c(an.e+And (#ed t# t*rn (is destin2 )r#m (is d##r%

7(ile destin2 at t(e im#tence #) t(at cra)t2 #neAll t(e ,(ile ,as secretl2 m#c$in.%He sle, a (*ndred t(#*sand .*iltless /a/esT(at t(e #rdinance and decree #) Alla( mi.(t /e t(,arted%T(at t(e r#(et M#ses mi.(t n#t /e /#rn alive+He c#mmitted a t(#*sand m*rders in t(e land%He did all t(is+ 2et M#ses ,as /#rn+And ,as r#tected a.ainst (is ,rat(%Had (e /*t seen t(e Eternal ,#r$s(#+He (ad re)rained (and and )##t )r#m t(ese vain devices%7it(in (is (#*se ,as M#ses sa)e and s#*nd+

7(ile (e ,as $illin. t(e /a/es #*tside t# n# *r#se%J*st s# t(e slave #) l*sts ,(# amers (is /#d2



Fancies t(at s#me #t(er man /ears (im ill-,ill6Sa2in. t(is #ne is m2 enem2+ and t(is #ne m2 )#e+7(ile it is (is #,n /#d2 ,(ic( is (is enem2 and )#e+He is li$e P(ara#(+ and (is /#d2 is li$e M#ses+He r*ns a/r#ad cr2in.+ 1,(ere is m2 )#e81

7(ile l*st is in (is (#*se+ ,(ic( is (is /#d2+He /ites (is )in.er in site a.ainst stran.ers%T(en )#ll#,s an anecd#te #) a man ,(# sle, (is m#t(er /eca*se s(e ,as al,a2smisc#nd*ctin. (ersel) ,it( stran.ers+ and ,(# exc*sed (imsel) /2 leadin. t(at i) (e (ad n#td#ne s# (e ,#*ld (ave /een #/li.ed t# sla2 stran.ers ever2 da2+ and t(*s inc*r /l##d-.*iltiness% L*st is li$ened t# t(is a/and#ned m#t(er6 ,(en it is #nce slain+ 2#* are at eace,it( all men% In ans,er t# an #/3ecti#n t(at i) t(is ,ere s# t(e r#(ets and saints+ ,(# (aves*/d*ed l*st+ ,#*ld n#t (ave /een (ated and #ressed as t(e2 ,ere+ it is #inted #*t t(att(e2 ,(# (ated t(e r#(ets in realit2 (ated t(emselves+ 3*st as sic$ men =*arrel ,it( t(e

(2sician #r /#2s ,it( t(e teac(er% Pr#(ets and saints are created t# test t(e dis#siti#ns #)men+ t(at t(e .##d ma2 /e severed )r#m t(e /ad% T(e n*mer#*s .rades #) r#(ets+ #) saints+

and #) (#l2 men are #rdained+ as s# man2 c*rtains #) t(e li.(t #) &#d+ t# t#ne d#,n its /rilliance+ and ma$e it visi/le t# all .rades #) (*man si.(t%@NOTES0% '#ran vii% :%9% '#ran ii% 9GD%:% c)% &*ls(an i RaB+ % ?%<% T(is c#*let exercises /#t( t(e T*r$is( and t(e L*c$n#, c#mmentat#rs%>% i%e%+ anni(ilati#n #) sel) and #) all (en#menal /ein.+ re.ardin. sel) as na*.(t in t(e

resence #) t(e !eit2%

STOR4 III%T(e 'in. and (is T,# Slaves%A $in. *rc(ased t,# slaves+ #ne extremel2 (ands#me+ and t(e #t(er ver2 *.l2% He sent t(e)irst a,a2 t# t(e /at(+ and in (is a/sence =*esti#ned t(e #t(er% He t#ld (im t(at t(e )irst slave(ad .iven a ver2 /ad acc#*nt #) (im+ sa2in. t(at (e ,as a t(ie) and a /ad c(aracter+ and as$edi) it ,as tr*e% T(e sec#nd slave relied t(at t(e )irst ,as ever2t(in. t(at ,as .##d+ (is in,ard=*alities c#rres#ndin. t# t(e /ea*t2 #) (is #*t,ard aearance+ and t(at ,(atever (e (adt#ld t(e $in. ,as ,#rt(2 #) credit% T(e $in. relied t(at /ea*t2 ,as #nl2 an accident+ andt(at+ acc#rdin. t# t(e traditi#n+ accidents 1end*re #nl2 t,# m#ments61 t(at at deat( t(e animals#*l is destr#2ed+ t(at t(e text+ 17(#s# s(all resent (imsel) ,it( /ea*t2 s(all receive ten)#ld

re,ard+1 I d#es n#t re)er t# #*t,ard accidents+ /*t t# t(e 1s*/stance+1 t(e eternal s#*l% T(eslave in rel2 *r.ed t(at t(e accidents #) .##d ,#r$s and t(#*.(ts ,ill in s#me ,a2 /ear )r*itin t(e next ,#rld+ #intin. #*t t(at t(#*.(t is al,a2s t(e rec*rs#r #) t(e c#mleted ,#r$+ ast(e lan #) t(e arc(itect recedes t(e /*ildin.+ and t(e .ardeners desi.n t(e er)ect )r*itres*ltin. )r#m (is la/#rs% He added t(at t(e ,#rld is #nl2 t(e realiBed t(#*.(t #) 1UniversalReas#n1 9 T(e $in. t(en sent a,a2 t(e slave ,it( ,(#m (e (ad (eld t(is disc#*rse+ ands*mm#ned t(e #t(er+ and t#ld (im t(at (is )ell#, slave (ad .iven a /ad acc#*nt #) (im+ andas$ed ,(at (e (ad t# sa2% He relied t(at (is )ell#, slave ,as a liar and a rascal+ and t(e $in.t(en dismissed (im+ #/servin. t(at+ in acc#rdance ,it( t(e traditi#n+ 1Ever2 man is (idden*nder (is #,n t#n.*e+1 (is t#n.*e (ad /etra2ed (is inner vileness% 1T(e sa)et2 #) a man lies in(#ldin. (is t#n.*e%1

T(e a#st#lical s*ccessi#n #) t(e r#(ets and t(e saints%



7it( t(at 1/ri.(tness #) li.(tnin.1 : He $indled t(eir s#*lsS# t(at Adam ac=*ired $n#,led.e )r#m t(at li.(t%

T(at+ ,(ic( s(#ne )r#m Adam ,as .at(ered /2 Set(+7(ere)#re Adam made (im (is vicer#2 ,(en (e sa, it%7(en N#a( received t(e .i)t #) t(at l*stre+He /ecame a s#*l /earin. earls in t(e temest #) t(e )l##d%"2 t(at li.(t t(e s#*l #) A/ra(am ,as led+7it(#*t )ear (e entered Nimr#ds )ier2 )*rnace%7(en Is(mael s#*.(t #*t t(at li.(t+He mee$l2 laid (is (ead /eneat( (is )at(ers /ri.(t $ni)e%T(e s#*l #) !avid ,as ,armed /2 its (eat+Ir#n /ecame lia/le /2 t(e )#rce #) (is ,eavin.% <7(en S#l#m#n ,as n*rt*red /2 its )r*iti#n+

T(e devils /ecame t(e s*/missive slaves #) (is ,ill%7(en Jac#/ /#,ed (is (ead t# t(e !ivine decree+He rec#vered (is si.(t at t(e scent #) (is s#n% >7(en m##nli$e J#se( sa, t(at /rilliant s*n+He /ecame s# exert as (e ,as in interretin. dreams%7(en t(e sta)) dre, mi.(t )r#m t(e (and #) M#ses+It dev#*red t(e realm #) P(ara#( at a m#*t()*l%7(en t(e s#*l #) Jir3is ? /ecame riv2 t# its li.(t+He sacri)iced (is li)e seven times+ and re.ained it%7(en a$(aria( G /#asted #) (is l#ve )#r it+He rans#med (is li)e in t(e (#ll#, #) t(e tree%7(en J#na( s,all#,ed a dra*.(t )r#m t(at c*+He )#*nd re#se in t(e /ell2 #) t(e )is(%7(en J#(n t(e "atist /ecame )illed ,it( its *ncti#n+He laid (is (ead in t(e .#lden c(ar.er in ard#*r )#r it%7(en Jet(r# /ecame a,are #) t(is exaltati#n+He ris$ed (is li)e t# )ind it%Patient J#/ .ave t(an$s )#r seven 2ears+F#r in (is calamities (e sa, si.ns #) its ar#ac(%7(en '(iBr and Elias /#asted #) .ainin. it+T(e2 )#*nd t(e ,ater #) li)e and ,ere n# m#re seen%

7(en Jes*s% S#n #) Mar2+ )#*nd t(at ladder #) ascent+He ascended t# t(e (ei.(t #) t(e )#*rt( (eaven%7(en M*(ammad .ained t(at /lessed #ssessi#n+In a m#ment (e cle)t as*nder t(e dis$ #) t(e m##n% 7(en A/* "a$r /ecame t(e exemlar #) t(at .race+He ,as c#mani#n #) t(at L#rd+ and a c )ait()*l ,itness%17(en Omar ,as enrat*red ,it( t(at /ea*t2+Li$e a mind (e discerned tr*e and )alse% D7(en Osman vie,ed t(#se /rilliant si.(ts+He di))*sed li.(t and /ecame 1L#rd #) t(e t,# li.(ts%1 7(en MartaBa Ali s(ined ,it( its re)lecti#n+

He /ecame t(e 1Li#n #) &#d1 in t(e s#*ls d#main%7(en (is t,# s#ns ,ere ill*mined /2 t(is li.(t+



T(e2 /ecame t(e 1earl2 earrin.s #) (i.(est (eaven61 One #) t(em l#sin. (is li)e /2 #is#n+T(e #t(er l#sin. (is (ead as (e ,ent a/#*t (is marc(%7(en J*naid ,as s*cc#*red /2 t(e )#rces #) t(at li.(t+His ecstatic states exceeded c#*ntin.%

"a2aBid sa, (is ,a2 t# increased )r*iti#n t(ere#)+And .ained )r#m &#d t(e name 1P#lestar #) &n#stics%17(at time 'in. Mans*r /ecame vict#ri#*s+ 9He le)t (is t(r#ne and (astened t# t(e sta$e%7(en 'ar$(i #) 'ar$( /ecame its $eeer+He /ecame l#rd #) l#ve and #) t(e /reat( #) Jes*s%I/ra(im s#n #) Ad(am r#de (is (#rse t# t(at #int+And /ecame $in. #) $in.s #) e=*it2%And t(at S(a$i$ startin. )r#m t(at 3*ncti#n"ecame a s*n #) ,it and ac*te #) .eni*s%FaBil )r#m a (i.(,a2 r#//er /ecame a sa.e #) t(e ,a2+ :

7(en (e ,as re.arded ,it( esteem /2 t(e 'in.%T# "is(r Ha)i t(e d#ctrine+ ,as ann#*nced+And (e set (is )ace t#,ards t(e desert #) in=*ir2%7(en *--Ntin /ecame distra*.(t ,it( care )#r it+E.2t Mil$ as s*.ar /ecame t(e (#*se #) (is s#*l%7(en Sari < l#st (is (ead in see$in. t(e ,a2 t(eret#+His ran$ ,as exalted a/#ve t(e seats #) t(e mi.(t2%A (*ndred t(#*sand .reat sirit*al $in.sExalted /2 t(is divine li.(t ar#ac( t(e ,#rld%T(eir names remain (idden t(r#*.( &#ds 3eal#*s26Ever2 /e..ar tells n#t t(eir names% >@NOTES0% '#ran vi% ?%9% i%e%+ t(e L#.#s as !emi*r.e%:% '#ran xxiv% <:% T(e r#(etic insirati#n is li$ened t# a li.(t (anded #n )r#m #ne t#an#t(er%<% '#ran xxi% %>% '#ran lxxvii% D?%?% Jir3is #r St% &e#r.e is s*#sed /2 M*(ammadans t# /e t(e same ers#n as '(iBr #r Elias%G% a$(aria( t(e r#(et is said t# (ave ta$en re)*.e )r#m (is ersec*t#rs in t(e (#ll#, #) atree%

% '#ran liv% %D% Omar ,as called 1T(e !iscerner%1% He /#re t(is name /eca*se (e (ad t,# da*.(ters #) M*(ammad as (is ,ives%% A traditi#n .ives t(is title t# Hasan and H*ssain%9% Mans*r Halla3+ t(e cele/rated S*)i imaled at "a.dad% S(a( #r 'in. ,as a title #)tenass*med /2 darves(es%:% T(e 1,a21 means t(e S*)i d#ctrines%<% All t(ese saints lived in t(e sec#nd and t(ird cent*ries #) t(e Fli.(t%>% In t(e intr#d*cti#n t# t(e Na)a(at*-l Uns+ Jami sa2s t(ere are al,a2s < saints #n t(eeart( ,(# are n#t even $n#,n t# #ne an#t(er%

STOR4 I;%



T(e Falc#n and t(e O,ls%A certain )alc#n l#st (is ,a2+ and )#*nd (imsel) in t(e ,aste laces in(a/ited /2 #,ls% T(e#,ls s*sected t(at (e (ad c#me t# seiBe t(eir nests+ and all s*rr#*nded (im t# ma$e an end#) (im% T(e )alc#n ass*red t(em t(at (e (ad n# s*c( desi.n as t(e2 im*ted t# (im+ t(at (isa/#de ,as #n t(e ,rist #) t(e $in.+ and t(at (e did n#t env2 t(eir )#*l (a/itati#n% T(e #,ls

relied t(at (e ,as tr2in. t# deceive t(em+ inasm*c( as s*c( a stran.e /ird as (e c#*ld n#t /ea )av#rite #) t(e $in.% T(e )alc#n reeated t(at (e ,as indeed a )av#rite #) t(e $in.+ and t(att(e $in. ,#*ld ass*redl2 destr#2 t(eir (#*ses i) t(e2 in3*red (im+ and r#ceeded t# .ive t(ems#me .##d advice #n t(e )#ll2 #) tr*stin. t# #*t,ard aearances% He said+ 1It is tr*e I am n#t(#m#.ene#*s ,it( t(e $in.+ /*t 2et t(e $in.s li.(t is re)lected in me+ as ,ater /ec#mes(#m#.ene#*s ,it( eart( in lants% I am+ as it ,ere+ t(e d*st /eneat( t(e $in.s )eet6 and i) 2#*

/ec#me li$e me in t(is resect+ 2#* ,ill /e exalted as I am% C#2 t(e #*t,ard )#rm 2#* /e(#ld in me+ and erc(ance 2#* ,ill reac( t(e real s*/stance #) t(e $in.%1T(e ri.(t *se #) )#rms%T(at m2 #*t,ard )#rm ma2 n#t mislead 2#*+!i.est m2 s,eet advice /e)#re c#2in. me%

Man2 are t(e2 ,(# (ave /een cat*red /2 )#rm+7(# aimed at )#rm+ and )#*nd Alla(%A)ter all+ s#*l is lin$ed t# /#d2+T(#*.( it in n#,ise resem/les t(e /#d2%T(e #,er #) t(e li.(t #) t(e e2e is mated ,it( )at+T(e li.(t #) t(e (eart is (idden in a dr# #) /l##d%J#2 (ar/#rs in t(e $idne2s and ain in t(e liver+T(e lam #) reas#n in t(e /rains #) t(e (ead6Smell in t(e n#strils and seec( in t(e t#n.*e+C#nc*iscence in t(e )les( and c#*ra.e in t(e (eart%T(ese c#nnecti#ns are n#t ,it(#*t a ,(2 and a (#,+"*t reas#n is at a l#ss t# *nderstand t(e (#,%Universal S#*l (ad c#nnecti#n ,it( Partial S#*l+ 7(ic( t(ence c#nceived a earl and retained it in its /#s#m%Fr#m t(at c#nnecti#n+ li$e Mar2+S#*l /ecame re.nant #) a )air Messia(6

N#t t(at Messia( ,(# ,al$ed *#n eart( and ,ater+"*t t(at Messia( ,(# is (i.(er t(an sace% 9

Next+ as S#*l /ecame re.nant /2 t(e S#*l #) s#*ls+S# /2 t(e )#rmer S#*l did t(e ,#rld /ec#me re.nant6T(en t(e 7#rld /r#*.(t )#rt( an#t(er ,#rld+

And #) t(is last are /r#*.(t )#rt( #t(er ,#rlds%S(#*ld I rec$#n t(em in m2 seec( till t(e last da2I s(#*ld )ail t# tell t(e t#tal #) t(ese res*rrecti#ns% :@NOTES0% T(is is a )i.*rative acc#*nt #) t(e emanati#ns #) A/s#l*te "ein.+ ,(ere/2 t(e ,#rld #)

(en#mena is c#nstit*ted see &*ls(an i RaB+ % 9+ n#te+ and % ??%9% i%e%+ t(e sirit #) t(e Pr#(et M*(ammad+ ,(#m t(e S*)is identi)2 ,it( t(e Primal S#*l%:% C#ntin*all2 is creati#n /#rn a.ain in a ne, creati#n1 &*ls(an i RaB+ % ??% "2 c#nstante))l*xes )r#m A/s#l*te "ein. t(e ,#rld #) (en#mena is ever2 m#ment rene,ed%

STOR4 ;%T(e T(irst2 Man ,(# t(re, "ric$s int# t(e 7ater%



A t(irst2 man disc#vered a tan$ #) ,ater+ /*t c#*ld n#t drin$ #) it /eca*se it ,as s*rr#*nded /2 a (i.( ,all% He t##$ s#me #) t(e /ric$s #)) t(e t# #) t(e ,all and cast t(em #ver it int# t(e,ater% T(e ,ater cried #*t+ 17(at advanta.e d# 2#* .ain /2 d#in. t(is81 He made ans,er+1T(e )irst advanta.e is t(is+ t(at I (ear 2#*r v#ice6 and t(e sec#nd+ t(at t(e m#re /ric$s I *ll#)) t(e ,all+ t(e nearer I ar#ac( t# 2#*%1 T(e m#ral is+ t(at s# l#n. as t(e ,all #) t(e /#d2

intervenes+ ,e cann#t reac( t(e ,ater #) li)e% T(e a/asement #) t(e /#d2 /rin.s men nearer t#*ni#n ,it( t(e !eit2% !estr#2+ t(ere)#re+ t(e )les(l2 l*sts ,(ic( ,ar a.ainst t(e s#*l% T(en)#ll#,s an#t(er ara/le t# ill*strate t(e )#ll2 #) r#crastinati#n in t(is im#rtant matter%1It ,as n#t 2e ,(# s(#t+ /*t &#d s(#t6 andt(#se arr#,s ,ere &#ds n#t 2#*rs1% Tis &#ds li.(t t(at ill*mines t(e senses li.(t+T(at is t(e meanin. #) 1Li.(t *#n li.(t%1 9T(e senses li.(t dra,s *s eart(,ards+&#ds li.(t carries *s (eaven,ards%As #/3ects #) sense are #) /ase c#nditi#n+&#ds li.(t is an #cean+ and t(e senses li.(t a de,dr#%

"*t t(at li.(t ,(ic( is 1*#n t(is li.(t1 is n#t seen+Save t(r#*.( si.ns and (#l2 disc#*rses%Since t(e senses li.(t is .r#ss and dense+It lies (idden in t(e /lac$ *il #) t(e e2e%7(en 2#* cann#t see t(e senses li.(t ,it( t(e e2e+H#, can 2#* see ,it( t(e e2e t(e Li.(t #) t(e mind8As t(e senses li.(t is (idden in t(ese .r#ss veils+M*st n#t t(at Li.(t ,(ic( is *re /e als# (idden8Li$e t(e senses+ t(is ,#rld is r*led /2 a (idden P#,er%It c#n)esses its im#tence /e)#re t(at (idden P#,er+7(ic( s#metimes exalts it and s#metimes la2s it l#,+S#metimes ma$es it dr2 and s#metimes m#ist%T(e (and is (idden+ 2et ,e see t(e en ,ritin.6T(e (#rse is .all#in.+ 2et t(e rider is (id )r#m vie,%T(e arr#, seeds )#rt(+ 2et t(e /#, is n#t seen6S#*ls are seen+ t(e S#*l #) s#*ls &#d is (idden%"rea$ n#t t(e arr#,+ )#r it is t(e arr#, #) t(e 'in.4ea+ it is an arr#, )r#m t(e /#, #) 7isd#m%14e s(#t n#t ,(en 2e s(#t+1 ,as said /2 &#d6&#ds acti#n (as red#minance #ver all acti#ns%"rea$ 2#*r #,n assi#n+ /rea$ n#t t(at arr#,+

T(e e2e #) assi#n ta$es mil$ t# /e /l##d%'iss t(at arr#, and /ear it t# t(e 'in.+4ea+ t(#*.( it /e stained ,it( 2#*r #,n /l##d%7(ats#ever is seen is ,ea$ and /ase and im#tent67(at is (idden is e=*all2 )ierce and (eadstr#n.%7e are t(e cat*red .ame6 ,(# is t(e snare87e are t(e /alls6 ,(ere is t(e /at8He tears and mends6 ,(# is t(is tail#r8He )ans and $indles t(e )lame6 ,(# is t(is $indler8At #ne time He ma$es t(e )ait()*l #ne an in)idel+At an#t(er He ma$es t(e at(eist a dev#tee5

Next c#mes an anecd#te #) a dirt2 man ,(# re)*sed t# /at(e /eca*se (e ,as as(amed t# .#int# t(e ,ater+ ,it( t(e m#ral t(at 1S(ame (inders reli.i#n61 : and t(en an#t(er #) *l N*n+ a



cele/rated E.2tian S*)i #) t(e t(ird cent*r2 A%H% *l N*n aeared t# (is i.n#rant )riends t# /e mad+ and t(e2 acc#rdin.l2 c#n)ined (im in a mad(#*se% A)ter a time t(e2 t(#*.(t t(at (e,as n#t reall2 mad+ /*t (ad )ei.ned madness )#r s#me dee *r#se+ and t(e2 ,ent t# t(emad(#*se t# in=*ire int# t(e state #) (is (ealt(% 7(en t(e2 arrived t(ere+ *l N*n as$ed t(em,(# t(e2 ,ere+ and t(e2 ans,ered t(at t(e2 ,ere (is dev#ted )riends+ ,(# ,ere n#,

c#nvinced t(at t(e st#r2 #) (is /ein. mad ,as a cal*mn2% *l N*n 3*med * and dr#ve t(ema,a2 ,it( stic$s and st#nes+ sa2in. t(at tr*e )riends(i ,#*ld (ave /een mani)ested ins(arin. (is tr#*/les+ even as *re .#ld is tried /2 )ire%@NOTES0% '#ran viii% G+ meanin.+ 1&#d is t(e Fail i Ha$i$i+ #r Onl2 Real A.ent%19% '#ran xxiv% :>%:% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ v#l% ii% % :GD and <+ .ives t,# r#ver/s - #ne+ 1S(ame is a

art #) reli.i#n61 and t(e #t(er+ 1S(ame (inders .ettin. a liveli(##d%1

STOR4 ;I%

L*=mans Master examines (im and disc#vers (is Ac*teness%L*=man t(e Sa.e+ ,(# is s#metimes identi)ied ,it( Es#+ and s#metimes ,it( t(e ne(e,#) t(e r#(et% J#/+ t(#*.( 1.i)ted ,it( ,isd#m /2 &#d+1 ,as a slave% His master+ (#,ever+disc#vered (is ,#rt(+ and /ecame extremel2 attac(ed t# (im+ s# t(at (e never received an2delicac2 ,it(#*t .ivin. L*=man a s(are #) it% One da2+ (avin. received a ,atermel#n+ (e.ave L*=man t(e /est art #) it+ and L*=man dev#*red it ,it( s*c( aarent relis( t(at (ismaster ,as temted t# taste it% T# (is s*rrise (e )#*nd it ver2 /itter+ and as$ed L*=man ,(2(e (ad n#t t#ld (im #) t(is% L*=man relied t(at it ,as n#t )#r (im+ ,(# lived #n (is masters

/#*nt2+ t# c#mlain i) (e n#, and t(en received disa.reea/le t(in.s at (is (ands% T(*s+t(#*.( t# #*t,ard aearance a slave+ L*=man s(#,ed (imsel) t# /e a l#rd%L#ve end*res (ards(is at t(e (ands #) t(e "el#ved%T(r#*.( l#ve /itter t(in.s seem s,eet+T(r#*.( l#ve /its #) c#er are made .#ld%T(r#*.( l#ve dre.s taste li$e *re ,ine+T(r#*.( l#ve ains are as (ealin. /alms%T(r#*.( l#ve t(#rns /ec#me r#ses+And t(r#*.( l#ve vine.ar /ec#mes s,eet ,ine%T(r#*.( l#ve t(e sta$e /ec#mes a t(r#ne+T(r#*.( l#ve reverse #) )#rt*ne seems .##d )#rt*ne%T(r#*.( l#ve a ris#n seems a r#se /#,er+7it(#*t l#ve a .rate )*ll #) as(es seems a .arden%

T(r#*.( l#ve /*rnin. )ire is leasin. li.(t+T(r#*.( l#ve t(e !evil /ec#mes a H#*ri%T(r#*.( l#ve (ard st#nes /ec#me s#)t as /*tter+7it(#*t l#ve s#)t ,ax /ec#mes (ard ir#n%T(r#*.( l#ve .rie) is as 3#2+T(r#*.( l#ve &(#*ls t*rn int# an.els%T(r#*.( l#ve stin.s are as (#ne2+T(r#*.( l#ve li#ns are (armless as mice%T(r#*.( l#ve sic$ness is (ealt(+T(r#*.( l#ve ,rat( is as merc2%T(r#*.( l#ve t(e dead rise t# li)e+

T(r#*.( l#ve t(e $in. /ec#mes a slave%Even ,(en an evil /e)alls 2#*+ (ave d*e re.ard6



Re.ard ,ell (im ,(# d#es 2#* t(is ill t*rn%T(e si.(t ,(ic( re.ards t(e e// and )l#, #) .##d and illOens a assa.e )#r 2#* )r#m mis)#rt*ne t# (ainess%T(ence 2#* see t(e #ne state m#ves 2#* int# t(e #t(er+ 9One ##site state .eneratin. its ##site in exc(an.e%

S# l#n. as 2#* exerience n#t )ears a)ter 3#2s+H#, can 2#* l##$ )#r leas*res a)ter dis.*sts87(ile 2e )ear t(e d##m #) t(e an.el #n t(e le)t (and+Men (#e )#r t(e /liss #) t(e an.el #n t(e ri.(t% :Ma2 2#* .ain t,# ,in.s5 < A )#,l ,it( #nl2 #ne ,in.Is im#tent t# )l2+ O ,ell-intenti#ned #ne5

N#, eit(er ermit me t# (#ld m2 eace alt#.et(er+Or .ive me leave t# exlain t(e ,(#le matter%And i) 2#* disli$e t(is and )#r/id t(at+7(# can tell ,(at 2#*r desire is84#* m*st (ave t(e s#*l #) A/ra(am in #rder ,it( li.(t

T# see t(e mansi#ns #) Paradise in t(e )ire%Ste /2 ste (e ascended a/#ve s*n and m##n+And s# la..ed n#t /el#,+ as a rin. t(at )astens a d##r%Since t(e 1Friend #) &#d1 ascended a/#ve t(e (eavens+And said+ 1I l#ve n#t &#ds t(at set61 >S# t(is ,#rld #) t(e /#d2 is a /reeder #) misc#nceti#nsIn all ,(# (ave n#t )led )r#m l*st%@NOTES0% See '#ran xxxi% An#t(er anecd#te #) (is ,it #cc*rs in "##$ I%9% T(e d#ctrine #) Heraclit*s+ t(at ##site states .enerate #ne an#t(er+ is disc*ssed /2Jelal*din in a assa.e =*#ted in L*msdens &rammar+ ii% :9:+ and is menti#ned in t(e P(ad#and t(e Nic#mac(ean Et(ics%:% An anac#l*t(#n see '#ran i% ?%<% T(e t,# ,in.s are (#e and )ear+ /#t( #) ,(ic( are needed t# .*ide mens reli.i#*s )li.(tsee "##$ III% #n 1Pr#/a/ilit2 t(e .*ide #) li)e1%>% '#ran vi% GG%

STOR4 ;II%M#ses and t(e S(e(erd%

Next )#ll#,s an anecd#te #) "il$is+ *een #) S(e/a+ ,(#se reas#n ,as enli.(tened /2 t(e

c#*nsels #) t(e H#### sent t# (er /2 'in. S#l#m#n% O*t,ard sense is as ##sed t# tr*ereas#n as A/* Ja(l ,as t# M*(ammad6 and ,(en t(e #*t,ard senses are relaced /2 t(e tr*einner reas#n+ man sees t(at t(e /#d2 is #nl2 )#am+ and t(e (eart t(e limitless #cean%A)ter,ards c#mes an anecd#te #) a (il#s#(er ,(# ,as str*c$ /lind )#r cavillin. at t(everse+ 17(at t(in$ 2e8 I) at earl2 m#rn 2#*r ,aters s(all (ave s*n$ a,a2+ ,(# ,ill t(en .ive2#* clear r*nnin. ,ater81 T(is is s*cceeded /2 t(e st#r2 #) M#ses and t(e s(e(erd% M#ses#nce (eard a s(e(erd ra2in. as )#ll#,s0 1O &#d+ s(#, me ,(ere t(#* art+ t(at I ma2

/ec#me% T(2 servant% I ,ill clean T(2 s(#es and c#m/ T(2 (air+ and se, T(2 cl#t(es+ and)etc( T(ee mil$%1 7(en M#ses (eard (im ra2in. in t(is senseless manner+ (e re/*$ed (im+sa2in.+ 1O )##lis( #ne+ t(#*.( 2#*r )at(er ,as a M#salman+ 2#* (ave /ec#me an in)idel% &#dis a Sirit+ and needs n#t s*c( .r#ss ministrati#ns as+ in 2#*r i.n#rance+ 2#* s*#se%1 T(e

s(e(erd ,as a/as(ed at (is re/*$e+ and t#re (is cl#t(es and )led a,a2 int# t(e desert% T(en av#ice )r#m (eaven ,as (eard+ sa2in.+ 1O M#ses+ ,(ere)#re (ave 2#* driven a,a2 m2



servant8 4#*r #))ice is t# rec#ncile m2 e#le ,it( me+ n#t t# drive t(em a,a2 )r#m me% I(ave .iven t# eac( race di))erent *sa.es and )#rms #) raisin. and ad#rin. me% I (ave n# need#) t(eir raises+ /ein. exalted a/#ve all s*c( needs% I re.ard n#t t(e ,#rds t(at are s#$en+ /*tt(e (eart t(at #))ers t(em% I d# n#t re=*ire )ine ,#rds+ /*t a /*rnin. (eart% Mens ,a2s #)s(#,in. dev#ti#n t# me are vari#*s+ /*t s# l#n. as t(e dev#ti#ns are .en*ine+ t(e2 are

acceted%1Reli.i#*s )#rms indi))erent%A v#ice came )r#m &#d t# M#ses+17(2 (ast t(#* sent m2 servant a,a28T(#* (ast c#me t# dra, men t# *ni#n ,it( me+

N#t t# drive t(em )ar a,a2 )r#m me%S# )ar as #ssi/le+ en.a.e n#t in disseverin.6T(e t(in. m#st re*.nant t# me is div#rce% 9T# eac( ers#n (ave I all#tted ec*liar )#rms+T# eac( (ave I .iven artic*lar *sa.es%7(at is raise,#rt(2 in t(ee is /lamea/le in (im+

7(at is #is#n )#r t(ee is (#ne2 )#r (im%7(at is .##d in (im is /ad in t(ee+7(at is )air in (im is re*lsive in t(ee%I am exemt )r#m all *rit2 and im*rit2+I need n#t t(e laBiness #r alacrit2 #) m2 e#le%I created n#t men t# .ain a r#)it )r#m t(em+"*t t# s(#,er m2 /ene)icence *#n t(em%In t(e men #) Hind t(e *sa.es #) Hind are raise,#rt(2+In t(e men #) Sind t(#se #) Sind%I am n#t *ri)ied /2 t(eir raises+Tis t(e2 ,(# /ec#me *re and s(inin. t(ere/2%I re.ard n#t t(e #*tside and t(e ,#rds+I re.ard t(e inside and t(e state #) (eart%I l##$ at t(e (eart i) it /e (*m/le+T(#*.( t(e ,#rds ma2 /e t(e reverse #) (*m/le%"eca*se t(e (eart is s*/stance+ and ,#rds accidents+Accidents are #nl2 a means+ s*/stance is t(e )inal ca*se%H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* d,ell #n ,#rds and s*er)icialities8A /*rnin. (eart is ,(at I ,ant6 c#ns#rt ,it( /*rnin.5'indle in t(2 (eart t(e )lame #) l#ve+And /*rn * *tterl2 t(#*.(ts and )ine exressi#ns%

O M#ses5 t(e l#vers #) )air rites are #ne class+T(e2 ,(#se (earts and s#*ls /*rn ,it( l#ve are an#t(er%L#vers m*st /*rn ever2 m#ment+As tax and tit(e are levied #n a r*ined villa.e%I) t(e2 sea$ amiss+ call t(em n#t sinners6I) a mart2r /e stained ,it( /l##d+ ,as( it n#t a,a2%"l##d is /etter t(an ,ater )#r mart2rs+T(is )a*lt is /etter t(an a t(#*sand c#rrect )#rms%

N# need t# t*rn t# t(e 'a/a ,(en #ne is in it+And divers (ave n# need #) s(#es%One d#es n#t ta$e a dr*n$en man as a .*ide #n t(e ,a2+

N#r sea$ #) darns t# t#rn .arments%T(e sect #) l#vers is distinct )r#m all #t(ers+



L#vers (ave a reli.i#n and a )ait( #) t(eir #,n%T(#*.( t(e r*/2 (as n# stam+ ,(at matters it8L#ve is )earless in t(e midst #) t(e sea #) )ear%"e,are+ i) t(#* #))erest raises #r t(an$s.ivin.s+And $n#, t(em t# /e even as t(e /a//le #) t(at s(e(erd6

T(#*.( t(2 raises /e /etter c#mared ,it( (is+4et in re.ard t# &#d t(e2 are )*ll #) de)ects%H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* sa2+ T(e2 #/sc*re t(e tr*t(+F#r it is n#t s*c( as t(e2 )anc28T(2 #,n ra2ers are acceted #nl2 t(r#*.( merc2+T(e2 are s*))ered as t(e ra2ers #) an im*re ,#man%I) (er ra2ers are made im*re /2 t(e )l#, #) /l##d+T(ine are stained ,it( meta(#rs and similit*des%"l##d is im*re+ 2et its stain is rem#ved /2 ,ater6"*t t(at im*rit2 #) i.n#rance is m#re lastin.+Seein. t(at ,it(#*t t(e /lessed ,ater #) &#d

It is n#t /anis(ed )r#m t(e man ,(# is s*/3ect t# it%O t(at t(#* ,#*ldst t*rn t(2 )ace t# t(2 #,n ra2ers+And /ec#me c#.niBant #) t(e meanin. #) t(2 e3ac*lati#ns+And sa2+ A(5 m2 ra2ers are as de)ective as m2 /ein.6O re=*ite me .##d )#r evil51M#ses =*esti#ns &#d as t# t(e reas#n #)t(e )l#*ris(in. state #) t(e ,ic$ed%M#ses said+ 1O /ene)icent Creat#r+7it( ,(#m a m#ments remem/rance is as l#n. a.es+I see T(2 lan dist#rted in t(is ,#rld #) eart( and ,ater6M2 (eart+ li$e t(e an.els+ )eels a di))ic*lt2 t(ereat%7it( ,(at #/3ect (ast t(#* )ramed t(is lan+And s#,ed t(erein t(e seeds #) evil87(2 (ast T(#* $indled t(e )ire #) vi#lence and ,r#n.87(2 /*rnt * m#s=*es and t(em ,(# ,#rs(i t(erein8Paradise is attac(ed t# re=*irements *nleasant t# *s+Hell is attac(ed t# t(in.s )latterin. #*r l*sts%T(e /ranc( )*ll #) sa is t(e main )*el #) t(2 )ire%T(e2 t(at are /*rnt ,it( )ire are near t# 'a*sar% :7(#s# is in ris#n and ac=*ainted ,it( tr#*/les+T(at is in re=*ital )#r (is .l*tt#n2 and l*sts%

7(#s# is in a alace and en3#2in. ,ealt(+T(at is in re,ard )#r t#ils and tr#*/les%7(#s# is seen en3#2in. *nc#*nted .#ld and silver+'n#, t(at (e str#ve atientl2 t# ac=*ire it%He+ ,(#se s#*l is exemt )r#m nat*ral c#nditi#ns+And ,(# #ssesses t(e #,er #) #verridin. ca*ses+Can see ,it(#*t ca*ses+ li$e e2es t(at ierce ni.(t6"*t t(#*+ ,(# art deendent #n sense attend t# ca*ses%Havin. le)t Jes*s+ t(#* c(eris(est an ass l*st+And art er)#rce excl*ded+ li$e an ass6T(e #rti#n #) Jes*s is $n#,led.e and ,isd#m+

N#t s# t(e #rti#n #) an ass+ O asinine #ne5T(#* itiest t(ine ass ,(en it c#mlains6



S# art t(#* i.n#rant+ t(2 ass ma$es t(ee asinine%'ee t(2 it2 )#r Jes*s+ n#t )#r t(e ass+Ma$e n#t t(2 l*st t# van=*is( t(2 reas#n%Leave t(2 nat*ral l*sts t# ,(ine and (#,l+Tear t(ee )r#m t(em+ escae t(at snare #) t(e s#*l5

@NOTES0% '#ran lxvii% :%9% A traditi#n%:% A sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et%

STOR4 ;III%T(e Man ,(# made a Pet #) a "ear% A $ind man+ seein. a serent #verc#min. a /ear+ ,ent t# t(e /ears assistance+ and delivered(im )r#m t(e serent% T(e /ear ,as s# sensi/le #) t(e $indness t(e man (ad d#ne (im t(at (e)#ll#,ed (im a/#*t ,(erever (e ,ent+ and /ecame (is )ait()*l slave+ .*ardin. (im )r#m

ever2t(in. t(at mi.(t ann#2 (im% One da2 t(e man ,as l2in. aslee+ and t(e /ear+ acc#rdin.t# (is c*st#m+ ,as sittin. /2 (im and drivin. #)) t(e )lies% T(e )lies /ecame s# ersistent int(eir ann#2ances t(at t(e /ear l#st atience+ and seiBin. t(e lar.est st#ne (e c#*ld )ind+ das(edit at t(em in #rder t# cr*s( t(em *tterl26 /*t *n)#rt*natel2 t(e )lies escaed+ and t(e st#neli.(ted *#n t(e sleeers )ace and cr*s(ed it% T(e m#ral is+ 1!# n#t ma$e )riends ,it( )##ls%1In t(e c#*rse #) t(is st#r2 #cc*r anecd#tes #) a /lind man+ #) M#ses re/*$in. t(e ,#rs(iers#) t(e cal)+ and #) t(e &ree$ (2sician &alen and a madman%He ,(# needs merc2 )inds it%!#in. $indness is t(e .ame and =*arr2 #) .##d men+A .##d man see$s in t(e ,#rld #nl2 ains t# c*re%7(erever t(ere is a ain t(ere .#es t(e remed2+7(erever t(ere is #vert2 t(ere .#es relie)%See$ n#t ,ater+ #nl2 s(#, 2#* are t(irst2+T(at ,ater ma2 srin. * all ar#*nd 2#*%T(at 2#* ma2 (ear t(e ,#rds+ 1T(e L#rd .ives t(em t# drin$+1 9"e at(irst5 Alla( $n#,s ,(at is /est )#r 2#*%See$ 2#* t(e ,ater #) merc28 "e d#,ncast+And strai.(t,a2 drin$ t(e ,ine #) merc2 t# int#xicati#n%Merc2 is called d#,n /2 merc2 t# t(e last%7it((#ld n#t+ t(en+ merc2 )r#m an2 #ne+ O s#n5I) #) 2#*rsel) 2#* cann#t 3#*rne2 t# t(e 'a/a+

Reresent 2#*r (ellessness t# t(e Reliever%Cries and .r#ans are a #,er)*l means+And t(e All-Merci)*l is a mi.(t2 n*rse%T(e n*rse and t(e m#t(er $ee exc*sin. t(emselves+Till t(eir c(ild /e.ins t# cr2%In 2#* t## (as &#d created in)ant needs67(en t(e2 cr2 #*t+ t(eir mil$ is /r#*.(t t# t(em6&#d said+ 1Call #n &#d61 c#ntin*e cr2in.+S# t(at t(e mil$ #) His l#ve ma2 /#il *% :M#ses and t(e ,#rs(ier #) t(e cal)%M#ses said t# #ne #) t(#se )*ll #) vain ima.inati#ns+

1O malev#lent #ne+ t(r#*.( err#r and (eres24#* entertain a (*ndred d#*/ts as t# m2 r#(et(##d+



N#t,it(standin. t(ese r##)s+ and m2 (#l2 c(aracter%4#* (ave seen t(#*sands #) miracles d#ne /2 me+4et t(e2 #nl2 m*ltil2 2#*r d#*/ts and cavils%T(r#*.( d#*/ts and evil t(#*.(ts 2#* are in a strait+4#* sea$ desite)*ll2 #) m2 r#(et(##d%

I /r#*.(t t(e (#st #*t #) t(e Red Sea /e)#re all men+T(at 2e mi.(t escae t(e #ressi#n #) t(e E.2tians%F#r )#rt2 2ears meat and drin$ came )r#m (eaven+And ,ater sran. )r#m t(e r#c$ at m2 ra2er%M2 sta)) /ecame a mi.(t2 serent in m2 (and+7ater /ecame /l##d )#r m2 ill-c#nditi#ned enem2%T(e sta)) /ecame a sna$e+ and m2 (and /ri.(t as t(e s*n6Fr#m t(e re)lecti#n #) t(at li.(t t(e s*n /ecame a star%Have n#t t(ese incidents+ and (*ndreds m#re li$e t(em+"anis(ed t(ese d#*/ts )r#m 2#*+ O c#ld-(earted #ne8T(e cal) l#,ed t(r#*.( ma.ic+

And 2#* /#,ed d#,n t# it+ sa2in.+ T(#* art m2 &#d% <T(e .#lden cal) l#,ed6 /*t ,(at did it sa2+T(at t(e )##ls s(#*ld )eel all t(is dev#ti#n t# it84#* (ave seen man2 m#re ,#ndr#*s ,#r$s d#ne /2 me+"*t ,(ere is t(e /ase man ,(# accets t(e tr*t(87(at is it t(at c(arms vain men /*t vanit287(at else leases t(e )##lis( /*t )#ll28"eca*se eac( $ind is c(armed /2 its #,n $ind+!#es a c#, ever see$ t(e li#n8!id t(e ,#l) s(#, l#ve t# J#se(+ >Or #nl2 )ra*d *#n )ra*d ,it( a vie, t# dev#*r (im8Tr*e+ i) it l#se (is ,#l)-li$e nat*re it /ec#mes a )riend6Even as t(e d#. #) t(e cave /ecame a s#n #) man% ?7(en .##d A/* "a$r sa, M*(ammad+He rec#.niBed (is tr*t(+ sa2in.+ T(is #ne is tr*e67(en A/* "a$r ca*.(t t(e er)*me #) M*(ammad+He said+ T(is is n# )alse #ne%"*t A/* Ja(l+ ,(# ,as n#t #ne #) t(e s2mat(iBers+Sa, t(e m##n slit as*nder+ 2et /elieved n#t%I) )r#m a s2mat(iBer+ t# ,(#m it is ,ell $n#,n+I ,it((#ld t(e tr*t(+ still tis n#t (idden )r#m (im6

"*t (e ,(# is i.n#rant and ,it(#*t s2mat(2+H#,ever m*c( I s(#, (im t(e tr*t(+ (e sees it n#t%T(e mirr#r #) t(e (eart m*st needs /e #lis(ed"e)#re 2#* can distin.*is( )air and )#*l t(erein%1@NOTES0% An,ari S*(aili+ i% 9G%9% '#ran lxxvi% 9%:% '#ran xvii% %<% See '#ran xx% D%>% '#ran xii% G%?% '#ran xviii% G%



STOR4 IK%T(e &ardener and t(e T(ree Friends%A v#ice came )r#m (eaven t# M#ses+ sa2in.+ 1O M#ses ,(2 didst t(#* n#t visit me ,(en I,as sic$81 M#ses in=*ired t(e meanin. #) t(is dar$ sa2in.+ and t(e ans,er ,as+ 17(en #ne

#) &#ds saints is sic$+ &#d re.ards (is sic$ness as His #,n6 and+ t(ere)#re+ (e ,(# desires t#(#ld c#mani#ns(i ,it( &#d m*st n#t )#rsa$e t(e saints%1 T(is is ill*strated /2 a st#r2 #) a.ardener ,(# sa, t(ree )riends ,al$in. in (is .arden+ and ma$in. )ree ,it( (is )r*it%'n#,in. (e c#*ld n#t revail a.ainst t(em ,(ile t(e2 remained *nited+ (e c#ntrived /2 tric$st# searate t(em+ and t(en r#ceeded t# c(astise t(em #ne /2 #ne% And t(is ca*sed #ne #)t(em t# ma$e t(e re)lecti#n t(at (e (ad acted ver2 )##lis(l2 in desertin. (is )riends%@NOTES0% C% Matt(e, xxv% <%

STOR4 K%

"a2aBid and t(e Saint%T(e cele/rated S*)i+ A/* 4aBid #r "a2aBid #) "astam+ in '(#rasan+ ,(# lived in t(e t(irdcent*r2 #) t(e Fli.(t+ ,as #nce ma$in. a il.rima.e t# Mecca+ and visitin. all t(e 1Pillars #)insi.(t1 ,(# lived m t(e vari#*s t#,ns t(at la2 #n (is r#*te% At last (e disc#vered t(e 1'(iBr#) t(e a.e1 in t(e ers#n #) a venera/le !arves(+ ,it( ,(#m (e (eld t(e )#ll#,in.c#nversati#n0T(e Sa.e said+ 17(it(er are 2#* .#in.+ O "a2aBid87(ere ,ill 2#* /rin. 2#*r caravan t# a (alt81"a2aBid relied+ 1At da,n I start )#r t(e 'a/a%1*#t( t(e Sa.e+ 17(at r#visi#n )#r t(e ,a2 (ave 2#*81He ans,ered+ 1I (ave t,# (*ndred silver dir(ams6See t(em tied * ti.(tl2 in t(e c#rner #) m2 cl#a$%1T(e Sa.e said+ 1Circ*mam/*late me seven times6C#*nt t(is /etter t(an circ*mam/*latin. t(e 'a/a6And as )#r t(e dir(ams+ .ive t(em t# me+ O li/eral #ne+And $n#, 2#* (ave )inis(ed 2#*r c#*rse and #/tained 2#*r ,is(+4#* (ave made t(e il.rima.e and .ained t(e li)e t# c#me+4#* (ave /ec#me *re+ and t(at in a m#ment #) time%O) a tr*t( t(at is &#d ,(ic( 2#*r s#*l sees in me+F#r &#d (as c(#sen me t# /e His (#*se%T(#*.( t(e 'a/a is t(e (#*se #) His .race and )av#rs+

4et m2 /#d2 t## is t(e (#*se #) His secret%Since He made t(at (#*se He (as never entered it+"*t n#ne /*t T(at Livin. One enters t(is (#*se67(en 2#* (ave seen me 2#* (ave seen &#d+And (ave circ*mam/*lated t(e verita/le 'a/a%T# serve me is t# ,#rs(i and raise &#d6T(in$ n#t t(at &#d is distinct )r#m me%Oen clear e2es and l##$ *#n me+T(at 2#* ma2 /e(#ld t(e li.(t #) &#d in a m#rtal%T(# "el#ved #nce called t(e 'a/a M2 (#*se+"*t (as said t# me O m2 servant sevent2 times6

O "a2aBid+ 2#* (ave )#*nd t(e 'a/a+4#* (ave )#*nd a (*ndred reci#*s /lessin.s%1



"a2aBid .ave (eed t# t(ese dee sa2in.s+And laced t(em as .#lden earrin.s in (is ears%T(en )#ll#, anecd#tes #) t(e Pr#(et a2in. a visit t# #ne #) (is disciles ,(# la2 sic$+ #)S(ai$( "a(l#l+ nic$named 1T(e Madman+1 ,(# ,as a )av#rite at t(e c#*rt #) Har*n*-r-Ras(id+ and #) t(e e#le #) M#ses%

T(e s,eet *ses #) adversit2%

T(e sic$ man said+ 1Sic$ness (as /r#*.(t me t(is /##n%T(at t(is Prince M*(ammad (as c#me t# me t(is m#rn+S# t(at (ealt( and stren.t( ma2 ret*rn t# meFr#m t(e visit #) t(is *naralleled 'in.%O /lessed ain and sic$ness and )ever5O ,elc#me ,eariness and sleelessness /2 ni.(t5

L#5 &#d #) His /#*nt2 and )av#r Has sent me t(is ain and sic$ness in m2 #ld a.e6He (as .iven me ain in t(e /ac$+ t(at I ma2 n#t )ailT# srin. * #*t #) m2 slee at midni.(t6T(at I ma2 n#t slee all ni.(t li$e t(e cattle+&#d in His merc2 (as sent me t(ese ains%At m2 /r#$en state t(e it2 #) $in.s (as /#iled *+And (ell is *t t# silence /2 t(eir t(reats51Pain is a treas*re+ )#r it c#ntains mercies6T(e $ernel is s#)t ,(en t(e rind is scraed #))%O /r#t(er+ t(e lace #) dar$ness and c#ldIs t(e )#*ntain #) li)e and t(e c* #) ecstas2%S# als# is end*rance #) ain and sic$ness and disease%F#r )r#m a/asement r#ceeds exaltati#n%T(e srin. seas#ns are (idden in t(e a*t*mns+And a*t*mns are c(ar.ed ,it( srin.s6 )lee t(em n#t%C#ns#rt ,it( .rie) and *t * ,it( sadness+See$ l#n. li)e in 2#*r #,n deat(5Since tis /ad+ ,(atever l*st sa2s #n t(is matter Heed it n#t+ its /*siness is ##siti#n%"*t act c#ntrar2 t(eret#+ )#r t(e r#(ets

Have laid t(is in3*ncti#n *#n t(e ,#rld% 9T(#*.( it is ri.(t t# ta$e c#*nsel in a))airs+T(at 2#* ma2 (ave less t# re.ret in t(e *s(#t6T(e r#(ets (ave la/#red m*c(T# ma$e t(e ,#rld rev#lve #n t(is iv#t st#ne6 :"*t+ in #rder t# destr#2 t(e e#le+ l*st desiresT# ma$e t(em .# astra2 and l#se t(eir (eads6T(e e#le sa2+ 7it( ,(#m s(all ,e ta$e c#*nsel8T(e r#(ets ans,er+ 7it( t(e reas#n #) 2#*r c(ie)%A.ain t(e2 sa2+ S*#se a c(ild #r a ,#man enter+7(# lac$s reas#n and clear 3*d.ment6

T(e2 rel2+ Ta$e c#*nsel ,it( t(em+And act c#ntrar2 t# ,(at t(e2 advise%



'n#, 2#*r l*st t# /e ,#man+ and ,#rse t(an ,#man67#man is artial evil+ l*st *niversal evil%I) 2#* ta$e c#*nsel ,it( 2#*r l*st+See 2#* act c#ntrar2 t# ,(at t(at /ase #ne advises%Even t(#*.( it en3#in ra2ers and )astin.+

It is treac(er#*sl2 la2in. a snare )#r 2#*%4#* m*st a/and#n and i.n#re 2#*r #,n $n#,led.e+And di 2#*r (and in t(e dis( #) a/ne.ati#n #) $n#,led.e%7(atever seems r#)ita/le+ )lee )r#m it+!rin$ #is#n and sill t(e ,ater #) li)e%C#ntemn ,(atever raises 2#*+Lend t# a*ers 2#*r ,ealt( and r#)its5*it 2#*r sect and /e a s*/3ect #) aversi#n+Cast a,a2 name and )ame and see$ dis.race51&#d t(e A*t(#r #) .##d and evil%I) 2#* see$ t(e exlanati#n #) &#ds l#ve and )av#r+

In c#nnecti#n t(ere,it( read t(e c(ater 1"ri.(tness%1 <And i) 2#* sa2 evil als# r#ceeds )r#m Him+4et ,(at dama.e is t(at t# His er)ecti#n8T# send t(at evil is #ne #) His er)ecti#ns%I ,ill .ive 2#* an ill*strati#n+ O arr#.ant #ne6T(e (eavenl2 Artist aints His ict*res #) t,# s#rts+Fair ict*res and ict*res t(e reverse #) )air%J#se( (e ainted )air and made (im /ea*ti)*l6He als# ainted *.l2 ict*res #) dem#ns and a)rits%"#t( s#rts #) ict*res are #) His ,#r$mans(i+T(e2 r#ceed n#t )r#m His imer)ecti#n+ /*t His s$ill+T(at t(e er)ecti#n #) His ,isd#m ma2 /e s(#,n+And t(e .ainsa2ers #) His art /e *t t# s(ame%C#*ld He n#t aint *.l2 t(in.s He ,#*ld lac$ art+And t(ere)#re He creates &*e/ers as ,ell as M#slems%T(*s+ /#t( in)idelit2 and )ait( /ear ,itness t# Him+"#t( ali$e /#, d#,n /e)#re His almi.(t2 s,a2%"*t $n#,+ t(e )ait()*l ,#rs(i Him ,illin.l2+F#r t(e2 see$ and aim at leasin. Him67(ile &*e/ers ,#rs(i Him *n,illin.l2+T(eir real aim and *r#se /ein. =*ite #t(er,ise%

Evil itsel) is t*rned int# .##d )#r t(e .##d%T(e Pr#(et said t# t(at sic$ man+1Pra2 in t(is ,ise and alla2 2#*r di))ic*lties6&ive *s .##d in t(e (#*se #) #*r resent ,#rld+And .ive *s .##d in t(e (#*se #) #*r next ,#rld% >Ma$e #*r at( leasant as a .arden+And /e T(#*+ O H#l2 One+ #*r .#al51T(e )ait()*l ,ill sa2 #n t(e last da2+ 1O 'in.57as n#t Hell #n t(e r#*te all #) *s traveled8!id n#t )ait()*l as ,ell as in)idels ass t(r#*.( it84et #n #*r ,a2 ,e erceived n#t t(e sm#$e #) t(e )ire6

Na2+ it seemed Paradise and t(e mansi#n #) t(e /lessed%1T(en t(e 'in. ,ill ans,er+ 1T(at .reen .arden+



As it aeared t# 2#* #n 2#*r assa.e t(r#*.( it+7as indeed Hell and t(e lace #) dread t#rment64et )#r 2#* it /ecame a .arden .reen ,it( trees%Since 2#* (ave la/#red t# ma$e (ellis( l*sts+And t(e )ire #) ride t(at c#*rts destr*cti#n+

T# ma$e t(ese+ I sa2+ *re and clean+And+ t# lease &#d+ (ave =*enc(ed t(#se )ires+S# t(at t(e )ire #) l*st+ t(at erst /reat(ed )lame+Has /ec#me a (#l2 .arden and a .*idin. li.(t+Since 2#* (ave t*rned t(e )ire #) ,rat( t# mee$ness+And t(e dar$ness #) i.n#rance t# s(inin. $n#,led.e+Since 2#* (ave t*rned t(e )ire #) .reed int# /#*nt2+And t(e vile t(#rns #) malice int# a r#se-.arden6Since 2#* (ave =*enc(ed all t(ese )ires #) 2#*r #,nF#r m2 sa$e+ s# t(at t(#se #is#ns are n#, *re s,eets6Since 2#* (ave made )ier2 l*st as a verdant .arden+

And (ave s#,ed t(erein t(e seed #) )idelit2+S# t(at ni.(tin.ales #) ra2er and raiseEver ,ar/le s,eetl2 ar#*nd t(is .arden6Since 2#* (ave res#nded t# t(e call #) &#d+And (ave dra,n ,ater #*t #) t(e (ell #) l*st+F#r t(is ca*se m2 (ell als#+ )#r 2#*r /e(##)+"ec#mes a verdant .arden and 2ields leaves and )r*it%17(at is t(e rec#mense #) ,ell-d#in.+ O s#n8It is $indness and .##d treatment and ric( re=*ital%Have 2e n#t said+ 17e are victims+Mere n#t(in.s /e)#re eternal "ein.8I) ,e are dr*n$ards #r madmen+Tis t(at C*-/earer and t(at C* ,(ic( ma$e *s s#%7e /#, d#,n #*r (eads /e)#re His edict and #rdinance+7e sta$e reci#*s li)e t# .ain His )av#r%7(ile t(e t(#*.(t #) t(e "el#ved )ills #*r (earts+All #*r ,#r$ is t# d# Him service and send li)e )#r Him%7(erever He $indles His destr*ctive t#rc(+M2riads #) l#vers s#*ls are /*rnt t(ere,it(%T(e l#vers ,(# d,ell ,it(in t(e sanct*ar2Are m#t(s /*rnt ,it( t(e t#rc( #) t(e "el#veds )ace%1

O (eart (aste t(it(er+ ? )#r &#d ,ill s(ine *#n 2#*+And seem t# 2#* a s,eet .arden instead #) a terr#r%He ,ill in)*se int# 2#*r s#*l a ne, s#*l+S# as t# )ill 2#*+ li$e a .#/let+ ,it( ,ine%Ta$e * 2#*r a/#de in His s#*l5Ta$e * 2#*r a/#de in (eaven+ O /ri.(t )*ll m##n5Li$e t(e (eavenl2 Scri/e+G He ,ill #en 2#*r (earts /##$T(at He ma2 reveal m2steries *nt# 2#*%A/ide ,it( 2#*r Friend+ since 2#* (ave .#ne astra2+Strive t# /e a )*ll m##n6 2#* are n#, a )ra.ment t(ere#)%7(ere)#re t(is s(rin$in. #) t(e art )r#m its ,(#le8

7(2 t(is ass#ciati#n ,it( its )#es8"e(#ld &en*s /ec#me Secies in d*e c#*rse+



"e(#ld secrets /ec#me mani)est t(r#*.( (is li.(t5S# l#n. as ,#man-li$e 2#* s,all#, /landis(ments+H#,+ O ,ise man+ can 2#* .et relie) )r#m )alse )latteries8T(ese )latteries and )air ,#rds and deceits #) l*st4#* ta$e+ and s,all#,+ 3*st li$e ,#men%

"*t t(e rer#ac(es and t(e /l#,s #) !arves(esAre reall2 /etter )#r 2#* t(an t(e raises #) sinners%Ta$e t(e li.(t /l#,s #) !arves(es+ n#t t(e (#ne2 #) sinners+And /ec#me+ /2 t(e )#rt*ne #) .##d+ .##d 2#*rsel)%"eca*se )r#m t(em t(e r#/e #) .##d )#rt*ne is .ained+In t(e as2l*m #) t(e sirit /l##d /ec#mes li)e%@NOTES0% All*din. t# t(e Hadis0 1Heaven and eart( c#ntain me n#t+ /*t t(e (eart #) m2 )ait()*lservant c#ntains me%19% Fre2ta. =*#tes a sa2in. #) Omar+ 1A )##l ma2 indicate t(e ri.(t c#*rse1 Ara/*mPr#ver/ia+ i% % >??%

:% T(e la, de)inin. t(e ri.(t c#*rse%<% '#ran xciii% 0 1"2 t(e n##nda2 /ri.(tness+ and /2 t(e ni.(t ,(en it dar$enet(+ t(2 L#rd(at( n#t )#rsa$en t(ee n#r /een disleased%1>% 1O L#rd+ .ive *s .##d in t(is ,#rld and .##d in t(e next+ and save *s )r#m t(e t#rment #)t(e )ire%1 '#ran ii% DG%?% i%e%+ t# anni(ilati#n #) sel) in &#d+ as a m#t( in t(e )lame%G% Atarid #r Merc*r2%

STOR4 KI%M#avia and I/lis%M#avia+ t(e )irst #) t(e Ommiad '(ali)as+ ,as #ne da2 l2in. aslee in (is alace+ ,(en (e,as a,a$ened /2 a stran.e man% M#avia as$ed (im ,(# (e ,as+ and (e relied t(at (e ,asI/lis% M#avia t(en as$ed (im ,(2 (e (ad a,a$ened (im+ and l/lis relied t(at t(e (#*r #)

ra2er ,as c#me+ and (e )eared M#avia ,#*ld /e late% M#avia ans,ered+ 1Na25 it c#*ldnever (ave /een 2#*r intenti#n t# direct me in t(e ri.(t ,a2% H#, can I tr*st a t(ie) li$e 2#*t# .*ard m2 interests81 I/lis ans,ered+ 1Remem/er t(at I ,as /red * as an an.el #) li.(t+and t(at I cann#t =*ite a/and#n m2 #ri.inal #cc*ati#n% 4#* ma2 travel t# R#me #r Cat(a2+

/*t still 2#* retain t(e l#ve #) 2#*r )at(erland% I still retain m2 l#ve #) &#d+ ,(# )ed me ,(enI ,as 2#*n.6 na2+ even t(#*.( I rev#lted )r#m Him+ t(at ,as #nl2 )r#m 3eal#*s2 #) Adam+and 3eal#*s2 r#ceeds )r#m l#ve+ n#t )r#m denial #) &#d% I la2ed a .ame #) c(ess ,it( &#d

at His #,n desire+ and t(#*.( I ,as *tterl2 c(ec$mated and r*ined+ in m2 r*in I stillexerience &#ds /lessin.s%1M#avia ans,ered+ 17(at 2#* sa2 is n#t credi/le% 4#*r ,#rds are li$e t(e dec#2 calls #) a)#,ler+ ,(ic( resem/le t(e v#ices #) t(e /irds+ and s# l*re t(em t# destr*cti#n% 4#* (aveca*sed t(e destr*cti#n #) (*ndreds #) m#rtals+ s*c( as t(e e#le #) N#a(+ t(e tri/e #) Ad+ t(e )amil2 #) L#t+ Nimr#d+ P(ara#(+ A/* Ja(l+ and s# #n%1I/lis ret#rted+ 14#* are mista$en i) 2#* s*#se me t# /e t(e ca*se #) all t(e evil 2#*menti#n% I am n#t &#d+ t(at I s(#*ld /e a/le t# ma$e .##d evil+ #r )air )#*l% Merc2 andven.eance are t,in divine attri/*tes+ and t(e2 .enerate t(e .##d and evil seen in all eart(l2t(in.s% I am+ t(ere)#re+ n#t t# /lame )#r t(e existence #) evil+ as I am #nl2 a mirr#r+ ,(ic(re)lects t(e .##d and evil existin. in t(e #/3ects resented t# it%1

M#avia t(en ra2ed t# &#d t# .*ard (im a.ainst t(e s#(istries #) l/lis+ and a.ain ad3*redl/lis t# cease (is ar.*ments and tell lainl2 t(e reas#n ,(2 (e (ad a,a$ened (im% I/lis+



instead #) ans,erin.+ c#ntin*ed t# 3*sti)2 (imsel)+ sa2in. (#, (ard it ,as t(at men and,#men s(#*ld /lame (im ,(en t(e2 did an2t(in. ,r#n.+ instead #) /lamin. t(eir #,n evill*sts% M#avia+ in rel2+ rer#ac(ed (im ,it( c#ncealin. t(e tr*t(+ and *ltimatel2 /r#*.(t (imt# c#n)ess t(at t(e tr*e reas#n ,(2 (e (ad a,a$ened (im ,as t(is+ t(at i) (e (ad #verslet(imsel)+ and s# missed t(e (#*r #) ra2er+ (e ,#*ld (ave )elt dee s#rr#, and (ave (eaved

man2 si.(s+ and eac( #) t(ese si.(s ,#*ld+ in t(e si.(t #) &#d+ (ave c#*nted )#r as man2 ast,# (*ndred #rdinar2 ra2ers%T(e val*e #) si.(s%A certain man ,as .#in. int# t(e m#s=*e+J*st as an#t(er ,as c#min. #*t%He in=*ired #) (im ,(at (ad #cc*rred t# t(e meetin.+T(at t(e e#le ,ere c#min. #*t #) t(e m#s=*e s# s##n%T(e #t(er t#ld (im t(at t(e Pr#(etHad c#ncl*ded t(e */lic ra2ers and m2steries%17(it(er .# 2#*+1 said (e+ 1O )##lis( #ne+Seein. t(e Pr#(et (as alread2 .iven t(e /lessin.81

T(e )irst (eaved a si.(+ and its sm#$e ascended6T(at si.( 2ielded a er)*me #) (is (earts /l##d%T(e #t(er+ ,(# came )r#m t(e m#s=*e+ said t# (im+1&ive me t(at si.(+ and ta$e m2 ra2ers instead%1T(e )irst said+ 1I .ive it+ and ta$e 2#*r ra2ers%1T(e #t(er t##$ t(at si.( ,it( a (*ndred t(an$s%He ,ent (is ,a2 ,it( dee (*milit2 and c#ntriti#n+As a (a,$ ,(# (ad ascended in t(e trac$ #) t(e )alc#n%T(at ni.(t+ as (# la2 aslee+ (e (eard a v#ice )r#m (eaven+1T(#* (ast /#*.(t t(e ,ater #) li)e and (ealin.6T(e ,#rt( #) ,(at t(#* (ast c(#sen and #ssessedE=*als t(at #) all t(e e#les acceted ra2ers%1T# ill*strate t(e treac(er2 #) ,#lves in s(ees cl#t(in.+ - #) Satans re/*$in. sin and

reac(in. reli.i#n - an anecd#te is t#ld #) a master #) a (#*se ,(# ca*.(t a t(ie)+ /*t ,asind*ced t# let (im escae /2 t(e strata.em #) t(e t(ie)s c#n)ederate+ ,(# cried t(at (e (ad .#tt(e real t(ie) else,(ere% Ar##s #) t(e same t(eme+ t(e #et next relates t(e st#r2 #) 1t(#se,(# /*ilt a m#s=*e )#r misc(ie)+1 as rec#rded in t(e '#ran% 9 T(e tri/e #) "ani &anim /*ilt am#s=*e+ and invited t(e Pr#(et t# dedicate it% T(e Pr#(et+ (#,ever+ disc#vered t(at t(eirreal m#tive ,as 3eal#*s2 #) t(e tri/e #) "ani Amr* l/n A*)+ and #) t(e m#s=*e at '*/a+ nearMedina+ and a treac(er#*s *nderstandin. ,it( t(e S2rian m#n$ A/* Amir+ and t(ere)#re (ere)*sed t(eir re=*est+ and #rdered t(e m#s=*e t# /e raBed t# t(e .r#*nd%

7isd#m t(e /elievers l#st camel%M2 e#le ad#t m2 la, ,it(#*t #/e2in. it+T(e2 ta$e t(at c#in ,it(#*t assa2in. it%T(e '#rans ,isd#m is li$e t(e 1/elievers l#st camel+ :Ever2 #ne is certain (is camel is l#st%4#* (ave l#st 2#*r camel and see$ it dili.entl264et (#, ,ill 2#* )ind it i) 2#* $n#, n#t 2#*r #,n87(at ,as l#st8 7as it a )emale camel t(at 2#* l#st8It escaed )r#m 2#*r (and+ and 2#* are in a maBe%T(e caravan is c#me t# /e l#aded+4#*r camel is vanis(ed )r#m t(e midst #) it%

4#* r*n (ere and t(ere+ 2#*r m#*t( arc(ed ,it( (eat6T(e caravan m#ves #n+ and ni.(t ar#ac(es%



4#*r .##ds lie #n t(e .r#*nd in a dan.er#*s r#ad+4#* (*rr2 a)ter 2#*r camel in all directi#ns%4#* cr2 1O M#slems+ ,(# (as seen a camel+7(ic( escaed )r#m its sta/le t(is m#rnin.8T# (im ,(# s(all .ive me ne,s #) m2 camel

I ,ill .ive a re,ard #) s# man2 dir(ems%14#* .# #n see$in. ne,s #) 2#*r camel )r#m ever2 #ne+And ever2 le,d )ell#, )latters 2#* ,it( a )res( r*m#r+Sa2in.+ 1I sa, a camel6 it ,ent t(is ,a26T,as red+ and it ,ent t#,ards t(is ast*re%1An#t(er sa2s+ 1Its ear ,as cr#ed%1An#t(er sa2s+ 1Its cl#t( ,as em/r#idered%1An#t(er t(at it (ad #nl2 #ne e2e+An#t(er t(at it (ad l#st its (air )r#m man.e%T# .ain t(e re,ard ever2 /ase )ell#,Menti#ns a (*ndred mar$s ,it(#*t an2 )#*ndati#n%

All )alse d#ctrines c#ntain an element #) tr*t(%J*st s# ever2 #ne in matters #) d#ctrine&ives a di))erent descriti#n #) t(e (idden s*/3ect%A (il#s#(er ex#*nds it in #ne ,a2+And a critic at #nce re)*tes (is r##siti#ns%A t(ird cens*res /#t( #) t(em6A )#*rt( sends (is li)e in trad*cin. t(e #t(ers%Ever2 #ne menti#ns indicati#ns #) t(is r#ad+In #rder t# create an imressi#n t(at (e (as .#ne it%T(is tr*t( and t(at tr*t( cann#t /e all tr*e+And 2et all #) t(em are n#t entirel2 astra2 in err#r%"eca*se err#r #cc*rs n#t ,it(#*t s#me tr*t(+F##ls /*2 /ase c#ins )r#m t(eir li$eness t# real c#ins%I) t(ere ,ere n# .en*ine c#ins c*rrent in t(e ,#rld+H#, c#*ld c#iners s*cceed in assin. )alse c#ins8I) t(ere ,ere n# tr*t(+ (#, c#*ld )alse(##d exist8False(##d derives its la*si/ilit2 )r#m tr*t(%Tis t(e desire #) ri.(t t(at ma$es men /*2 ,r#n.6Let #is#n /e mixed ,it( s*.ar+ and t(e2 eat it at #nce%I) ,(eat ,ere n#t val*ed as s,eet and .##d )#r )##d+T(e c(eat ,(# s(#,s ,(eat and sells /arle2 ,#*ld ma$e n# r#)it5

Sa2 n#t+ t(en+ t(at all t(ese creeds are )alse+T(e )alse #nes ensnare (earts /2 t(e scent #) tr*t(%Sa2 n#t t(at t(e2 are all err#ne#*s )ancies+T(ere is n# )anc2 in t(e *niverse ,it(#*t s#me tr*t(%Tr*t( is t(e 1ni.(t #) #,er 1 < (idden am#n.st #t(er ni.(ts+In #rder t# tr2 t(e sirit #) ever2 ni.(t%

N#t ever2 ni.(t is t(at #) #,er+ O 2#*t(+ N#r 2et is ever2 ni.(t =*ite v#id #) #,er%In t(e cr#,d #) ra.-,earers t(ere is /*t #ne Fa=ir6 >Searc( ,ell and )ind #*t t(at tr*e #ne%Tell t(e ,ar2 and discernin. /eliever

T# distin.*is( t(e $in. )r#m t(e /e..ar%I) t(ere ,ere n# /ad .##ds in t(e ,#rld+



Ever2 )##l mi.(t /e a s$il)*l merc(ant6F#r t(en t(e (ard art #) 3*d.in. .##ds ,#*ld /e eas2%I) t(ere ,ere n# )a*lts+ #ne man c#*ld 3*d.e as ,ell as an#t(er%A.ain+ i) all ,ere )a*lt2+ s$ill ,#*ld /e r#)itless%I) all ,##d ,ere c#mm#n+ t(ere ,#*ld /e n# al#es%

He ,(# accets ever2t(in. as tr*e is a )##l+"*t (e ,(# sa2s all is )alse is a $nave%@NOTES0% See '#ran xi% ?:%9% '#ran ix% %:% T(is is a r#ver/ ascri/ed t# Ali% It means+ e#le are al,a2s l#sin. ,isd#m and see$in. itli$e a l#st camel Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% % :>%<% T(e ni.(t #n ,(ic( t(e '#ran ,as revealed%>% S# in t(e P(aed#+ 1Man2 are t(e ,and/earers+ /*t )e, t(e M2stics%1

STOR4 KII%T(e F#*r Hind*stanis ,(# cens*red #ne an#t(er%F#*r Hind*stanis ,ent t# t(e m#s=*e t# sa2 t(eir ra2ers% Eac( #ne d*l2 r#n#*nced t(eTa$/ir+ and ,as sa2in. (is ra2ers ,it( .reat dev#ti#n+ ,(en t(e M*aBBin (aened t# c#mein% One #) t(em immediatel2 called #*t+ 1O M*aBBin+ (ave 2#* 2et called t# ra2er8 It is timet# d# s#%1 T(en t(e sec#nd said t# t(e sea$er+ 1A(5 2#* (ave s#$en ,#rds *nc#nnected ,it(,#rs(i+ and t(ere)#re+ acc#rdin. t# t(e Hadis+ 2#* (ave s#iled 2#*r ra2ers%1 T(ere*#nt(e t(ird sc#lded t(e last sea$er+ sa2in.+ 1O simlet#n+ ,(2 d# 2#* re/*$e (im8 Rat(erre/*$e 2#*rsel)%1 Last #) all+ t(e )#*rt( said+ 1&#d /e raised t(at I (ave n#t )allen int# t(esame ditc( as m2 t(ree c#mani#ns%1 T(e m#ral is+ n#t t# )ind )a*lt ,it( #t(ers+ /*t rat(er+acc#rdin. t# t(e r#ver/+ 9 t# /e adm#nis(ed /2 t(eir /ad examle% Ar##s #) t(is r#ver/+ ast#r2 is t#ld #) t,# ris#ners cat*red /2 t(e tri/e #) &(*B% T(e &(*Bians ,ere a/#*t t# *t#ne #) t(em t# deat(+ t# )ri.(ten t(e #t(er+ and ma$e (im c#n)ess ,(ere t(e treas*re ,asc#ncealed+ ,(en t(e d##med man disc#vered t(eir #/3ect+ and said+ 1O n#/le sirs+ $ill m2c#mani#n+ and )ri.(ten me instead%1@NOTES0% Mis($at *l Masa/i(+ /2 Matt(e,s+ i% 9>%9% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% ?9%

STOR4 KIII%

T(e Old Man and t(e P(2sician%

An #ld man c#mlained t# (is (2sician t(at (e s*))ered )r#m (eadac(e% T(e (2sicianrelied+ 1T(at is ca*sed /2 #ld a.e%1 T(e #ld man next c#mlained #) a de)ect in (is si.(t+ andt(e (2sician a.ain t#ld (im t(at (is malad2 ,as d*e t# #ld a.e% T(e #ld man ,ent #n t# sa2t(at (e s*))ered )r#m ain in t(e /ac$+ )r#m d2sesia+ )r#m s(#rtness #) /reat(+ )r#m nerv#*sde/ilit2+ )r#m ina/ilit2 t# ,al$+ and s# #n6 and t(e (2sician relied t(at eac( #) t(eseailments ,as li$e,ise ca*sed /2 #ld a.e% T(e #ld man+ l#sin. atience+ said+ 1O )##l+ $n#,

2#* n#t t(at &#d (as #rdained a remed2 )#r ever2 malad281 T(e (2sician ans,ered+ 1T(is assi#n and c(#ler are als# s2mt#ms #) #ld a.e% Since all 2#*r mem/ers are ,ea$+ 2#* (ave



l#st t(e #,er #) sel)-c#ntr#l+ and )l2 int# a assi#n at ever2 ,#rd%1"ad rinciles al,a2s r#d*ce /ad acts%F##ls la*d and ma.ni)2 t(e m#s=*e+7(ile t(e2 strive t# #ress (#l2 men #) (eart%"*t t(e )#rmer is mere )#rm+ t(e latter sirit and tr*t(%

T(e #nl2 tr*e m#s=*e is t(at in t(e (earts #) saints%T(e m#s=*e t(at is /*ilt in t(e (earts #) t(e saintsIs t(e lace #) ,#rs(i #) all+ )#r &#d d,ells t(ere%S# l#n. as t(e (earts #) t(e saints are n#t a))licted+&#d never destr#2s t(e nati#n%O*r )#re)at(ers li)ted t(eir (ands a.ainst t(e r#(ets6Seein. t(eir /#dies+ t(e2 t##$ t(em )#r #rdinar2 men%In 2#* als# a/ide t(e m#rals #) t(#se men #) #ld6H#, can 2#* av#id )earin. t(at 2#* ,ill act li$e t(em8T(e m#rals #) t(#se *nt(an$)*l #nes d,ell in 2#*+4#*r *rn ,ill n#t al,a2s ret*rn *n/r#$en )r#m t(e ,ell%

Seein. t(at all t(ese /ad s2mt#ms are seen in 2#*+And t(at 2#* are #ne ,it( t(#se men+ (#, can 2#* escae8

STOR4 KI;%T(e Ara/ Carrier and t(e Sc(#lar%An Ara/ l#aded (is camel ,it( t,# sac$s+ )illin. #ne ,it( ,(eat and t(e sec#nd ,it( sand+ in#rder t# /alance t(e )irst% As (e ,as r#ceedin. #n (is ,a2 (e met a certain traditi#n-m#n.er+,(# =*esti#ned (im a/#*t t(e c#ntents #) (is sac$s% On learnin. t(at #ne c#ntained n#t(in.

/*t sand+ (e #inted #*t t(at t(e #/3ect mi.(t /e attained m*c( /etter /2 *ttin. (al) t(e,(eat in #ne sac$ and (al) in t(e #t(er% On (earin. t(is+ t(e Ara/ ,as s# str*c$ /2 (issa.acit2 t(at (e c#nceived a .reat resect )#r (im+ and m#*nted (im #n (is camel% T(en (esaid+ 1As 2#* #ssess s*c( .reat ,isd#m% I res*me t(at 2#* are a $in. #r a ;aBir+ #r at leasta ver2 ric( and #,er)*l n#/le%1 T(e t(e#l#.ian+ relied+ 1On t(e c#ntrar2% I am a ver2 ##rman6 all t(e ric(es m2 learnin. (as /r#*.(t me are ,eariness and (eadac(es+ and I $n#, n#t,(ere t# l##$ )#r a l#a) #) /read%1 T(e Ara/ said+ 1In t(at case .et+ #)) m2 camel and .# 2#*r,a2+ and s*))er me t# .# mine+ )#r I see 2#*r learnin. /rin.s ill l*c$%1 T(e m#ral #) t(e st#r2is t(e ,#rt(lessness #) mere (*man $n#,led.e+ and its in)eri#rit2 t# t(e divine $n#,led.e

r#ceedin. )r#m insirati#n% T(is t(esis is )*rt(er ill*strated /2 an acc#*nt #) t(e mi.(t2,#r$s ,(ic( ,ere d#ne /2 t(e saint I/ra(im /in Ad(am+ t(r#*.( t(e divine $n#,led.e t(at&#d (ad .iven (im% I/ra(im ,as #ri.inall2 rince #) "al$(+ /*t ren#*nced (is $in.d#m and

/ecame a saint% One da2 (e ,as sittin. /2 t(e s(#re mendin. (is cl#a$+ ,(en #ne #) (is)#rmer s*/3ects assed /2 and marvelled t# see (im en.a.ed in s*c( a+ mean #cc*ati#n% T(esaint at #nce+ /2 insired $n#,led.e+ read (is t(#*.(ts+ and t(*s c#rrected (is )alseimressi#ns% He t##$ t(e needle ,it( ,(ic( (e ,as mendin.+ (is cl#a$ and cast it int# t(e sea%T(en ,it( a l#*d v#ice (e cried #*t+ 1O needle rise a.ain )r#m t(e midst #) t(e sea and c#me

/ac$ a.ain int# m2 (ands%1 7it(#*t a m#ments dela2 t(#*sands #) )is(es r#se t# t(e s*r)ace#) t(e sea+ eac( /earin. in its m#*t( a .#lden needle+ and cried #*t+ 1O S(ai$(+ ta$e t(eseneedles #) &#d51 I/ra(im t(en t*rned t# t(e n#/le+ sa2in.+ 1Is n#t t(e $in.d#m #) t(e (eart

/etter t(an t(e c#ntemti/le eart(l2 $in.d#m I )#rmerl2 #ssessed8 7(at 2#* (ave 3*st seenis a ver2 tri)lin. si.n #) m2 sirit*al #,er as it ,ere+ a mere lea) l*c$ed t# s(#, t(e /ea*t2#) a .arden% 4#* (ave n#, ca*.(t t(e scent #) t(is .arden+ and it #*.(t t# attract 2#*r s#*l t#

t(e .arden itsel)+ )#r 2#* m*st $n#, t(at scents (ave .reat in)l*ence+ e%.%+ t(e scent #)J#se(s c#at+ ,(ic( rest#red Jac#/s si.(t+ and t(e scents ,(ic( ,ere l#ved /2 t(e



Pr#(et%1 9@NOTES0% '#ran xii% D:%9% T(ere is a Hedis0 1T(e Pr#(et l#ved er)*mes and )air ,#men and /ri.(tness #) e2es in

ra2er%1

STOR4 K;%T(e Man ,(# /#asted t(at &#d did n#t *nis((im )#r (is sins+ and Jet(r#s ans,er t# (im%T(at ers#n said in t(e time #) S(*ai/ Jet(r#+1&#d (as seen man2 )a*lts d#ne /2 me64ea+ (#, man2 sins and )a*lts #) mine (as He seen+

Nevert(eless #) His merc2 He *nis(es me n#t%1&#d Almi.(t2 sa$e in t(e ear #) S(*ai/+Addressin. (im ,it( an inner v#ice in ans,er t(eret#+

17(2 (ast t(#* said I (ave sinned s# m*c(+And &#d #) His merc2 (as n#t *nis(ed m2 sins81T(#* sa2est t(e ver2 reverse #) t(e tr*t(+ O )##l57anderin. )r#m t(e ,a2 and l#st in t(e desert5H#, man2 times d# I smite t(ee+ and t(#* $n#,est n#t8T(#* art /#*nd in m2 c(ains )r#m (ead t# )##t%On t(2 (eart is r*st #n r*st c#llected+S# t(#* art /lind t# m2steries%T(2 r*st+ la2er #n la2er+ O /lac$ $ettle5Ma$es t(e asect #) t(2 inner arts )#*l%I) t(at sm#$e t#*c(ed a ne, $ettle+It ,#*ld s(#, t(e sm*t+ ,ere it #nl2 as a .rain #) /arle26F#r ever2t(in. is made mani)est /2 its ##site+In c#ntrast ,it( its ,(iteness t(at /lac$ s(#,s )#*l%"*t ,(en t(e $ettle is /lac$+ t(en a)ter,ards7(# can see #n it t(e imressi#n #) t(e sm#$e8I) t(e /lac$smit( /e a ne.r#+His )ace a.rees in c#l#r ,it( t(e sm#$e%"*t i) a man #) R*m d#es /lac$smit(s ,#r$+His )ace /ec#mes .rimed /2 t(e sm#$e )*mes6T(en (e =*ic$l2 erceives t(e imressi#n #) (is )a*lt+

S# t(at (e ,ails and cries O Alla(57(en (e is st*//#rn and )#ll#,s (is evil ractices+He casts d*st in t(e e2es #) (is discernment%He rec$s n#t #) reentance+ and+ m#re#ver+ t(at sin"ec#mes dear t# (is (eart+ s# t(at (e /ec#mes ,it(#*t )ait(+Old s(ame )#r sin and callin. #n &#d =*it (im+R*st )ive la2ers dee settles #n (is mirr#r+R*st s#ts /e.in t# .na, (is ir#n+T(e c#l#r in (is 3e,el .r#,s less and less%7(en 2#* ,rite #n ,(ite aer+7(at is ,ritten is read at a .lance6

"*t ,(en 2#* ,rite #n t(e )ace #) a ,ritten a.e+It is n#t lain+ readin. it is decetive6



F#r t(at /lac$ is ,ritten #n t(e t# #) #t(er /lac$+"#t( t(e ,ritin.s are ille.i/le and senseless%Or i)+ in t(e t(ird lace+ 2#* ,rite #n t(e a.e+And t(en /lac$en it li$e an in)idels s#*l+T(en ,(at remed2 /*t t(e aid #) t(e Remedier8

!esair is c#er and si.(t its elixir%La2 2#*r desair /e)#re Him+T(at 2#* ma2 escae )r#m ain ,it(#*t medicine%17(en S(*ai/ s#$e t(ese a(#risms t# (im+Fr#m t(at /reat( #) t(e s#*l r#ses /l##med in (is (eart+His s#*l (eard t(e revelati#ns #) (eaven6He said+ 1I) He (as *nis(ed me+ ,(ere is t(e si.n #) it81S(*ai/ said+ 1O L#rd+ (e reels m2 ar.*ments+He see$s )#r a si.n #) t(at *nis(ment%1T(e ;eiler #) sins relied+ 1I ,ill tell (im n# secrets+Save #nl2 #ne+ in #rder t# tr2 (im%

One si.n t(at I *nis( (im is t(is+T(at (e #/serves #/edience and )astin. and ra2er+And dev#ti#ns and alms.ivin.+ and s# #n+4et never )eels t(e least exansi#n #) s#*l%He er)#rms t(e dev#ti#ns and acts en3#ined /2 la,+4et derives n#t an at#m #) relis( )r#m t(em%O*t,ard dev#ti#n is s,eet t# (im+ sirit is n#t s,eet+

N*ts in lent2+ /*t n# $ernel in an2 #) t(em%Relis( is needed )#r dev#ti#ns t# /ear )r*it+'ernels are needed t(at seeds ma2 2ield trees%H#, can seeds ,it(#*t $ernels /ec#me trees8F#rm ,it(#*t s#*l li)e is #nl2 a dream%1

STOR4 K;I%T(e &l*tt#n#*s S*)i%In a certain c#nvent t(ere lived a S*)i ,(#se c#nd*ct .ave 3*st #))ence t# t(e /ret(ren% T(e2

/r#*.(t (im /e)#re t(eir S(ai$( and t(*s acc*sed (im+ 1T(is S*)i (as t(ree ver2 /ad =*alities6(e /a//les exceedin.l2 li$e a /ell+ at (is meals (e eats m#re t(an t,ent2 men and ,(en (eslees (e is as #ne #) t(e Seven Sleeers%1 T(e S(ai$( t(en adm#nis(ed (im+ insistin. #n t(e#/li.ati#n #) $eein. t# t(e .#lden mean6 and remindin. (im t(at even t(e r#(et M#ses

,as #nce re/*$ed /2 '(iBr )#r sea$in. t# excess% "*t t(e delin=*ent exc*sed (imsel) #n t(e.r#*nds t(at t(e mean is relative+ ,(at is excess in #ne man /ein. m#derati#n in an#t(er+ t(at(e ,(# is led /2 t(e sirit is n# l#n.er s*/3ect t# t(e #*t,ard la,+ and t(at+ t(e 1inner v#ice+1,(ic( r*les s*c( an #ne s c#nd*ct+ is its #,n evidence%T(e mean is relative%

He said+ 1T(#*.( t(e at( #) t(e mean is ,isd#m+4et is t(is same mean als# relative%

T(e ,ater ,(ic( is ins*))icient )#r a camelIs li$e an #cean t# a m#*se%



7(#s# (as )#*r l#aves as (is dail2 all#,ance+7(et(er (e eat t,# #r t(ree+ (e #/serves t(e mean%"*t i) (e eat all )#*r (e trans.resses t(e mean+A ver2 slave t# .reed+ and v#raci#*s as a d*c$%7(#s# (as an aetite )#r ten l#aves+

'n#,+ t(#*.( (e eat six+ (e #/serves t(e mean%I) I (ave an aetite )#r )i)t2 l#aves+7(ile 2#* can mana.e #nl2 six+ ,e are n#t #n a ar%4#* are ,earied ,it( ten r#strati#ns in ra2er+7(ilst I can end*re )ive (*ndred%S*c( an #ne .#es /are)##t t# t(e 'a/a+7(ilst an#t(er )aints ,it( .#in. t# t(e m#s=*e%1T(e ecstatic state ,(ic( exalts t(e s*/3ect #) it a/#ve la,%1At times m2 state resem/les a dream+M2 dreamin. seems t# t(em in)idelit2%'n#, m2 e2es slee+ /*t m2 (eart is a,a$e6

M2 /#d2+ t(#*.( t#rid+ is instinct ,it( ener.2%T(e Pr#(et said+ Mine e2es slee+"*t m2 (eart is a,a$e ,it( t(e L#rd #) man$ind%4#*r e2es are a,a$e and 2#*r (eart )ast aslee+M2 e2es are cl#sed+ and m2 (eart at t(e #en d##r%M2 (eart (as #t(er )ive senses #) its #,n6T(ese senses #) m2 (eart vie, t(e t,# ,#rlds%Let n#t a ,ea$lin. li$e 2#* cens*re me+7(at+ seems ni.(t t# 2#* is /r#ad da2 t# me67(at seems a ris#n t# 2#* is a .arden t# me%"*siest #cc*ati#n is rest t# me%4#*r )eet are in t(e mire+ t# me+ mire is r#se+7(at t# 2#* is )*neral ,ailin. is marria.e dr*m t# me%7(ile I seem #n eart(+ a/idin. ,it( 2#* in t(e (#*se+I ascend li$e Sat*rn t# t(e sevent( (eaven%Tis n#t I ,(# c#mani#n ,it( 2#*+ tis m2 s(ad#,6M2 exaltati#n transcends 2#*r t(#*.(ts+"eca*se I (ave transcended t(#*.(t+4ea+ I (ave sed /e2#nd reac( #) t(#*.(t%I am l#rd #) t(#*.(t+ n#t #verl#rded /2 t(#*.(t+As t(e /*ilder is l#rd #) t(e /*ildin.%

All creat*res are enslaved t# t(#*.(t6F#r t(is ca*se are t(e2 sad at (eart and s#rr#,)*l%I send m2sel) #n an em/ass2 t# t(#*.(t+And+ at ,ill+ srin. /ac$ a.ain )r#m t(#*.(t%I am as t(e /ird #) (eaven and t(#*.(t as t(e )l2+H#, can t(e )l2 lend a (elin. (and t# me87(#s# (as in (im a sar$ #) t(e li.(t #) Omni#tence+H#,ever m*c( (e eats+ sa2 Eat #n6 tis la,)*l t# (im%1T# t(e sirit*al man t(e 1inner v#ice1 is its#,n evidence+ and needs n# #t(er r##)%1I) 2#* are a tr*e l#ver #) m2 s#*l+

T(is tr*t(-)ra*.(t sa2in. #) mine is n# vain retence+T(#*.( I tal$ (al) t(e ni.(t I am s*eri#r t# 2#*6



And a.ain+ Fear n#t t(e ni.(t6 (ere am I+ 2#*r $insman%T(ese t,# asserti#ns #) mine ,ill /#t( seem tr*e t# 2#*T(e m#ment 2#* rec#.niBe t(e v#ice #) 2#*r $insman%S*eri#rit2 and $insmans(i are /#t( mere asserti#ns+4et /#t( are rec#.niBed )#r tr*t( /2 men #) clear ,it%

T(e nearness #) t(e v#ice r#ves t# s*c( an #neT(at t(e v#ice r#ceeds )r#m a )riend ,(# is near%T(e s,eetness #) t(e $insmans v#ice+ t##+ O /el#ved+Pr#ves t(e veracit2 #) t(at $insman%"*t t(e *ninsired )##l ,(# )r#m i.n#ranceCann#t tell t(e v#ice #) a stran.er )r#m a )riends+T# (im t(e )riends sa2in. seems a vain retensi#n+His i.n#rance is t(e material ca*se #) (is dis/elie)%T# t(e ,ise+ ,(#se (earts are enli.(tened+T(e mere s#*nd #) t(at v#ice r#ves its tr*t(%117(en 2#* sa2 t# a t(irst2 man+ C#me =*ic$l26

T(is is ,ater in t(e c*+ ta$e and drin$ it+!#es t(e t(irst2 man sa2+ T(is is a vain retensi#n6&#+ rem#ve 2#*rsel) )r#m me+ O vain retender+Or r#ceed t# .ive r##)s and evidenceT(at t(is is .eneric ,ater+ and c#ncrete ,ater t(ere#)8Or ,(en a m#t(er cries t# (er s*c$in. /a/e+C#me+ O s#n+ I am t(2 m#t(er+!#es t(e /a/e ans,er+ O m#t(er+ s(#, a r##)T(at I s(all )ind c#m)#rt )r#m ta$in. t(2 mil$8In t(e (earts #) ever2 sect t(at (as a taste #) t(e tr*t(T(e si.(t and t(e v#ice #) r#(ets ,#r$ miracles%7(en t(e r#(ets raise t(eir cr2 t# t(e #*t,ard ear+T(e s#*ls #) eac( sect /#, in dev#ti#n ,it(in6"eca*se never in t(is ,#rld (at( t(e s#*ls earHeard )r#m an2 man t(e li$e #) t(at cr2%T(at ##r man in t(at stran.e s,eet v#iceRec#.niBes t(e v#ice #) &#d+ ;eril2 I am ni.(%1 9@NOTES0% '#ran xviii% GG%9% 1And ,(en m2 servants as$ t(ee c#ncernin. me t(en ,ill I /e ni.( *nt# t(em% I ,illans,er t(e cr2 #) (im t(at criet(+ ,(en (e criet( *nt# me%1 '#ran ii% l9%

STOR4 K;II%T(e Tree #) Li)e%T(e recedin. st#r2 is )#ll#,ed /2 a s(#rt anecd#te #) t(e in)ants #) t(e ;ir.in Mar2 and t(em#t(er #) J#(n t(e "atist leain. in t(eir m#t(ers ,#m/s+ and in rel2 t# matter #) )actcavillers and =*esti#ners #) t(is anecd#te+ t(e #et sa2s ,e m*st l##$ at its sirit and essential

/asis rat(er t(an its #*t,ard )#rm% T(is intr#d*ces t(e st#r2 #) t(e tree #) li)e% A certain ,iseman related t(at in Hind*stan t(ere ,as a tree #) s*c( ,#nder)*l virt*e t(at ,(#s#ever ate #)its )r*it lived )#rever% Hearin. t(is+ a $in. de*ted #ne #) (is c#*rtiers t# .# in =*est #) it% T(ec#*rtier acc#rdin.l2 r#ceeded t# Hind*stan+ and traveled all #ver t(at c#*ntr2+ in=*irin. #)

ever2 #ne (e met ,(ere t(is tree ,as t# /e )#*nd% S#me #) t(ese ers#ns r#)essed t(eir entirei.n#rance+ #t(ers 3#$ed (im+ and #t(ers .ave (im )alse in)#rmati#n6 and+ )inall2+ (e (ad t#



ret*rn t# (is c#*ntr2 ,it( (is missi#n *nacc#mlis(ed% He t(en+ as a last res#*rce+ /et##$(imsel) t# t(e sa.e ,(# (ad )irst s#$en #) t(e tree+ and /e..ed )#r )*rt(er in)#rmati#n a/#*tit+ and t(e sa.e relied t# (im as )#ll#,s0T(e S(ai$( la*.(ed+ and said t# (im+ 1O )riend+T(is is t(e tree #) $n#,led.e+ O $n#,in. #ne6

;er2 (i.(+ ver2 )ine+ ver2 exansive+T(e ver2 ,ater #) li)e )r#m t(e circ*m)l*ent #cean%T(#* (ast r*n a)ter )#rm+ O ill-in)#rmed #ne+7(ere)#re t(#* lac$est t(e )r*it #) t(e tree #) s*/stance%S#metimes it is named tree+ s#metimes s*n+S#metimes la$e+ and s#metimes cl#*d%Tis #ne+ t(#*.( it (as t(#*sands #) mani)estati#ns6Its least mani)estati#n is eternal li)e5T(#*.( tis #ne+ it (as a t(#*sand mani)estati#ns+T(e names t(at )it t(at #ne are c#*ntless%T(at #ne is t# t(2 ers#nalit2 a )at(er+

In re.ard t# an#t(er ers#n He ma2 /e a s#n%In relati#n t# an#t(er He ma2 /e ,rat( and ven.eance+In relati#n t# an#t(er+ merc2 and .##dness%He (as t(#*sands #) names+ 2et is One+Ans,erin. t# all #) His descriti#ns+ 2et indescri/a/le%Ever2 #ne ,(# see$s names+ i) (e is a man #) cred*lit2+Li$e t(ee+ remains (#eless and )r*strated #) (is aim%7(2 cleavest t(#* t# t(is mere name #) tree+S# t(at t(#* art *tterl2 /al$ed and disa#inted8Pass #ver names and l##$ t# =*alities+S# t(at =*alities ma2 lead t(ee t# essence5T(e di))erences #) sects arise )r#m His names67(en t(e2 ierce t# His essence t(e2 )ind His eace51T(is st#r2 is )#ll#,ed /2 an#t(er anecd#te ill*strative #) t(e same t(esis t(at attendin. merel2t# names and #*t,ard )#rms+ rat(er t(an t# t(e sirit and essence #) reli.i#n+ leads men int#err#r and del*si#n% F#*r ers#ns+ a Persian+ an Ara/+ a T*r$+ and a &ree$+ ,ere travelin.t#.et(er+ and received a resent #) a dir(em% T(e Persian said (e ,#*ld /*2 1an.*r1 ,it( it+t(e Ara/ said (e ,#*ld /*2 1ina/+1 ,(ile t(e T*r$ and t(e &ree$ ,ere )#r /*2in. 1*B*m1 and1asta(il1 sta(2le+ resectivel2% N#, all t(ese ,#rds mean #ne and t(e same t(in.+ viB%1.raes61 /*t+ #,in. t# t(eir i.n#rance #) eac( #t(ers lan.*a.es+ t(e2 )ancied t(e2 eac(,anted t# /*2 s#met(in. di))erent+ and acc#rdin.l2 a vi#lent =*arrel ar#se /et,een t(em% At

last a ,ise man ,(# $ne, all t(eir lan.*a.es came * and exlained t# t(em t(at t(e2 ,ereall ,is(in. )#r #ne and t(e same t(in.%@NOTES0% L*$e i% <%

STOR4 K;III%T(e 4#*n. !*c$s ,(# ,ere /r#*.(t * *nder a Hen%Alt(#*.( a d#mestic )#,l ma2 (ave ta$en t(ee+7(# art a d*c$lin.+ *nder (er ,in. and n*rt*red t(ee+T(2 m#t(er ,as a d*c$ #) t(at #cean%

T(2 n*rse ,as eart(2+ and (er ,in. dr2 land%T(e l#n.in. )#r t(e #cean ,(ic( )ills t(2 (eart+



T(at nat*ral l#n.in. #) t(2 s#*l c#mes )r#m t(2 m#t(er%T(2 l#n.in. )#r dr2 land c#mes t# t(ee )r#m t(2 n*rse6*it t(2 n*rse+ )#r s(e ,ill lead t(ee astra2%Leave t(2 n*rse #n t(e dr2 land and *s( #n+Enter t(e #cean #) real "ein.+ li$e t(e d*c$s5

T(#*.( t(2 n*rse ma2 )ri.(ten t(ee a,a2 )r#m ,ater+!# t(#* )ear n#t+ /*t (aste #n int# t(e #cean5T(#* art a d*c$+ and )l#*ris(est #n land and ,ater+And d#st n#t+ li$e a d#mestic )#,l+ di. * t(e (#*se%T(#* art a $in. #) 1t(e s#ns #) Adam (#n#red /2 &#d+1 lAnd settest )##t ali$e #n sea and land6F#r imress #n t(2 mind+ 17e (ave carried t(em /2 sea+1"e)#re t(e ,#rds+ 17e (ave carried t(em /2 land%1T(e an.els .# n#t #n dr2 land+And t(e animals $n#, n#t(in. #) t(e sea6T(#* in /#d2 art an animal+ in t(2 s#*l an an.el6

Hence t(#* .#est /#t( *#n eart( and #n (eaven%1Hence t# #*t,ard vie, 1He is a man li$e 2#*+1 97(ile t# (is s(ar-seein. (eart 1it (at( /een revealed%1His eart(2 )#rm (as )allen #n eart(+His sirit rev#lvin. a/#ve (i.(est (eaven%O /#2+ ,e are all #) *s ,ater)#,l+T(e sea $n#,s )*ll ,ell #*r lan.*a.e%S#l#m#n : is+ as it ,ere+ t(at sea+ and ,e as t(e /irds6In S#l#m#n ,e (#ld #*r c#*rse t# eternit2%Al#n. ,it( S#l#m#n l*n.e int# t(e #cean+ <T(en+ li$e !avid+ t(e ,ater ,ill ma$e *s c#ats-#)-mail%T(at S#l#m#n is resent t# ever2 #ne+"*t ne.li.ence cl#ses t(eir e2es and /e,itc(es t(em%Hence+ t(r#*.( i.n#rance+ sl#t(+ and )#ll2+T(#*.( (e stands (ard /2 *s+ ,e are s(*t #)) )r#m (im%T(e n#ise #) t(*nder ma$es t(e (ead #) t(e t(irst2 ac(e67(en (e $n#,s n#t t(at it *nl#c$s t(e /lessed s(#,ers+His e2es are )ixed #n t(e r*nnin. stream+Un,ittin. #) t(e s,eetness #) t(e rain )r#m (eaven%He *r.es t(e steed #) (is desire t#,ards t(e ca*sed+And er)#rce remains s(*t #)) )r#m t(e Ca*ser%

7(#s# /e(#lds t(e Ca*ser )ace t# )ace+H#, can (e set (is (eart #n t(in.s ca*sed #n eart(8@NOTES0% '#ran xvi% G90 1And n#, (ave ,e (#n#red t(e s#ns #) Adam+ /2 sea and /2 land (ave ,ecarried t(em%19% '#ran xviii% 0 1Sa2+ in s##t( I am #nl2 a man li$e 2#*% It (at( /een revealed *nt# met(at 2#*r &#d is #ne #nl2 &#d%1:% '#ran xxvii% ?0 1S#l#m#n said+ O men+ ,e (ave /een ta*.(t t(e seec( #) /irds%1<% '#ran xxvii% << and xxi% %




"##$ II%PROLO&UE%

THE C#m#siti#n #) t(is Masnavi (as /een dela2ed )#r a seas#n6 Time is needed )#r /l##d t# /ec#me mil$%Till t(2 )#rt*ne c#mes )#rt( as a ne,-/#rn /a/e+"l##d /ec#mes n#t mil$+ s,eet and leasant t# t(e mind%7(en t(at li.(t #) &#d+ H*sam*-d-!inT*rned (is c#*rse d#,n )r#m t(e s*mmit #) (eaven+7(ile (e (ad ascended t# s*/limest verities+

In t(e a/sence #) (is srin. t(e /*ds /l#ss#med n#t+"*t ,(en #*t #) t(at sea (e came t# s(#re+T(e l*te #) t(e #es2 #) t(e Masnavi s#*nded a.ain%T(is Masnavi+ ,(ic( is t(e #lis(er #) sirits+Its rec#mmencement #cc*rred #n t(e da2 #) 1Oenin.%1T(e c#mmencement date #) t(is reci#*s ,#r$ 7as t(e 2ear six (*ndred and sixt2-t,# #) t(e Fli.(t%T(e "*l/*l started #n t(is date and /ecame a (a,$64ea+ a (a,$ t# (*nt #*t t(ese m2steries%Ma2 t(e ,rist #) t(e 'in. /e t(e restin.-lace #) t(is (a,$+And ma2 t(is d##r /e #en t# t(e e#le )#r ever5@NOTES0% T(e dela2 ,as ca*sed /2 t(e .rie) #) H*sam )#r t(e deat( #) (is ,i)e%

STOR4 I%T(e S*)is "eastA)ter anecd#tes #) t(e man+ in t(e time #) Omar+ ,(# mist##$ (is e2elas( )#r t(e ne, m##n+#) #ne ,(# st#le a sna$e and .#t /itten /2 it+ and #) Isas )##lis( discile ,(# /es#*.(t t(eL#rd t# teac( (im t(e sell ,(ere/2 (e raised t(e dead+ c#mes t(e )#ll#,in. st#r2%A certain S*)i+ a)ter a l#n. da2s 3#*rne2+ arrived at a m#naster2+ ,(ere (e *t * )#r t(e

ni.(t+ and strictl2 en3#ined (is servant t# .r##m (is ass care)*ll2 and .ive (im lent2 #) litterand )#dder% T(e servant ass*red (im t(at (is min*te directi#ns ,ere s*er)l*#*s+ and r#mised t# attend t# t(e ass m#st care)*ll26 /*t ,(en (is masters /ac$ ,as t*rned (ene.lected t(e ass+ and t(e ##r animal remained all ni.(t ,it(#*t ,ater #r )##d% C#nse=*entl2(e ,as ,ea$ and *n)it t# travel next m#rnin.+ and in site #) t(e /l#,s and $ic$s t(at ,eres(#,ered #n (im+ c#*ld n#t carr2 (is master+ /*t (ad t# /e led% T(e #t(er S*)is ,(# ,eretravelin. ,it( (is #,ner t(#*.(t t(at t(e ass ,as *seless+ and ,(en t(e2 arrived at t(e lace,(ere t(e2 (alted )#r t(e ni.(t+ t(e2 s#ld t(e ass t# a traveler+ and ,it( t(e r#ceeds #) t(esale /#*.(t delicate viands and t#rc(es+ and made a )east% T(e #,ner #) t(e ass+ ,(# ,asi.n#rant #) t(is transacti#n+ s(ared t(e )east+ and 3#ined in t(e c(#r*s s*n. /2 t(e #t(ers+ 1T(eass is .#ne+ t(e ass is .#ne+1 ,it(#*t attac(in. an2 sense t# t(e ,#rds+ and /lindl2 )#ll#,in.

t(eir examle% Next m#rnin. (e as$ed (is servant ,(at (ad /ec#me #) t(e ass+ and t(e servantt#ld (im it (ad /een s#ld+ addin. t(at (e t(#*.(t (e (ad $n#,n it #verni.(t+ /eca*se (e (ad



(eard (im sin.in. 1T(e ass is .#ne1 al#n. ,it( t(e #t(er S*)is% In t(e c#*rse #) t(is st#r2t(ere #cc*r anecd#tes #) &#d c#ns*ltin. ,it( t(e an.els as t# t(e creati#n #) man+ #) a $in.,(# l#st (is (a,$ and )#*nd it a.ain in t(e (#*se #) a ##r #ld man+ and #) S(ai$( A(mad'(iBra,i2a /*2in. s,eetmeats )#r (is credit#rs%7(2 t(e #et veils (is d#ctrines in )a/les%

7(at is it (inders me )r#m ex#*ndin. m2 d#ctrines"*t t(is+ t(at m2 (earers (earts incline else,(ere%T(eir t(#*.(ts are intent #n t(at S*)i .*est6T(e2 are immersed in (is a))airs nec$ dee%S# I am c#melled t# t*rn )r#m m2 disc#*rseT# t(at st#r2+ and t# set )#rt( (is c#nditi#n%"*t+ O )riend+ t(in$ n#t t(is S*)i a mere #*t,ard )#rm+As c(ildren see in a vine n#t(in. /*t raisins%O s#n+ #*r /#dies are as dried .raes and raisins6I) 2#* are a man+ cast a,a2 t(ese t(in.s%I) 2#* ass #n t# t(e *re m2steries #) &#d+

4#* ,ill /e exalted a/#ve t(e nine (eavenl2 s(eres% N#, (ear t(e #*t,ard )#rm #) m2 st#r2+"*t 2et searate t(e .rain )r#m t(e c(a))%7(2 t(e r#(ets ,ere sent%&#d sent t(e r#(ets )#r t(is *r#se+

Namel2+ t# sever in)idelit2 )r#m )ait(%&#d sent t(e r#(ets t# man$indT(at t(e2 mi.(t .at(er t(e *re .rain #n t(eir tra2%In)idel and )ait()*l+ M#salman and Je,+"e)#re t(e r#(ets came+ seemed all as #ne%"e)#re t(e2 came ,e ,ere all ali$e+

N# #ne $ne, ,(et(er (e ,as ri.(t #r ,r#n.%&en*ine c#in and /ase c#in ,ere c*rrent ali$e6T(e ,#rld ,as a ni.(t+ and ,e travelers in t(e dar$+Till t(e s*n #) t(e r#(ets ar#se+ and cried+1"e.#ne% O sl*m/er6 ,elc#me+ O *re li.(t51

N#, t(e e2e sees (#, t# distin.*is( c#l#rs+It sees t(e di))erence /et,een r*/ies and e//les%T(e e2e distin.*is(es 3e,els )r#m d*st+Hence it is d*st ma$es t(e e2es smart%Ma$ers #) /ase c#in (ate t(e da2li.(t+

C#ins #) *re .#ld l#ve t(e da2li.(t+"eca*se da2li.(t is t(e mirr#r t(at re)lects t(em+S# t(at t(e2 see t(eir #,n er)ect /ea*t2%M2stical Meanin. #) 1!a2li.(t1

&#d (as named t(e res*rrecti#n 1t(at da261!a2 s(#,s #)) t(e /ea*t2 #) red and 2ell#,%7(ere)#re 1!a21 in tr*t( is t(e m2ster2 #) t(e saints6

One da2 #) t(eir m##ns is as ,(#le 2ears%'n#,+ 1!a2 1 is t(e re)lecti#n #) t(e m2ster2 #) t(e saints+



E2e-cl#sin. ni.(t t(at #) t(eir (idden secrets%T(ere)#re (at( &#d revealed t(e c(ater 1!a2li.(t+1 7(ic( da2li.(t is t(e li.(t #) t(e (eart #) M*sta)a%On t(e #t(er vie,+ t(at da2li.(t means 1T(e Friend+1It is als# a re)lecti#n #) t(e same r#(et%

F#r+ as it is ,r#n. t# s,ear /2 a transit#r2 /ein.+H#, can ,e s*#se a transit#r2 /ein. s#$en #) /2 &#d8T(e Friend #) &#d said+ 1I l#ve n#t t(em t(at set81 9H#,+ t(en+ c#*ld Alla( (ave meant a transit#r2 /ein.8A.ain+ t(e ,#rds 1/2 t(e ni.(t1 mean M*(ammads veilin.+

Namel2+ t(e )air eart(l2 /#d2 t(at (e /#re67(en (is s*n r#ceeded )r#m (eaven #n (i.(Int# t(at /#d2s ni.(t+ it said+ 1He (at( n#t )#rsa$en t(ee61Uni#n ,it( &#d ar#se #*t #) t(e det( #) t(at dis.race6T(at /##n ,as t(e ,#rd+ 1He (at( n#t /een disleased%1Exressi#ns #) reli.i#*s #r #t(er )eelin. derive t(eir #nl2 val*e )r#m t(e state #) mind )r#m

,(ic( t(e2 r#ceed%Ever2 exressi#n is t(e si.n #) a state #) mind6T(at state is a (and+ t(e exressi#n an instr*ment%A .#ldsmit(s instr*ments in t(e (and #) a c#//ler Are as .rains #) ,(eat s#,n #n sand%T(e t##ls #) a c#//ler in t(e (and #) a c*ltivat#r Are as .rass /e)#re a d#. #r /#nes /e)#re an ass%T(e ,#rds+ 1I am t(e Tr*t(1 ,ere li.(t in Mans*rs : m#*t(+In t(e m#*t( #) P(ara#( 1I am L#rd S*reme1 ,as /las(em2%T(e sta)) in t(e (and #) M#ses ,as a ,itness+In t(e (ands #) t(e ma.icians it ,as na*.(t%F#r t(is ca*se Isa ta*.(t n#t t# t(at )##lis( manT(e ,#rds #) #,er ,(ere/2 (e raised t(e dead%F#r (e ,(# is i.n#rant mis*ses t(e instr*ment 6I) 2#* stri$e )lint #n m*d 2#* ,ill .et n# )ire%Hand and instr*ment resem/le )lint and steel64#* m*st (ave a air6 a air is needed t# .enerate%He ,(# (as n# eer #r mem/er is t(e 1One+1An *neven n*m/er+ One ,it(#*t dis*te57(#s# sa2s 1#ne1 and 1t,#+1 and s# #n+C#n)esses t(ere/2 t(e existence #) t(e 1One%1

7(en t(e ill*si#n #) seein. d#*/le is s,et a,a2+T(e2 ,(# sa2 1#ne1 and 1t,#1 are even as t(e2 ,(# sa2 1One%1I) 2#* ta$e 1One1 as 2#*r /all in (is tennis-)ield+It is made t# rev#lve /2 t(e str#$es #) (is /at% <4ea+ t(e /all t(at is even and ,it(#*t )a*ltIs made t# rev#lve /2 t(e str#$es #) t(e 'in.s (and%O man #) d#*/le visi#n+ > (ear$en ,it( attenti#n+See$ a c*re )#r 2#*r de)ective si.(t /2 listenin.%Man2 are t(e (#l2 ,#rds t(at )ind n# entranceInt# /lind (earts+ /*t t(e2 enter (earts )*ll #) li.(t%"*t t(e deceits #) Satan enter cr##$ed (earts+

Even as cr##$ed s(#es )it cr##$ed )eet%T(#*.( 2#* reeat i#*s exressi#ns a.ain and a.ain+



I) 2#* are a )##l+ t(e2 a))ect 2#* n#t at all6 Na2+ n#t t(#*.( 2#* set t(em d#,n in ,ritin.+And t(#*.( 2#* r#claim t(em va*ntin.l267isd#m averts its )ace )r#m 2#*+ O man #) sin+7isd#m /rea$s a,a2 )r#m 2#* and ta$es t# )li.(t5

n Ta=lid+ /lind imitati#n #r cant%1O ,retc(+ ,(2 did 2#* n#t c#me and sa2 t# me+S*c( and s*c( a disastr#*s a))air (as #cc*rred81T(e servant relied+ 1"2 Alla(+ I came a.ain and a.ain+T(at I mi.(t ac=*aint 2#* ,it( t(e matter%4#* ,ere al,a2s sa2in.+ T(e ass is .#ne+ m2 lad5Al#n. ,it( t(e #t(ers in (i.( excitement6S# I ,ent a,a2+ t(in$in. 2#* $ne, all a/#*t it+And ,ere leased at t(e transacti#n+ /ein. a ,ise man%1T(e S*)i said+ 1T(e2 ,ere all sin.in. t(e same ,#rds+S# I )elt imelled t# sin. t(em as ,ell%

"lind imitati#n #) t(em (as *nd#ne me%C*rsed /e t(at /lind imitati#n51T(e e))ect #) /lindl2 imitatin. *nr#)ita/le c#nd*ctIs t(at men cast a,a2 (#n#r )#r a m#rsel #) /read%T(e ecstas2 #) t(at c#man2 cast a re)lecti#n+7(ere/2 t(at S*)is (eart /ecame ecstatic li$e t(em%4#* need man2 re)lecti#ns )r#m 2#*r ass#ciatesIn #rder t# dra, ,ater )r#m t(e eerless Ocean%T(e )irst re)lecti#n cast is mere /lind imitati#n6A)ter it (as /een #)ten reeated 2#* ma2 test its tr*t(%Till it is t(*s veri)ied+ ta$e it n#t )r#m 2#*r )riends6T(e dr#+ n#t 2et /ec#me earl+ sever n#t )r#m its s(ell%Evil in)l*ence #) c#vet#*sness%

7#*ld 2#* (ave e2es and ears #) reas#n clear+Tear #)) t(e #/str*ctin. veil #) .reed5T(e /lind imitati#n #) t(at S*)i r#ceeded )r#m .reed6&reed cl#sed (is mind t# t(e *re li.(t%4ea+ t,as .reed t(at led astra2 t(at S*)i+And /r#*.(t (im t# l#ss #) r#ert2 and r*in%

&reed #) vict*als+ .reed #) t(at ecstatic sin.in.Hindered (is ,its )r#m .rasin. t(e tr*t(%I) .reed stained t(e )ace #) a mirr#r+T(at mirr#r ,#*ld /e as deceit)*l as ,e men are% ?I) a air #) scales ,ere .reed2 #) ric(es+7#*ld t(e2 tell tr*l2 t(e ,ei.(t #) an2t(in.8T(e Pr#(et sait(+ 1O e#le+ t(r#*.( sin.leness #) mind+I as$ #) 2#* n# rec#mense )#r m2 r#(es2in.6 GI am a .*ide6 &#d /*2et( m2 .*idance )#r 2#*+&#d .ivet( 2#* m2 .*idance in /#t( ,#rlds%Tr*e+ a .*ide deserves (is ,a.es6

7a.es are d*e t# (im )#r directin. 2#* ari.(t%"*t ,(at are m2 ,a.es8 T(e visi#n #) T(e Friend%



A/* "a$r indeed #))ered me )#rt2 t(#*sand ieces #) .#ld+"*t (is )#rt2 t(#*sand ieces ,ere n# ,a.es )#r me% H#, c#*ld I ta$e /rass /eads )#r earls #) Aden81I ,ill tell 2#* a tale6 (ear$en attentivel2+T(at 2#* ma2 $n#, (#, .reed cl#ses * t(e ears%

Ever2 man s*/3ect t# .reed is a miser%Can e2es #) (earts cl#*ded ,it( .reed see clearl28T(e ill*si#n #) ran$ and ric(es /linds (is si.(t+Li$e (air dr#in. d#,n /e)#re (is e2es%@NOTES0% '#ran xciii0 1"2 t(e da2li.(t and /2 t(e ni.(t t(2+ L#rd (at( n#t )#rsa$en t(ee n#r /eendisleased%19% '#ran vi% G?0 1And ,(en t(e ni.(t #vers(ad#,ed A/ra(am+ (e /e(eld a star+ and (e said+T(is is m2 L#rd6 /*t ,(en it set (e said+ I l#ve n#t &#ds ,(ic( set%1:% Mans*r Halla3+ a cele/rated S*)i ,(# ,as *t t# deat( at "a.dad in :D A%H% )#r *sin.t(ese ,#rds%

<% i%e%+ *nit2 is made t# aear as l*ralit2 see &*ls(an i RaB+ I% G%>% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <%?% T(e T*r$is( c#mmentat#r translates t(*s% T(e L*c$n#, c#2 reads "a sati )#r Ma sti%G% '#ran xi >:%% A/* "a$r made #ver all (is .##ds t# t(e Pr#(et in aid #) t(e exediti#n t# S2ria%

STOR4 II%T(e Pa*er and t(e Pris#ners%A certain a*er #/tained admittance t# a ris#n+ and ann#2ed t(e ris#ners /2 eatin. * allt(eir vict*als and leavin. t(em n#ne% At last t(e2 made a )#rmal c#mlaint t# t(e aBi+ and

ra2ed (im t# /anis( t(e .reed2 a*er )r#m t(e ris#n% T(e aBi s*mm#ned t(e a*er /e)#re (im+ and as$ed (im ,(2 (e did n#t .# t# (is #,n (#*se instead #) livin. #n t(e ris#ners% T(e a*er relied t(at (e (ad n# (#*se #r means #) liveli(##d excet t(at s*lied /2 t(e ris#n6 ,(ere*#n t(e aBi #rdered (im t# /e carried t(r#*.( t(e cit2+ and r#clamati#n t# /e made t(at (e ,as a a*er+ t(at n# #ne mi.(t /e ind*ced t# lend (imm#ne2 #r trade ,it( (im% Acc#rdin.l2 t(e attendants s#*.(t )#r a camel ,(ere#n t# carr2 (imt(r#*.( t(e cit2+ and at last ind*ced a '*rd ,(# s#ld )ire,##d t# lend (is camel )#r t(e

*r#se% T(e '*rd c#nsented )r#m .reed #) re,ard+ and t(e a*er+ /ein. seated #n t(ecamel+ ,as carried t(r#*.( t(e cit2 )r#m m#rnin. till evenin.+ r#clamati#n /ein. made inPersian+ Ara/ic+ and '*rdis( t(at (e ,as a a*er% 7(en evenin. came t(e '*rd demanded

a2ment+ /*t t(e a*er re)*sed t# .ive (im an2t(in.+ #/servin. t(at i) (e (ad $et (is ears#en (e m*st (ave (eard t(e r#clamati#n% T(*s t(e '*rd ,as led /2 .reed t# send t(e da2in *seless la/#r%Satans #))ice in t(e ,#rld%T(e a*er said+ 14#*r /ene)icence is m2 s*stenance6T# me+ as t# aliens+ 2#*r ris#n is a aradise%I) 2#* /anis( me )r#m 2#*r ris#n in rer#/ati#n+I m*st needs die #) #vert2 and a))licti#n%1J*st s# I/lis said t# Alla(+ 1O (ave c#massi#n6L#rd5 resite me till t(e da2 #) res*rrecti#n6F#r in t(is ris#n #) t(e ,#rld I am at #ase+

T(at I ma2 sla2 t(e c(ildren #) m2 enemies%Fr#m ever2 #ne ,(# (as tr*e )ait( )#r )##d+



And as /read )#r (is r#visi#ns /2 t(e ,a2+I ta$e it a,a2 /2 )ra*d #r deceit+S# t(at t(e2 raise /itter cries #) re.ret%S#metimes I menace t(em ,it( #vert2+ 9S#metimes I /lind t(eir e2es ,it( tresses and m#les%1

In t(is ris#n t(e )##d #) tr*e )ait( is scarce+And /2 t(e tric$s #) t(is d#. ,(at t(ere is is l#st%In site #) ra2ers and )asts and endless ains+O*r )##d is alt#.et(er dev#*red /2 (im%Let *s see$ re)*.e ,it( Alla( )r#m Satan%Alas 5 ,e are eris(in. /2 (is ins#lence%T(e d#. is #ne+ 2et (e enters a t(#*sand )#rms6 :7(atever (e enters strai.(t /ec#mes (imsel)%7(atever ma$es 2#* s(iver+ $n#, (e is in it+T(e !evil is (idden /eneat( its #*t,ard )#rm%7(en (e )inds n# )#rm at (and+ (e enters 2#*r t(#*.(ts+

T# ca*se t(em t# dra, 2#* int# sin%Fr#m 2#*r t(#*.(ts r#ceeds destr*cti#n+7(en )r#m time t# time evil t(#*.(ts #cc*r t# 2#*%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) leas*re+ s#metimes #) /*siness+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) science+ s#metimes #) (#*se and (#me%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) .ain and tra))ic+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) merc(andise and ,ealt(%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) m#ne2 and ,ives and c(ildren+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) ,isd#m #r #) sadness%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) (#*se(#ld .##ds and )ine linen+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) carets+ s#metimes #) s,eeers%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) mills+ .ardens+ and villas+S#metimes #) cl#*ds and mists and 3#$es and 3ests%S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) eace and ,ar+S#metimes t(#*.(ts #) (#n#r and dis.race%A(5 cast #*t #) 2#*r (ead t(ese vain ima.inati#ns+A(5 s,ee #*t #) 2#*r (eart t(ese evil s*..esti#ns%Cr2+ 1T(ere is n# #,er n#r stren.t( /*t in &#d51T# avert t(e Evil One )r#m t(e ,#rld and 2#*r #,n s#*l%It is t(e tr*e "el#ved ,(# ca*ses all#*t,ard eart(l2 /ea*t2 t# exist%

7(ats#ever is erceived /2 sense He ann*ls+"*t He esta/lis(es t(at ,(ic( is (idden )r#m t(e senses%T(e l#vers l#ve is visi/le+ (is "el#ved (idden%T(e Friend is a/sent+ t(e distracti#n (e ca*ses resent%Ren#*nce t(ese a))ecti#ns )#r #*t,ard )#rms+L#ve deends n#t #n #*t,ard )#rm #r )ace%7(atever is /el#ved is n#t a mere emt2 )#rm+7(et(er 2#*r /el#ved /e #) t(e eart( #r #) (eaven%7(atever /e t(e )#rm 2#* (ave )allen in l#ve ,it(+7(2 d# 2#* )#rsa$e it t(e m#ment li)e leaves it8T(e )#rm is still t(ere6 ,(ence+ t(en+ t(is dis.*st at it8

A(5 l#ver+ c#nsider ,ell ,(at is reall2 2#*r /el#ved%I) a t(in. erceived /2 #*t,ard senses is t(e /el#ved+



T(en all ,(# retain t(eir senses m*st still l#ve it6And since l#ve increases c#nstanc2+H#, can c#nstanc2 )ail ,(ile )#rm a/ides8 <"*t t(e tr*t( is+ t(e s*ns /eams stri$e t(e ,all+And t(e ,all #nl2 re)lects t(at /#rr#,ed li.(t%

7(2 .ive 2#*r (eart t# mere st#nes+ O simlet#n8&#5 see$ t(e s#*rce #) li.(t ,(ic( s(inet( al,a2s5!istin.*is( ,ell tr*e da,n )r#m )alse da,n+!istin.*is( t(e c#l#r #) t(e ,ine )r#m t(at #) t(e c*6S# t(at+ instead #) man2 e2es #) carice+One e2e ma2 /e #ened t(r#*.( atience and c#nstanc2%T(en 2#* ,ill /e(#ld tr*e c#l#rs instead #) )alse+And reci#*s 3e,els in lie* #) st#nes%"*t ,(at is a 3e,el8 Na2+ 2#* ,ill /e an #cean #) earls64ea+ a s*n t(at meas*res t(e (eavens5T(e real 7#r$man is (idden in His ,#r$s(#+

&# 2#* int# t(at ,#r$s(# and see Him )ace t# )ace%Inasm*c( as #ver t(at 7#r$man His ,#r$ sreads a c*rtain+4#* cann#t see Him #*tside His ,#r$%Since His ,#r$s(# is t(e a/#de #) t(e 7ise One+7(#s# see$s Him ,it(#*t is i.n#rant #) Him%C#me+ t(en+ int# His ,#r$s(#+ ,(ic( is N#t-/ein.+ >T(at 2#* ma2 see t(e Creat#r and creati#n at #nce%7(#s# (as seen (#, /ri.(t is t(e ,#r$s(#Sees (#, #/sc*re is t(e #*tside #) t(at s(#%Re/elli#*s P(ara#( set (is )ace t#,ards "ein. e.#ism+And ,as er)#rce /lind t# t(at ,#r$s(#%Per)#rce (e l##$ed )#r t(e !ivine decree t# c(an.e+And (#ed t# t*rn (is destin2 )r#m (is d##r%7(ile destin2 at t(e im#tence #) t(at cra)t2 #neAll t(e ,(ile ,as secretl2 m#c$in.%He sle, a (*ndred t(#*sand .*iltless /a/esT(at t(e #rdinance and decree #) Alla( mi.(t /e t(,arted%T(at t(e r#(et M#ses mi.(t n#t /e /#rn alive+He c#mmitted a t(#*sand m*rders in t(e land%He did all t(is+ 2et M#ses ,as /#rn+And ,as r#tected a.ainst (is ,rat(%

Had (e /*t seen t(e Eternal ,#r$s(#+He (ad re)rained (and and )##t )r#m t(ese vain devices%7it(in (is (#*se ,as M#ses sa)e and s#*nd+7(ile (e ,as $illin. t(e /a/es #*tside t# n# *r#se%J*st s# t(e slave #) l*sts ,(# amers (is /#d2Fancies t(at s#me #t(er man /ears (im ill-,ill6Sa2in. t(is #ne is m2 enem2+ and t(is #ne m2 )#e+7(ile it is (is #,n /#d2 ,(ic( is (is enem2 and )#e+He is li$e P(ara#(+ and (is /#d2 is li$e M#ses+He r*ns a/r#ad cr2in.+ 1,(ere is m2 )#e817(ile l*st is in (is (#*se+ ,(ic( is (is /#d2+

He /ites (is )in.er in site a.ainst stran.ers%T(en )#ll#,s an anecd#te #) a man ,(# sle, (is m#t(er /eca*se s(e ,as al,a2s



misc#nd*ctin. (ersel) ,it( stran.ers+ and ,(# exc*sed (imsel) /2 leadin. t(at i) (e (ad n#td#ne s# (e ,#*ld (ave /een #/li.ed t# sla2 stran.ers ever2 da2+ and t(*s inc*r /l##d-.*iltiness% L*st is li$ened t# t(is a/and#ned m#t(er6 ,(en it is #nce slain+ 2#* are at eace,it( all men% In ans,er t# an #/3ecti#n t(at i) t(is ,ere s# t(e r#(ets and saints+ ,(# (aves*/d*ed l*st+ ,#*ld n#t (ave /een (ated and #ressed as t(e2 ,ere+ it is #inted #*t t(at

t(e2 ,(# (ated t(e r#(ets in realit2 (ated t(emselves+ 3*st as sic$ men =*arrel ,it( t(e (2sician #r /#2s ,it( t(e teac(er% Pr#(ets and saints are created t# test t(e dis#siti#ns #)men+ t(at t(e .##d ma2 /e severed )r#m t(e /ad% T(e n*mer#*s .rades #) r#(ets+ #) saints+and #) (#l2 men are #rdained+ as s# man2 c*rtains #) t(e li.(t #) &#d+ t# t#ne d#,n its

/rilliance+ and ma$e it visi/le t# all .rades #) (*man si.(t%@NOTES0% '#ran vii% :%9% '#ran ii% 9GD%:% c)% &*ls(an i RaB+ % ?%<% T(is c#*let exercises /#t( t(e T*r$is( and t(e L*c$n#, c#mmentat#rs%>% i%e%+ anni(ilati#n #) sel) and #) all (en#menal /ein.+ re.ardin. sel) as na*.(t in t(e

resence #) t(e !eit2%

STOR4 III%T(e 'in. and (is T,# Slaves%A $in. *rc(ased t,# slaves+ #ne extremel2 (ands#me+ and t(e #t(er ver2 *.l2% He sent t(e)irst a,a2 t# t(e /at(+ and in (is a/sence =*esti#ned t(e #t(er% He t#ld (im t(at t(e )irst slave(ad .iven a ver2 /ad acc#*nt #) (im+ sa2in. t(at (e ,as a t(ie) and a /ad c(aracter+ and as$edi) it ,as tr*e% T(e sec#nd slave relied t(at t(e )irst ,as ever2t(in. t(at ,as .##d+ (is in,ard=*alities c#rres#ndin. t# t(e /ea*t2 #) (is #*t,ard aearance+ and t(at ,(atever (e (adt#ld t(e $in. ,as ,#rt(2 #) credit% T(e $in. relied t(at /ea*t2 ,as #nl2 an accident+ andt(at+ acc#rdin. t# t(e traditi#n+ accidents 1end*re #nl2 t,# m#ments61 t(at at deat( t(e animals#*l is destr#2ed+ t(at t(e text+ 17(#s# s(all resent (imsel) ,it( /ea*t2 s(all receive ten)#ldre,ard+1 I d#es n#t re)er t# #*t,ard accidents+ /*t t# t(e 1s*/stance+1 t(e eternal s#*l% T(eslave in rel2 *r.ed t(at t(e accidents #) .##d ,#r$s and t(#*.(ts ,ill in s#me ,a2 /ear )r*itin t(e next ,#rld+ #intin. #*t t(at t(#*.(t is al,a2s t(e rec*rs#r #) t(e c#mleted ,#r$+ ast(e lan #) t(e arc(itect recedes t(e /*ildin.+ and t(e .ardeners desi.n t(e er)ect )r*itres*ltin. )r#m (is la/#rs% He added t(at t(e ,#rld is #nl2 t(e realiBed t(#*.(t #) 1UniversalReas#n1 9 T(e $in. t(en sent a,a2 t(e slave ,it( ,(#m (e (ad (eld t(is disc#*rse+ ands*mm#ned t(e #t(er+ and t#ld (im t(at (is )ell#, slave (ad .iven a /ad acc#*nt #) (im+ andas$ed ,(at (e (ad t# sa2% He relied t(at (is )ell#, slave ,as a liar and a rascal+ and t(e $in.

t(en dismissed (im+ #/servin. t(at+ in acc#rdance ,it( t(e traditi#n+ 1Ever2 man is (idden*nder (is #,n t#n.*e+1 (is t#n.*e (ad /etra2ed (is inner vileness% 1T(e sa)et2 #) a man lies in(#ldin. (is t#n.*e%1T(e a#st#lical s*ccessi#n #) t(e r#(ets and t(e saints%

7it( t(at 1/ri.(tness #) li.(tnin.1 : He $indled t(eir s#*lsS# t(at Adam ac=*ired $n#,led.e )r#m t(at li.(t%T(at+ ,(ic( s(#ne )r#m Adam ,as .at(ered /2 Set(+

7(ere)#re Adam made (im (is vicer#2 ,(en (e sa, it%7(en N#a( received t(e .i)t #) t(at l*stre+



He /ecame a s#*l /earin. earls in t(e temest #) t(e )l##d%"2 t(at li.(t t(e s#*l #) A/ra(am ,as led+7it(#*t )ear (e entered Nimr#ds )ier2 )*rnace%7(en Is(mael s#*.(t #*t t(at li.(t+He mee$l2 laid (is (ead /eneat( (is )at(ers /ri.(t $ni)e%

T(e s#*l #) !avid ,as ,armed /2 its (eat+Ir#n /ecame lia/le /2 t(e )#rce #) (is ,eavin.% <7(en S#l#m#n ,as n*rt*red /2 its )r*iti#n+T(e devils /ecame t(e s*/missive slaves #) (is ,ill%7(en Jac#/ /#,ed (is (ead t# t(e !ivine decree+He rec#vered (is si.(t at t(e scent #) (is s#n% >7(en m##nli$e J#se( sa, t(at /rilliant s*n+He /ecame s# exert as (e ,as in interretin. dreams%7(en t(e sta)) dre, mi.(t )r#m t(e (and #) M#ses+It dev#*red t(e realm #) P(ara#( at a m#*t()*l%7(en t(e s#*l #) Jir3is ? /ecame riv2 t# its li.(t+

He sacri)iced (is li)e seven times+ and re.ained it%7(en a$(aria( G /#asted #) (is l#ve )#r it+He rans#med (is li)e in t(e (#ll#, #) t(e tree%7(en J#na( s,all#,ed a dra*.(t )r#m t(at c*+He )#*nd re#se in t(e /ell2 #) t(e )is(%7(en J#(n t(e "atist /ecame )illed ,it( its *ncti#n+He laid (is (ead in t(e .#lden c(ar.er in ard#*r )#r it%7(en Jet(r# /ecame a,are #) t(is exaltati#n+He ris$ed (is li)e t# )ind it%Patient J#/ .ave t(an$s )#r seven 2ears+F#r in (is calamities (e sa, si.ns #) its ar#ac(%7(en '(iBr and Elias /#asted #) .ainin. it+T(e2 )#*nd t(e ,ater #) li)e and ,ere n# m#re seen%7(en Jes*s% S#n #) Mar2+ )#*nd t(at ladder #) ascent+He ascended t# t(e (ei.(t #) t(e )#*rt( (eaven%7(en M*(ammad .ained t(at /lessed #ssessi#n+In a m#ment (e cle)t as*nder t(e dis$ #) t(e m##n% 7(en A/* "a$r /ecame t(e exemlar #) t(at .race+He ,as c#mani#n #) t(at L#rd+ and a c )ait()*l ,itness%17(en Omar ,as enrat*red ,it( t(at /ea*t2+Li$e a mind (e discerned tr*e and )alse% D

7(en Osman vie,ed t(#se /rilliant si.(ts+He di))*sed li.(t and /ecame 1L#rd #) t(e t,# li.(ts%1 7(en MartaBa Ali s(ined ,it( its re)lecti#n+He /ecame t(e 1Li#n #) &#d1 in t(e s#*ls d#main%7(en (is t,# s#ns ,ere ill*mined /2 t(is li.(t+T(e2 /ecame t(e 1earl2 earrin.s #) (i.(est (eaven61 One #) t(em l#sin. (is li)e /2 #is#n+T(e #t(er l#sin. (is (ead as (e ,ent a/#*t (is marc(%7(en J*naid ,as s*cc#*red /2 t(e )#rces #) t(at li.(t+His ecstatic states exceeded c#*ntin.%"a2aBid sa, (is ,a2 t# increased )r*iti#n t(ere#)+

And .ained )r#m &#d t(e name 1P#lestar #) &n#stics%17(at time 'in. Mans*r /ecame vict#ri#*s+ 9



He le)t (is t(r#ne and (astened t# t(e sta$e%7(en 'ar$(i #) 'ar$( /ecame its $eeer+He /ecame l#rd #) l#ve and #) t(e /reat( #) Jes*s%I/ra(im s#n #) Ad(am r#de (is (#rse t# t(at #int+And /ecame $in. #) $in.s #) e=*it2%

And t(at S(a$i$ startin. )r#m t(at 3*ncti#n"ecame a s*n #) ,it and ac*te #) .eni*s%FaBil )r#m a (i.(,a2 r#//er /ecame a sa.e #) t(e ,a2+ :7(en (e ,as re.arded ,it( esteem /2 t(e 'in.%T# "is(r Ha)i t(e d#ctrine+ ,as ann#*nced+And (e set (is )ace t#,ards t(e desert #) in=*ir2%7(en *--Ntin /ecame distra*.(t ,it( care )#r it+E.2t Mil$ as s*.ar /ecame t(e (#*se #) (is s#*l%7(en Sari < l#st (is (ead in see$in. t(e ,a2 t(eret#+His ran$ ,as exalted a/#ve t(e seats #) t(e mi.(t2%A (*ndred t(#*sand .reat sirit*al $in.s

Exalted /2 t(is divine li.(t ar#ac( t(e ,#rld%T(eir names remain (idden t(r#*.( &#ds 3eal#*s26Ever2 /e..ar tells n#t t(eir names% >@NOTES0% '#ran vi% ?%9% i%e%+ t(e L#.#s as !emi*r.e%:% '#ran xxiv% <:% T(e r#(etic insirati#n is li$ened t# a li.(t (anded #n )r#m #ne t#an#t(er%<% '#ran xxi% %>% '#ran lxxvii% D?%?% Jir3is #r St% &e#r.e is s*#sed /2 M*(ammadans t# /e t(e same ers#n as '(iBr #r Elias%G% a$(aria( t(e r#(et is said t# (ave ta$en re)*.e )r#m (is ersec*t#rs in t(e (#ll#, #) atree%% '#ran liv% %D% Omar ,as called 1T(e !iscerner%1% He /#re t(is name /eca*se (e (ad t,# da*.(ters #) M*(ammad as (is ,ives%% A traditi#n .ives t(is title t# Hasan and H*ssain%9% Mans*r Halla3+ t(e cele/rated S*)i imaled at "a.dad% S(a( #r 'in. ,as a title #)tenass*med /2 darves(es%:% T(e 1,a21 means t(e S*)i d#ctrines%<% All t(ese saints lived in t(e sec#nd and t(ird cent*ries #) t(e Fli.(t%

>% In t(e intr#d*cti#n t# t(e Na)a(at*-l Uns+ Jami sa2s t(ere are al,a2s < saints #n t(eeart( ,(# are n#t even $n#,n t# #ne an#t(er%

STOR4 I;%T(e Falc#n and t(e O,ls%A certain )alc#n l#st (is ,a2+ and )#*nd (imsel) in t(e ,aste laces in(a/ited /2 #,ls% T(e#,ls s*sected t(at (e (ad c#me t# seiBe t(eir nests+ and all s*rr#*nded (im t# ma$e an end#) (im% T(e )alc#n ass*red t(em t(at (e (ad n# s*c( desi.n as t(e2 im*ted t# (im+ t(at (isa/#de ,as #n t(e ,rist #) t(e $in.+ and t(at (e did n#t env2 t(eir )#*l (a/itati#n% T(e #,lsrelied t(at (e ,as tr2in. t# deceive t(em+ inasm*c( as s*c( a stran.e /ird as (e c#*ld n#t /e

a )av#rite #) t(e $in.% T(e )alc#n reeated t(at (e ,as indeed a )av#rite #) t(e $in.+ and t(att(e $in. ,#*ld ass*redl2 destr#2 t(eir (#*ses i) t(e2 in3*red (im+ and r#ceeded t# .ive t(em



s#me .##d advice #n t(e )#ll2 #) tr*stin. t# #*t,ard aearances% He said+ 1It is tr*e I am n#t(#m#.ene#*s ,it( t(e $in.+ /*t 2et t(e $in.s li.(t is re)lected in me+ as ,ater /ec#mes(#m#.ene#*s ,it( eart( in lants% I am+ as it ,ere+ t(e d*st /eneat( t(e $in.s )eet6 and i) 2#*

/ec#me li$e me in t(is resect+ 2#* ,ill /e exalted as I am% C#2 t(e #*t,ard )#rm 2#* /e(#ld in me+ and erc(ance 2#* ,ill reac( t(e real s*/stance #) t(e $in.%1

T(e ri.(t *se #) )#rms%T(at m2 #*t,ard )#rm ma2 n#t mislead 2#*+!i.est m2 s,eet advice /e)#re c#2in. me%Man2 are t(e2 ,(# (ave /een cat*red /2 )#rm+7(# aimed at )#rm+ and )#*nd Alla(%A)ter all+ s#*l is lin$ed t# /#d2+T(#*.( it in n#,ise resem/les t(e /#d2%T(e #,er #) t(e li.(t #) t(e e2e is mated ,it( )at+T(e li.(t #) t(e (eart is (idden in a dr# #) /l##d%J#2 (ar/#rs in t(e $idne2s and ain in t(e liver+T(e lam #) reas#n in t(e /rains #) t(e (ead6

Smell in t(e n#strils and seec( in t(e t#n.*e+C#nc*iscence in t(e )les( and c#*ra.e in t(e (eart%T(ese c#nnecti#ns are n#t ,it(#*t a ,(2 and a (#,+"*t reas#n is at a l#ss t# *nderstand t(e (#,%Universal S#*l (ad c#nnecti#n ,it( Partial S#*l+ 7(ic( t(ence c#nceived a earl and retained it in its /#s#m%Fr#m t(at c#nnecti#n+ li$e Mar2+S#*l /ecame re.nant #) a )air Messia(6

N#t t(at Messia( ,(# ,al$ed *#n eart( and ,ater+"*t t(at Messia( ,(# is (i.(er t(an sace% 9

Next+ as S#*l /ecame re.nant /2 t(e S#*l #) s#*ls+S# /2 t(e )#rmer S#*l did t(e ,#rld /ec#me re.nant6T(en t(e 7#rld /r#*.(t )#rt( an#t(er ,#rld+And #) t(is last are /r#*.(t )#rt( #t(er ,#rlds%S(#*ld I rec$#n t(em in m2 seec( till t(e last da2I s(#*ld )ail t# tell t(e t#tal #) t(ese res*rrecti#ns% :@NOTES0% T(is is a )i.*rative acc#*nt #) t(e emanati#ns #) A/s#l*te "ein.+ ,(ere/2 t(e ,#rld #)

(en#mena is c#nstit*ted see &*ls(an i RaB+ % 9+ n#te+ and % ??%9% i%e%+ t(e sirit #) t(e Pr#(et M*(ammad+ ,(#m t(e S*)is identi)2 ,it( t(e Primal S#*l%:% C#ntin*all2 is creati#n /#rn a.ain in a ne, creati#n1 &*ls(an i RaB+ % ??% "2 c#nstant

e))l*xes )r#m A/s#l*te "ein. t(e ,#rld #) (en#mena is ever2 m#ment rene,ed%

STOR4 ;%T(e T(irst2 Man ,(# t(re, "ric$s int# t(e 7ater%A t(irst2 man disc#vered a tan$ #) ,ater+ /*t c#*ld n#t drin$ #) it /eca*se it ,as s*rr#*nded

/2 a (i.( ,all% He t##$ s#me #) t(e /ric$s #)) t(e t# #) t(e ,all and cast t(em #ver it int# t(e,ater% T(e ,ater cried #*t+ 17(at advanta.e d# 2#* .ain /2 d#in. t(is81 He made ans,er+1T(e )irst advanta.e is t(is+ t(at I (ear 2#*r v#ice6 and t(e sec#nd+ t(at t(e m#re /ric$s I *ll#)) t(e ,all+ t(e nearer I ar#ac( t# 2#*%1 T(e m#ral is+ t(at s# l#n. as t(e ,all #) t(e /#d2intervenes+ ,e cann#t reac( t(e ,ater #) li)e% T(e a/asement #) t(e /#d2 /rin.s men nearer t#

*ni#n ,it( t(e !eit2% !estr#2+ t(ere)#re+ t(e )les(l2 l*sts ,(ic( ,ar a.ainst t(e s#*l% T(en)#ll#,s an#t(er ara/le t# ill*strate t(e )#ll2 #) r#crastinati#n in t(is im#rtant matter%



1It ,as n#t 2e ,(# s(#t+ /*t &#d s(#t6 andt(#se arr#,s ,ere &#ds n#t 2#*rs1% Tis &#ds li.(t t(at ill*mines t(e senses li.(t+T(at is t(e meanin. #) 1Li.(t *#n li.(t%1 9T(e senses li.(t dra,s *s eart(,ards+

&#ds li.(t carries *s (eaven,ards%As #/3ects #) sense are #) /ase c#nditi#n+&#ds li.(t is an #cean+ and t(e senses li.(t a de,dr#%"*t t(at li.(t ,(ic( is 1*#n t(is li.(t1 is n#t seen+Save t(r#*.( si.ns and (#l2 disc#*rses%Since t(e senses li.(t is .r#ss and dense+It lies (idden in t(e /lac$ *il #) t(e e2e%7(en 2#* cann#t see t(e senses li.(t ,it( t(e e2e+H#, can 2#* see ,it( t(e e2e t(e Li.(t #) t(e mind8As t(e senses li.(t is (idden in t(ese .r#ss veils+M*st n#t t(at Li.(t ,(ic( is *re /e als# (idden8

Li$e t(e senses+ t(is ,#rld is r*led /2 a (idden P#,er%It c#n)esses its im#tence /e)#re t(at (idden P#,er+7(ic( s#metimes exalts it and s#metimes la2s it l#,+S#metimes ma$es it dr2 and s#metimes m#ist%T(e (and is (idden+ 2et ,e see t(e en ,ritin.6T(e (#rse is .all#in.+ 2et t(e rider is (id )r#m vie,%T(e arr#, seeds )#rt(+ 2et t(e /#, is n#t seen6S#*ls are seen+ t(e S#*l #) s#*ls &#d is (idden%"rea$ n#t t(e arr#,+ )#r it is t(e arr#, #) t(e 'in.4ea+ it is an arr#, )r#m t(e /#, #) 7isd#m%14e s(#t n#t ,(en 2e s(#t+1 ,as said /2 &#d6&#ds acti#n (as red#minance #ver all acti#ns%"rea$ 2#*r #,n assi#n+ /rea$ n#t t(at arr#,+T(e e2e #) assi#n ta$es mil$ t# /e /l##d%'iss t(at arr#, and /ear it t# t(e 'in.+4ea+ t(#*.( it /e stained ,it( 2#*r #,n /l##d%7(ats#ever is seen is ,ea$ and /ase and im#tent67(at is (idden is e=*all2 )ierce and (eadstr#n.%7e are t(e cat*red .ame6 ,(# is t(e snare87e are t(e /alls6 ,(ere is t(e /at8He tears and mends6 ,(# is t(is tail#r8

He )ans and $indles t(e )lame6 ,(# is t(is $indler8At #ne time He ma$es t(e )ait()*l #ne an in)idel+At an#t(er He ma$es t(e at(eist a dev#tee5

Next c#mes an anecd#te #) a dirt2 man ,(# re)*sed t# /at(e /eca*se (e ,as as(amed t# .#int# t(e ,ater+ ,it( t(e m#ral t(at 1S(ame (inders reli.i#n61 : and t(en an#t(er #) *l N*n+ acele/rated E.2tian S*)i #) t(e t(ird cent*r2 A%H% *l N*n aeared t# (is i.n#rant )riends t#

/e mad+ and t(e2 acc#rdin.l2 c#n)ined (im in a mad(#*se% A)ter a time t(e2 t(#*.(t t(at (e,as n#t reall2 mad+ /*t (ad )ei.ned madness )#r s#me dee *r#se+ and t(e2 ,ent t# t(emad(#*se t# in=*ire int# t(e state #) (is (ealt(% 7(en t(e2 arrived t(ere+ *l N*n as$ed t(em,(# t(e2 ,ere+ and t(e2 ans,ered t(at t(e2 ,ere (is dev#ted )riends+ ,(# ,ere n#,c#nvinced t(at t(e st#r2 #) (is /ein. mad ,as a cal*mn2% *l N*n 3*med * and dr#ve t(em

a,a2 ,it( stic$s and st#nes+ sa2in. t(at tr*e )riends(i ,#*ld (ave /een mani)ested ins(arin. (is tr#*/les+ even as *re .#ld is tried /2 )ire%



@NOTES0% '#ran viii% G+ meanin.+ 1&#d is t(e Fail i Ha$i$i+ #r Onl2 Real A.ent%19% '#ran xxiv% :>%:% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ v#l% ii% % :GD and <+ .ives t,# r#ver/s - #ne+ 1S(ame is a

art #) reli.i#n61 and t(e #t(er+ 1S(ame (inders .ettin. a liveli(##d%1

STOR4 ;I%L*=mans Master examines (im and disc#vers (is Ac*teness%L*=man t(e Sa.e+ ,(# is s#metimes identi)ied ,it( Es#+ and s#metimes ,it( t(e ne(e,#) t(e r#(et% J#/+ t(#*.( 1.i)ted ,it( ,isd#m /2 &#d+1 ,as a slave% His master+ (#,ever+disc#vered (is ,#rt(+ and /ecame extremel2 attac(ed t# (im+ s# t(at (e never received an2delicac2 ,it(#*t .ivin. L*=man a s(are #) it% One da2+ (avin. received a ,atermel#n+ (e.ave L*=man t(e /est art #) it+ and L*=man dev#*red it ,it( s*c( aarent relis( t(at (ismaster ,as temted t# taste it% T# (is s*rrise (e )#*nd it ver2 /itter+ and as$ed L*=man ,(2(e (ad n#t t#ld (im #) t(is% L*=man relied t(at it ,as n#t )#r (im+ ,(# lived #n (is masters

/#*nt2+ t# c#mlain i) (e n#, and t(en received disa.reea/le t(in.s at (is (ands% T(*s+t(#*.( t# #*t,ard aearance a slave+ L*=man s(#,ed (imsel) t# /e a l#rd%L#ve end*res (ards(is at t(e (ands #) t(e "el#ved%T(r#*.( l#ve /itter t(in.s seem s,eet+T(r#*.( l#ve /its #) c#er are made .#ld%T(r#*.( l#ve dre.s taste li$e *re ,ine+T(r#*.( l#ve ains are as (ealin. /alms%T(r#*.( l#ve t(#rns /ec#me r#ses+And t(r#*.( l#ve vine.ar /ec#mes s,eet ,ine%T(r#*.( l#ve t(e sta$e /ec#mes a t(r#ne+T(r#*.( l#ve reverse #) )#rt*ne seems .##d )#rt*ne%T(r#*.( l#ve a ris#n seems a r#se /#,er+7it(#*t l#ve a .rate )*ll #) as(es seems a .arden%T(r#*.( l#ve /*rnin. )ire is leasin. li.(t+T(r#*.( l#ve t(e !evil /ec#mes a H#*ri%T(r#*.( l#ve (ard st#nes /ec#me s#)t as /*tter+7it(#*t l#ve s#)t ,ax /ec#mes (ard ir#n%T(r#*.( l#ve .rie) is as 3#2+T(r#*.( l#ve &(#*ls t*rn int# an.els%T(r#*.( l#ve stin.s are as (#ne2+T(r#*.( l#ve li#ns are (armless as mice%

T(r#*.( l#ve sic$ness is (ealt(+T(r#*.( l#ve ,rat( is as merc2%T(r#*.( l#ve t(e dead rise t# li)e+T(r#*.( l#ve t(e $in. /ec#mes a slave%Even ,(en an evil /e)alls 2#*+ (ave d*e re.ard6Re.ard ,ell (im ,(# d#es 2#* t(is ill t*rn%T(e si.(t ,(ic( re.ards t(e e// and )l#, #) .##d and illOens a assa.e )#r 2#* )r#m mis)#rt*ne t# (ainess%T(ence 2#* see t(e #ne state m#ves 2#* int# t(e #t(er+ 9One ##site state .eneratin. its ##site in exc(an.e%S# l#n. as 2#* exerience n#t )ears a)ter 3#2s+

H#, can 2#* l##$ )#r leas*res a)ter dis.*sts87(ile 2e )ear t(e d##m #) t(e an.el #n t(e le)t (and+



Men (#e )#r t(e /liss #) t(e an.el #n t(e ri.(t% :Ma2 2#* .ain t,# ,in.s5 < A )#,l ,it( #nl2 #ne ,in.Is im#tent t# )l2+ O ,ell-intenti#ned #ne5

N#, eit(er ermit me t# (#ld m2 eace alt#.et(er+Or .ive me leave t# exlain t(e ,(#le matter%

And i) 2#* disli$e t(is and )#r/id t(at+7(# can tell ,(at 2#*r desire is84#* m*st (ave t(e s#*l #) A/ra(am in #rder ,it( li.(tT# see t(e mansi#ns #) Paradise in t(e )ire%Ste /2 ste (e ascended a/#ve s*n and m##n+And s# la..ed n#t /el#,+ as a rin. t(at )astens a d##r%Since t(e 1Friend #) &#d1 ascended a/#ve t(e (eavens+And said+ 1I l#ve n#t &#ds t(at set61 >S# t(is ,#rld #) t(e /#d2 is a /reeder #) misc#nceti#nsIn all ,(# (ave n#t )led )r#m l*st%@NOTES0

% See '#ran xxxi% An#t(er anecd#te #) (is ,it #cc*rs in "##$ I%9% T(e d#ctrine #) Heraclit*s+ t(at ##site states .enerate #ne an#t(er+ is disc*ssed /2Jelal*din in a assa.e =*#ted in L*msdens &rammar+ ii% :9:+ and is menti#ned in t(e P(ad#and t(e Nic#mac(ean Et(ics%:% An anac#l*t(#n see '#ran i% ?%<% T(e t,# ,in.s are (#e and )ear+ /#t( #) ,(ic( are needed t# .*ide mens reli.i#*s )li.(tsee "##$ III% #n 1Pr#/a/ilit2 t(e .*ide #) li)e1%>% '#ran vi% GG%

STOR4 ;II%M#ses and t(e S(e(erd%

Next )#ll#,s an anecd#te #) "il$is+ *een #) S(e/a+ ,(#se reas#n ,as enli.(tened /2 t(ec#*nsels #) t(e H#### sent t# (er /2 'in. S#l#m#n% O*t,ard sense is as ##sed t# tr*ereas#n as A/* Ja(l ,as t# M*(ammad6 and ,(en t(e #*t,ard senses are relaced /2 t(e tr*einner reas#n+ man sees t(at t(e /#d2 is #nl2 )#am+ and t(e (eart t(e limitless #cean%A)ter,ards c#mes an anecd#te #) a (il#s#(er ,(# ,as str*c$ /lind )#r cavillin. at t(everse+ 17(at t(in$ 2e8 I) at earl2 m#rn 2#*r ,aters s(all (ave s*n$ a,a2+ ,(# ,ill t(en .ive2#* clear r*nnin. ,ater81 T(is is s*cceeded /2 t(e st#r2 #) M#ses and t(e s(e(erd% M#ses#nce (eard a s(e(erd ra2in. as )#ll#,s0 1O &#d+ s(#, me ,(ere t(#* art+ t(at I ma2

/ec#me% T(2 servant% I ,ill clean T(2 s(#es and c#m/ T(2 (air+ and se, T(2 cl#t(es+ and

)etc( T(ee mil$%1 7(en M#ses (eard (im ra2in. in t(is senseless manner+ (e re/*$ed (im+sa2in.+ 1O )##lis( #ne+ t(#*.( 2#*r )at(er ,as a M#salman+ 2#* (ave /ec#me an in)idel% &#dis a Sirit+ and needs n#t s*c( .r#ss ministrati#ns as+ in 2#*r i.n#rance+ 2#* s*#se%1 T(es(e(erd ,as a/as(ed at (is re/*$e+ and t#re (is cl#t(es and )led a,a2 int# t(e desert% T(en av#ice )r#m (eaven ,as (eard+ sa2in.+ 1O M#ses+ ,(ere)#re (ave 2#* driven a,a2 m2servant8 4#*r #))ice is t# rec#ncile m2 e#le ,it( me+ n#t t# drive t(em a,a2 )r#m me% I(ave .iven t# eac( race di))erent *sa.es and )#rms #) raisin. and ad#rin. me% I (ave n# need#) t(eir raises+ /ein. exalted a/#ve all s*c( needs% I re.ard n#t t(e ,#rds t(at are s#$en+ /*tt(e (eart t(at #))ers t(em% I d# n#t re=*ire )ine ,#rds+ /*t a /*rnin. (eart% Mens ,a2s #)s(#,in. dev#ti#n t# me are vari#*s+ /*t s# l#n. as t(e dev#ti#ns are .en*ine+ t(e2 areacceted%1

Reli.i#*s )#rms indi))erent%A v#ice came )r#m &#d t# M#ses+



17(2 (ast t(#* sent m2 servant a,a28T(#* (ast c#me t# dra, men t# *ni#n ,it( me+

N#t t# drive t(em )ar a,a2 )r#m me%S# )ar as #ssi/le+ en.a.e n#t in disseverin.6T(e t(in. m#st re*.nant t# me is div#rce% 9

T# eac( ers#n (ave I all#tted ec*liar )#rms+T# eac( (ave I .iven artic*lar *sa.es%7(at is raise,#rt(2 in t(ee is /lamea/le in (im+7(at is #is#n )#r t(ee is (#ne2 )#r (im%7(at is .##d in (im is /ad in t(ee+7(at is )air in (im is re*lsive in t(ee%I am exemt )r#m all *rit2 and im*rit2+I need n#t t(e laBiness #r alacrit2 #) m2 e#le%I created n#t men t# .ain a r#)it )r#m t(em+"*t t# s(#,er m2 /ene)icence *#n t(em%In t(e men #) Hind t(e *sa.es #) Hind are raise,#rt(2+

In t(e men #) Sind t(#se #) Sind%I am n#t *ri)ied /2 t(eir raises+Tis t(e2 ,(# /ec#me *re and s(inin. t(ere/2%I re.ard n#t t(e #*tside and t(e ,#rds+I re.ard t(e inside and t(e state #) (eart%I l##$ at t(e (eart i) it /e (*m/le+T(#*.( t(e ,#rds ma2 /e t(e reverse #) (*m/le%"eca*se t(e (eart is s*/stance+ and ,#rds accidents+Accidents are #nl2 a means+ s*/stance is t(e )inal ca*se%H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* d,ell #n ,#rds and s*er)icialities8A /*rnin. (eart is ,(at I ,ant6 c#ns#rt ,it( /*rnin.5'indle in t(2 (eart t(e )lame #) l#ve+And /*rn * *tterl2 t(#*.(ts and )ine exressi#ns%O M#ses5 t(e l#vers #) )air rites are #ne class+T(e2 ,(#se (earts and s#*ls /*rn ,it( l#ve are an#t(er%L#vers m*st /*rn ever2 m#ment+As tax and tit(e are levied #n a r*ined villa.e%I) t(e2 sea$ amiss+ call t(em n#t sinners6I) a mart2r /e stained ,it( /l##d+ ,as( it n#t a,a2%"l##d is /etter t(an ,ater )#r mart2rs+T(is )a*lt is /etter t(an a t(#*sand c#rrect )#rms%

N# need t# t*rn t# t(e 'a/a ,(en #ne is in it+And divers (ave n# need #) s(#es%One d#es n#t ta$e a dr*n$en man as a .*ide #n t(e ,a2+

N#r sea$ #) darns t# t#rn .arments%T(e sect #) l#vers is distinct )r#m all #t(ers+L#vers (ave a reli.i#n and a )ait( #) t(eir #,n%T(#*.( t(e r*/2 (as n# stam+ ,(at matters it8L#ve is )earless in t(e midst #) t(e sea #) )ear%"e,are+ i) t(#* #))erest raises #r t(an$s.ivin.s+And $n#, t(em t# /e even as t(e /a//le #) t(at s(e(erd6T(#*.( t(2 raises /e /etter c#mared ,it( (is+

4et in re.ard t# &#d t(e2 are )*ll #) de)ects%H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* sa2+ T(e2 #/sc*re t(e tr*t(+



F#r it is n#t s*c( as t(e2 )anc28T(2 #,n ra2ers are acceted #nl2 t(r#*.( merc2+T(e2 are s*))ered as t(e ra2ers #) an im*re ,#man%I) (er ra2ers are made im*re /2 t(e )l#, #) /l##d+T(ine are stained ,it( meta(#rs and similit*des%

"l##d is im*re+ 2et its stain is rem#ved /2 ,ater6"*t t(at im*rit2 #) i.n#rance is m#re lastin.+Seein. t(at ,it(#*t t(e /lessed ,ater #) &#dIt is n#t /anis(ed )r#m t(e man ,(# is s*/3ect t# it%O t(at t(#* ,#*ldst t*rn t(2 )ace t# t(2 #,n ra2ers+And /ec#me c#.niBant #) t(e meanin. #) t(2 e3ac*lati#ns+And sa2+ A(5 m2 ra2ers are as de)ective as m2 /ein.6O re=*ite me .##d )#r evil51M#ses =*esti#ns &#d as t# t(e reas#n #)t(e )l#*ris(in. state #) t(e ,ic$ed%M#ses said+ 1O /ene)icent Creat#r+

7it( ,(#m a m#ments remem/rance is as l#n. a.es+I see T(2 lan dist#rted in t(is ,#rld #) eart( and ,ater6M2 (eart+ li$e t(e an.els+ )eels a di))ic*lt2 t(ereat%7it( ,(at #/3ect (ast t(#* )ramed t(is lan+And s#,ed t(erein t(e seeds #) evil87(2 (ast T(#* $indled t(e )ire #) vi#lence and ,r#n.87(2 /*rnt * m#s=*es and t(em ,(# ,#rs(i t(erein8Paradise is attac(ed t# re=*irements *nleasant t# *s+Hell is attac(ed t# t(in.s )latterin. #*r l*sts%T(e /ranc( )*ll #) sa is t(e main )*el #) t(2 )ire%T(e2 t(at are /*rnt ,it( )ire are near t# 'a*sar% :7(#s# is in ris#n and ac=*ainted ,it( tr#*/les+T(at is in re=*ital )#r (is .l*tt#n2 and l*sts%7(#s# is in a alace and en3#2in. ,ealt(+T(at is in re,ard )#r t#ils and tr#*/les%7(#s# is seen en3#2in. *nc#*nted .#ld and silver+'n#, t(at (e str#ve atientl2 t# ac=*ire it%He+ ,(#se s#*l is exemt )r#m nat*ral c#nditi#ns+And ,(# #ssesses t(e #,er #) #verridin. ca*ses+Can see ,it(#*t ca*ses+ li$e e2es t(at ierce ni.(t6"*t t(#*+ ,(# art deendent #n sense attend t# ca*ses%

Havin. le)t Jes*s+ t(#* c(eris(est an ass l*st+And art er)#rce excl*ded+ li$e an ass6T(e #rti#n #) Jes*s is $n#,led.e and ,isd#m+

N#t s# t(e #rti#n #) an ass+ O asinine #ne5T(#* itiest t(ine ass ,(en it c#mlains6S# art t(#* i.n#rant+ t(2 ass ma$es t(ee asinine%'ee t(2 it2 )#r Jes*s+ n#t )#r t(e ass+Ma$e n#t t(2 l*st t# van=*is( t(2 reas#n%Leave t(2 nat*ral l*sts t# ,(ine and (#,l+Tear t(ee )r#m t(em+ escae t(at snare #) t(e s#*l5@NOTES0

% '#ran lxvii% :%



9% A traditi#n%:% A sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et%

STOR4 ;III%

T(e Man ,(# made a Pet #) a "ear% A $ind man+ seein. a serent #verc#min. a /ear+ ,ent t# t(e /ears assistance+ and delivered(im )r#m t(e serent% T(e /ear ,as s# sensi/le #) t(e $indness t(e man (ad d#ne (im t(at (e)#ll#,ed (im a/#*t ,(erever (e ,ent+ and /ecame (is )ait()*l slave+ .*ardin. (im )r#mever2t(in. t(at mi.(t ann#2 (im% One da2 t(e man ,as l2in. aslee+ and t(e /ear+ acc#rdin.t# (is c*st#m+ ,as sittin. /2 (im and drivin. #)) t(e )lies% T(e )lies /ecame s# ersistent int(eir ann#2ances t(at t(e /ear l#st atience+ and seiBin. t(e lar.est st#ne (e c#*ld )ind+ das(edit at t(em in #rder t# cr*s( t(em *tterl26 /*t *n)#rt*natel2 t(e )lies escaed+ and t(e st#neli.(ted *#n t(e sleeers )ace and cr*s(ed it% T(e m#ral is+ 1!# n#t ma$e )riends ,it( )##ls%1In t(e c#*rse #) t(is st#r2 #cc*r anecd#tes #) a /lind man+ #) M#ses re/*$in. t(e ,#rs(iers#) t(e cal)+ and #) t(e &ree$ (2sician &alen and a madman%

He ,(# needs merc2 )inds it%!#in. $indness is t(e .ame and =*arr2 #) .##d men+A .##d man see$s in t(e ,#rld #nl2 ains t# c*re%7(erever t(ere is a ain t(ere .#es t(e remed2+7(erever t(ere is #vert2 t(ere .#es relie)%See$ n#t ,ater+ #nl2 s(#, 2#* are t(irst2+T(at ,ater ma2 srin. * all ar#*nd 2#*%T(at 2#* ma2 (ear t(e ,#rds+ 1T(e L#rd .ives t(em t# drin$+1 9"e at(irst5 Alla( $n#,s ,(at is /est )#r 2#*%See$ 2#* t(e ,ater #) merc28 "e d#,ncast+And strai.(t,a2 drin$ t(e ,ine #) merc2 t# int#xicati#n%Merc2 is called d#,n /2 merc2 t# t(e last%7it((#ld n#t+ t(en+ merc2 )r#m an2 #ne+ O s#n5I) #) 2#*rsel) 2#* cann#t 3#*rne2 t# t(e 'a/a+Reresent 2#*r (ellessness t# t(e Reliever%Cries and .r#ans are a #,er)*l means+And t(e All-Merci)*l is a mi.(t2 n*rse%T(e n*rse and t(e m#t(er $ee exc*sin. t(emselves+Till t(eir c(ild /e.ins t# cr2%In 2#* t## (as &#d created in)ant needs67(en t(e2 cr2 #*t+ t(eir mil$ is /r#*.(t t# t(em6

&#d said+ 1Call #n &#d61 c#ntin*e cr2in.+S# t(at t(e mil$ #) His l#ve ma2 /#il *% :M#ses and t(e ,#rs(ier #) t(e cal)%M#ses said t# #ne #) t(#se )*ll #) vain ima.inati#ns+1O malev#lent #ne+ t(r#*.( err#r and (eres24#* entertain a (*ndred d#*/ts as t# m2 r#(et(##d+

N#t,it(standin. t(ese r##)s+ and m2 (#l2 c(aracter%4#* (ave seen t(#*sands #) miracles d#ne /2 me+4et t(e2 #nl2 m*ltil2 2#*r d#*/ts and cavils%T(r#*.( d#*/ts and evil t(#*.(ts 2#* are in a strait+4#* sea$ desite)*ll2 #) m2 r#(et(##d%

I /r#*.(t t(e (#st #*t #) t(e Red Sea /e)#re all men+T(at 2e mi.(t escae t(e #ressi#n #) t(e E.2tians%



F#r )#rt2 2ears meat and drin$ came )r#m (eaven+And ,ater sran. )r#m t(e r#c$ at m2 ra2er%M2 sta)) /ecame a mi.(t2 serent in m2 (and+7ater /ecame /l##d )#r m2 ill-c#nditi#ned enem2%T(e sta)) /ecame a sna$e+ and m2 (and /ri.(t as t(e s*n6

Fr#m t(e re)lecti#n #) t(at li.(t t(e s*n /ecame a star%Have n#t t(ese incidents+ and (*ndreds m#re li$e t(em+"anis(ed t(ese d#*/ts )r#m 2#*+ O c#ld-(earted #ne8T(e cal) l#,ed t(r#*.( ma.ic+And 2#* /#,ed d#,n t# it+ sa2in.+ T(#* art m2 &#d% <T(e .#lden cal) l#,ed6 /*t ,(at did it sa2+T(at t(e )##ls s(#*ld )eel all t(is dev#ti#n t# it84#* (ave seen man2 m#re ,#ndr#*s ,#r$s d#ne /2 me+"*t ,(ere is t(e /ase man ,(# accets t(e tr*t(87(at is it t(at c(arms vain men /*t vanit287(at else leases t(e )##lis( /*t )#ll28

"eca*se eac( $ind is c(armed /2 its #,n $ind+!#es a c#, ever see$ t(e li#n8!id t(e ,#l) s(#, l#ve t# J#se(+ >Or #nl2 )ra*d *#n )ra*d ,it( a vie, t# dev#*r (im8Tr*e+ i) it l#se (is ,#l)-li$e nat*re it /ec#mes a )riend6Even as t(e d#. #) t(e cave /ecame a s#n #) man% ?7(en .##d A/* "a$r sa, M*(ammad+He rec#.niBed (is tr*t(+ sa2in.+ T(is #ne is tr*e67(en A/* "a$r ca*.(t t(e er)*me #) M*(ammad+He said+ T(is is n# )alse #ne%"*t A/* Ja(l+ ,(# ,as n#t #ne #) t(e s2mat(iBers+Sa, t(e m##n slit as*nder+ 2et /elieved n#t%I) )r#m a s2mat(iBer+ t# ,(#m it is ,ell $n#,n+I ,it((#ld t(e tr*t(+ still tis n#t (idden )r#m (im6"*t (e ,(# is i.n#rant and ,it(#*t s2mat(2+H#,ever m*c( I s(#, (im t(e tr*t(+ (e sees it n#t%T(e mirr#r #) t(e (eart m*st needs /e #lis(ed"e)#re 2#* can distin.*is( )air and )#*l t(erein%1@NOTES0% An,ari S*(aili+ i% 9G%9% '#ran lxxvi% 9%

:% '#ran xvii% %<% See '#ran xx% D%>% '#ran xii% G%?% '#ran xviii% G%

STOR4 IK%T(e &ardener and t(e T(ree Friends%A v#ice came )r#m (eaven t# M#ses+ sa2in.+ 1O M#ses ,(2 didst t(#* n#t visit me ,(en I,as sic$81 M#ses in=*ired t(e meanin. #) t(is dar$ sa2in.+ and t(e ans,er ,as+ 17(en #ne#) &#ds saints is sic$+ &#d re.ards (is sic$ness as His #,n6 and+ t(ere)#re+ (e ,(# desires t#

(#ld c#mani#ns(i ,it( &#d m*st n#t )#rsa$e t(e saints%1 T(is is ill*strated /2 a st#r2 #) a.ardener ,(# sa, t(ree )riends ,al$in. in (is .arden+ and ma$in. )ree ,it( (is )r*it%



'n#,in. (e c#*ld n#t revail a.ainst t(em ,(ile t(e2 remained *nited+ (e c#ntrived /2 tric$st# searate t(em+ and t(en r#ceeded t# c(astise t(em #ne /2 #ne% And t(is ca*sed #ne #)t(em t# ma$e t(e re)lecti#n t(at (e (ad acted ver2 )##lis(l2 in desertin. (is )riends%@NOTES0% C% Matt(e, xxv% <%

STOR4 K%"a2aBid and t(e Saint%T(e cele/rated S*)i+ A/* 4aBid #r "a2aBid #) "astam+ in '(#rasan+ ,(# lived in t(e t(irdcent*r2 #) t(e Fli.(t+ ,as #nce ma$in. a il.rima.e t# Mecca+ and visitin. all t(e 1Pillars #)insi.(t1 ,(# lived m t(e vari#*s t#,ns t(at la2 #n (is r#*te% At last (e disc#vered t(e 1'(iBr#) t(e a.e1 in t(e ers#n #) a venera/le !arves(+ ,it( ,(#m (e (eld t(e )#ll#,in.c#nversati#n0T(e Sa.e said+ 17(it(er are 2#* .#in.+ O "a2aBid87(ere ,ill 2#* /rin. 2#*r caravan t# a (alt81

"a2aBid relied+ 1At da,n I start )#r t(e 'a/a%1*#t( t(e Sa.e+ 17(at r#visi#n )#r t(e ,a2 (ave 2#*81He ans,ered+ 1I (ave t,# (*ndred silver dir(ams6See t(em tied * ti.(tl2 in t(e c#rner #) m2 cl#a$%1T(e Sa.e said+ 1Circ*mam/*late me seven times6C#*nt t(is /etter t(an circ*mam/*latin. t(e 'a/a6And as )#r t(e dir(ams+ .ive t(em t# me+ O li/eral #ne+And $n#, 2#* (ave )inis(ed 2#*r c#*rse and #/tained 2#*r ,is(+4#* (ave made t(e il.rima.e and .ained t(e li)e t# c#me+4#* (ave /ec#me *re+ and t(at in a m#ment #) time%O) a tr*t( t(at is &#d ,(ic( 2#*r s#*l sees in me+F#r &#d (as c(#sen me t# /e His (#*se%T(#*.( t(e 'a/a is t(e (#*se #) His .race and )av#rs+4et m2 /#d2 t## is t(e (#*se #) His secret%Since He made t(at (#*se He (as never entered it+"*t n#ne /*t T(at Livin. One enters t(is (#*se67(en 2#* (ave seen me 2#* (ave seen &#d+And (ave circ*mam/*lated t(e verita/le 'a/a%T# serve me is t# ,#rs(i and raise &#d6T(in$ n#t t(at &#d is distinct )r#m me%Oen clear e2es and l##$ *#n me+

T(at 2#* ma2 /e(#ld t(e li.(t #) &#d in a m#rtal%T(# "el#ved #nce called t(e 'a/a M2 (#*se+"*t (as said t# me O m2 servant sevent2 times6O "a2aBid+ 2#* (ave )#*nd t(e 'a/a+4#* (ave )#*nd a (*ndred reci#*s /lessin.s%1"a2aBid .ave (eed t# t(ese dee sa2in.s+And laced t(em as .#lden earrin.s in (is ears%T(en )#ll#, anecd#tes #) t(e Pr#(et a2in. a visit t# #ne #) (is disciles ,(# la2 sic$+ #)S(ai$( "a(l#l+ nic$named 1T(e Madman+1 ,(# ,as a )av#rite at t(e c#*rt #) Har*n*-r-Ras(id+ and #) t(e e#le #) M#ses%T(e s,eet *ses #) adversit2%



T(e sic$ man said+ 1Sic$ness (as /r#*.(t me t(is /##n%T(at t(is Prince M*(ammad (as c#me t# me t(is m#rn+S# t(at (ealt( and stren.t( ma2 ret*rn t# meFr#m t(e visit #) t(is *naralleled 'in.%

O /lessed ain and sic$ness and )ever5O ,elc#me ,eariness and sleelessness /2 ni.(t5L#5 &#d #) His /#*nt2 and )av#r Has sent me t(is ain and sic$ness in m2 #ld a.e6He (as .iven me ain in t(e /ac$+ t(at I ma2 n#t )ailT# srin. * #*t #) m2 slee at midni.(t6T(at I ma2 n#t slee all ni.(t li$e t(e cattle+&#d in His merc2 (as sent me t(ese ains%At m2 /r#$en state t(e it2 #) $in.s (as /#iled *+And (ell is *t t# silence /2 t(eir t(reats51Pain is a treas*re+ )#r it c#ntains mercies6

T(e $ernel is s#)t ,(en t(e rind is scraed #))%O /r#t(er+ t(e lace #) dar$ness and c#ldIs t(e )#*ntain #) li)e and t(e c* #) ecstas2%S# als# is end*rance #) ain and sic$ness and disease%F#r )r#m a/asement r#ceeds exaltati#n%T(e srin. seas#ns are (idden in t(e a*t*mns+And a*t*mns are c(ar.ed ,it( srin.s6 )lee t(em n#t%C#ns#rt ,it( .rie) and *t * ,it( sadness+See$ l#n. li)e in 2#*r #,n deat(5Since tis /ad+ ,(atever l*st sa2s #n t(is matter Heed it n#t+ its /*siness is ##siti#n%"*t act c#ntrar2 t(eret#+ )#r t(e r#(etsHave laid t(is in3*ncti#n *#n t(e ,#rld% 9T(#*.( it is ri.(t t# ta$e c#*nsel in a))airs+T(at 2#* ma2 (ave less t# re.ret in t(e *s(#t6T(e r#(ets (ave la/#red m*c(T# ma$e t(e ,#rld rev#lve #n t(is iv#t st#ne6 :"*t+ in #rder t# destr#2 t(e e#le+ l*st desiresT# ma$e t(em .# astra2 and l#se t(eir (eads6T(e e#le sa2+ 7it( ,(#m s(all ,e ta$e c#*nsel8T(e r#(ets ans,er+ 7it( t(e reas#n #) 2#*r c(ie)%

A.ain t(e2 sa2+ S*#se a c(ild #r a ,#man enter+7(# lac$s reas#n and clear 3*d.ment6 T(e2 rel2+ Ta$e c#*nsel ,it( t(em+And act c#ntrar2 t# ,(at t(e2 advise%'n#, 2#*r l*st t# /e ,#man+ and ,#rse t(an ,#man67#man is artial evil+ l*st *niversal evil%I) 2#* ta$e c#*nsel ,it( 2#*r l*st+See 2#* act c#ntrar2 t# ,(at t(at /ase #ne advises%Even t(#*.( it en3#in ra2ers and )astin.+It is treac(er#*sl2 la2in. a snare )#r 2#*%4#* m*st a/and#n and i.n#re 2#*r #,n $n#,led.e+

And di 2#*r (and in t(e dis( #) a/ne.ati#n #) $n#,led.e%7(atever seems r#)ita/le+ )lee )r#m it+



!rin$ #is#n and sill t(e ,ater #) li)e%C#ntemn ,(atever raises 2#*+Lend t# a*ers 2#*r ,ealt( and r#)its5*it 2#*r sect and /e a s*/3ect #) aversi#n+Cast a,a2 name and )ame and see$ dis.race51

&#d t(e A*t(#r #) .##d and evil%I) 2#* see$ t(e exlanati#n #) &#ds l#ve and )av#r+In c#nnecti#n t(ere,it( read t(e c(ater 1"ri.(tness%1 <And i) 2#* sa2 evil als# r#ceeds )r#m Him+4et ,(at dama.e is t(at t# His er)ecti#n8T# send t(at evil is #ne #) His er)ecti#ns%I ,ill .ive 2#* an ill*strati#n+ O arr#.ant #ne6T(e (eavenl2 Artist aints His ict*res #) t,# s#rts+Fair ict*res and ict*res t(e reverse #) )air%J#se( (e ainted )air and made (im /ea*ti)*l6He als# ainted *.l2 ict*res #) dem#ns and a)rits%

"#t( s#rts #) ict*res are #) His ,#r$mans(i+T(e2 r#ceed n#t )r#m His imer)ecti#n+ /*t His s$ill+T(at t(e er)ecti#n #) His ,isd#m ma2 /e s(#,n+And t(e .ainsa2ers #) His art /e *t t# s(ame%C#*ld He n#t aint *.l2 t(in.s He ,#*ld lac$ art+And t(ere)#re He creates &*e/ers as ,ell as M#slems%T(*s+ /#t( in)idelit2 and )ait( /ear ,itness t# Him+"#t( ali$e /#, d#,n /e)#re His almi.(t2 s,a2%"*t $n#,+ t(e )ait()*l ,#rs(i Him ,illin.l2+F#r t(e2 see$ and aim at leasin. Him67(ile &*e/ers ,#rs(i Him *n,illin.l2+T(eir real aim and *r#se /ein. =*ite #t(er,ise%Evil itsel) is t*rned int# .##d )#r t(e .##d%T(e Pr#(et said t# t(at sic$ man+1Pra2 in t(is ,ise and alla2 2#*r di))ic*lties6&ive *s .##d in t(e (#*se #) #*r resent ,#rld+And .ive *s .##d in t(e (#*se #) #*r next ,#rld% >Ma$e #*r at( leasant as a .arden+And /e T(#*+ O H#l2 One+ #*r .#al51T(e )ait()*l ,ill sa2 #n t(e last da2+ 1O 'in.57as n#t Hell #n t(e r#*te all #) *s traveled8

!id n#t )ait()*l as ,ell as in)idels ass t(r#*.( it84et #n #*r ,a2 ,e erceived n#t t(e sm#$e #) t(e )ire6 Na2+ it seemed Paradise and t(e mansi#n #) t(e /lessed%1T(en t(e 'in. ,ill ans,er+ 1T(at .reen .arden+As it aeared t# 2#* #n 2#*r assa.e t(r#*.( it+7as indeed Hell and t(e lace #) dread t#rment64et )#r 2#* it /ecame a .arden .reen ,it( trees%Since 2#* (ave la/#red t# ma$e (ellis( l*sts+And t(e )ire #) ride t(at c#*rts destr*cti#n+T# ma$e t(ese+ I sa2+ *re and clean+And+ t# lease &#d+ (ave =*enc(ed t(#se )ires+

S# t(at t(e )ire #) l*st+ t(at erst /reat(ed )lame+Has /ec#me a (#l2 .arden and a .*idin. li.(t+



Since 2#* (ave t*rned t(e )ire #) ,rat( t# mee$ness+And t(e dar$ness #) i.n#rance t# s(inin. $n#,led.e+Since 2#* (ave t*rned t(e )ire #) .reed int# /#*nt2+And t(e vile t(#rns #) malice int# a r#se-.arden6Since 2#* (ave =*enc(ed all t(ese )ires #) 2#*r #,n

F#r m2 sa$e+ s# t(at t(#se #is#ns are n#, *re s,eets6Since 2#* (ave made )ier2 l*st as a verdant .arden+And (ave s#,ed t(erein t(e seed #) )idelit2+S# t(at ni.(tin.ales #) ra2er and raiseEver ,ar/le s,eetl2 ar#*nd t(is .arden6Since 2#* (ave res#nded t# t(e call #) &#d+And (ave dra,n ,ater #*t #) t(e (ell #) l*st+F#r t(is ca*se m2 (ell als#+ )#r 2#*r /e(##)+"ec#mes a verdant .arden and 2ields leaves and )r*it%17(at is t(e rec#mense #) ,ell-d#in.+ O s#n8It is $indness and .##d treatment and ric( re=*ital%

Have 2e n#t said+ 17e are victims+Mere n#t(in.s /e)#re eternal "ein.8I) ,e are dr*n$ards #r madmen+Tis t(at C*-/earer and t(at C* ,(ic( ma$e *s s#%7e /#, d#,n #*r (eads /e)#re His edict and #rdinance+7e sta$e reci#*s li)e t# .ain His )av#r%7(ile t(e t(#*.(t #) t(e "el#ved )ills #*r (earts+All #*r ,#r$ is t# d# Him service and send li)e )#r Him%7(erever He $indles His destr*ctive t#rc(+M2riads #) l#vers s#*ls are /*rnt t(ere,it(%T(e l#vers ,(# d,ell ,it(in t(e sanct*ar2Are m#t(s /*rnt ,it( t(e t#rc( #) t(e "el#veds )ace%1O (eart (aste t(it(er+ ? )#r &#d ,ill s(ine *#n 2#*+And seem t# 2#* a s,eet .arden instead #) a terr#r%He ,ill in)*se int# 2#*r s#*l a ne, s#*l+S# as t# )ill 2#*+ li$e a .#/let+ ,it( ,ine%Ta$e * 2#*r a/#de in His s#*l5Ta$e * 2#*r a/#de in (eaven+ O /ri.(t )*ll m##n5Li$e t(e (eavenl2 Scri/e+G He ,ill #en 2#*r (earts /##$T(at He ma2 reveal m2steries *nt# 2#*%A/ide ,it( 2#*r Friend+ since 2#* (ave .#ne astra2+

Strive t# /e a )*ll m##n6 2#* are n#, a )ra.ment t(ere#)%7(ere)#re t(is s(rin$in. #) t(e art )r#m its ,(#le87(2 t(is ass#ciati#n ,it( its )#es8"e(#ld &en*s /ec#me Secies in d*e c#*rse+"e(#ld secrets /ec#me mani)est t(r#*.( (is li.(t5S# l#n. as ,#man-li$e 2#* s,all#, /landis(ments+H#,+ O ,ise man+ can 2#* .et relie) )r#m )alse )latteries8T(ese )latteries and )air ,#rds and deceits #) l*st4#* ta$e+ and s,all#,+ 3*st li$e ,#men%"*t t(e rer#ac(es and t(e /l#,s #) !arves(esAre reall2 /etter )#r 2#* t(an t(e raises #) sinners%

Ta$e t(e li.(t /l#,s #) !arves(es+ n#t t(e (#ne2 #) sinners+And /ec#me+ /2 t(e )#rt*ne #) .##d+ .##d 2#*rsel)%



"eca*se )r#m t(em t(e r#/e #) .##d )#rt*ne is .ained+In t(e as2l*m #) t(e sirit /l##d /ec#mes li)e%@NOTES0% All*din. t# t(e Hadis0 1Heaven and eart( c#ntain me n#t+ /*t t(e (eart #) m2 )ait()*lservant c#ntains me%1

9% Fre2ta. =*#tes a sa2in. #) Omar+ 1A )##l ma2 indicate t(e ri.(t c#*rse1 Ara/*mPr#ver/ia+ i% % >??%:% T(e la, de)inin. t(e ri.(t c#*rse%<% '#ran xciii% 0 1"2 t(e n##nda2 /ri.(tness+ and /2 t(e ni.(t ,(en it dar$enet(+ t(2 L#rd(at( n#t )#rsa$en t(ee n#r /een disleased%1>% 1O L#rd+ .ive *s .##d in t(is ,#rld and .##d in t(e next+ and save *s )r#m t(e t#rment #)t(e )ire%1 '#ran ii% DG%?% i%e%+ t# anni(ilati#n #) sel) in &#d+ as a m#t( in t(e )lame%G% Atarid #r Merc*r2%

STOR4 KI%M#avia and I/lis%M#avia+ t(e )irst #) t(e Ommiad '(ali)as+ ,as #ne da2 l2in. aslee in (is alace+ ,(en (e,as a,a$ened /2 a stran.e man% M#avia as$ed (im ,(# (e ,as+ and (e relied t(at (e ,asI/lis% M#avia t(en as$ed (im ,(2 (e (ad a,a$ened (im+ and l/lis relied t(at t(e (#*r #)

ra2er ,as c#me+ and (e )eared M#avia ,#*ld /e late% M#avia ans,ered+ 1Na25 it c#*ldnever (ave /een 2#*r intenti#n t# direct me in t(e ri.(t ,a2% H#, can I tr*st a t(ie) li$e 2#*t# .*ard m2 interests81 I/lis ans,ered+ 1Remem/er t(at I ,as /red * as an an.el #) li.(t+and t(at I cann#t =*ite a/and#n m2 #ri.inal #cc*ati#n% 4#* ma2 travel t# R#me #r Cat(a2+

/*t still 2#* retain t(e l#ve #) 2#*r )at(erland% I still retain m2 l#ve #) &#d+ ,(# )ed me ,(enI ,as 2#*n.6 na2+ even t(#*.( I rev#lted )r#m Him+ t(at ,as #nl2 )r#m 3eal#*s2 #) Adam+and 3eal#*s2 r#ceeds )r#m l#ve+ n#t )r#m denial #) &#d% I la2ed a .ame #) c(ess ,it( &#dat His #,n desire+ and t(#*.( I ,as *tterl2 c(ec$mated and r*ined+ in m2 r*in I stillexerience &#ds /lessin.s%1M#avia ans,ered+ 17(at 2#* sa2 is n#t credi/le% 4#*r ,#rds are li$e t(e dec#2 calls #) a)#,ler+ ,(ic( resem/le t(e v#ices #) t(e /irds+ and s# l*re t(em t# destr*cti#n% 4#* (aveca*sed t(e destr*cti#n #) (*ndreds #) m#rtals+ s*c( as t(e e#le #) N#a(+ t(e tri/e #) Ad+ t(e )amil2 #) L#t+ Nimr#d+ P(ara#(+ A/* Ja(l+ and s# #n%1I/lis ret#rted+ 14#* are mista$en i) 2#* s*#se me t# /e t(e ca*se #) all t(e evil 2#*menti#n% I am n#t &#d+ t(at I s(#*ld /e a/le t# ma$e .##d evil+ #r )air )#*l% Merc2 andven.eance are t,in divine attri/*tes+ and t(e2 .enerate t(e .##d and evil seen in all eart(l2

t(in.s% I am+ t(ere)#re+ n#t t# /lame )#r t(e existence #) evil+ as I am #nl2 a mirr#r+ ,(ic(re)lects t(e .##d and evil existin. in t(e #/3ects resented t# it%1M#avia t(en ra2ed t# &#d t# .*ard (im a.ainst t(e s#(istries #) l/lis+ and a.ain ad3*redl/lis t# cease (is ar.*ments and tell lainl2 t(e reas#n ,(2 (e (ad a,a$ened (im% I/lis+instead #) ans,erin.+ c#ntin*ed t# 3*sti)2 (imsel)+ sa2in. (#, (ard it ,as t(at men and,#men s(#*ld /lame (im ,(en t(e2 did an2t(in. ,r#n.+ instead #) /lamin. t(eir #,n evill*sts% M#avia+ in rel2+ rer#ac(ed (im ,it( c#ncealin. t(e tr*t(+ and *ltimatel2 /r#*.(t (imt# c#n)ess t(at t(e tr*e reas#n ,(2 (e (ad a,a$ened (im ,as t(is+ t(at i) (e (ad #verslet(imsel)+ and s# missed t(e (#*r #) ra2er+ (e ,#*ld (ave )elt dee s#rr#, and (ave (eavedman2 si.(s+ and eac( #) t(ese si.(s ,#*ld+ in t(e si.(t #) &#d+ (ave c#*nted )#r as man2 ast,# (*ndred #rdinar2 ra2ers%

T(e val*e #) si.(s%A certain man ,as .#in. int# t(e m#s=*e+



J*st as an#t(er ,as c#min. #*t%He in=*ired #) (im ,(at (ad #cc*rred t# t(e meetin.+T(at t(e e#le ,ere c#min. #*t #) t(e m#s=*e s# s##n%T(e #t(er t#ld (im t(at t(e Pr#(etHad c#ncl*ded t(e */lic ra2ers and m2steries%

17(it(er .# 2#*+1 said (e+ 1O )##lis( #ne+Seein. t(e Pr#(et (as alread2 .iven t(e /lessin.81T(e )irst (eaved a si.(+ and its sm#$e ascended6T(at si.( 2ielded a er)*me #) (is (earts /l##d%T(e #t(er+ ,(# came )r#m t(e m#s=*e+ said t# (im+1&ive me t(at si.(+ and ta$e m2 ra2ers instead%1T(e )irst said+ 1I .ive it+ and ta$e 2#*r ra2ers%1T(e #t(er t##$ t(at si.( ,it( a (*ndred t(an$s%He ,ent (is ,a2 ,it( dee (*milit2 and c#ntriti#n+As a (a,$ ,(# (ad ascended in t(e trac$ #) t(e )alc#n%T(at ni.(t+ as (# la2 aslee+ (e (eard a v#ice )r#m (eaven+

1T(#* (ast /#*.(t t(e ,ater #) li)e and (ealin.6T(e ,#rt( #) ,(at t(#* (ast c(#sen and #ssessedE=*als t(at #) all t(e e#les acceted ra2ers%1T# ill*strate t(e treac(er2 #) ,#lves in s(ees cl#t(in.+ - #) Satans re/*$in. sin and

reac(in. reli.i#n - an anecd#te is t#ld #) a master #) a (#*se ,(# ca*.(t a t(ie)+ /*t ,asind*ced t# let (im escae /2 t(e strata.em #) t(e t(ie)s c#n)ederate+ ,(# cried t(at (e (ad .#tt(e real t(ie) else,(ere% Ar##s #) t(e same t(eme+ t(e #et next relates t(e st#r2 #) 1t(#se,(# /*ilt a m#s=*e )#r misc(ie)+1 as rec#rded in t(e '#ran% 9 T(e tri/e #) "ani &anim /*ilt am#s=*e+ and invited t(e Pr#(et t# dedicate it% T(e Pr#(et+ (#,ever+ disc#vered t(at t(eirreal m#tive ,as 3eal#*s2 #) t(e tri/e #) "ani Amr* l/n A*)+ and #) t(e m#s=*e at '*/a+ nearMedina+ and a treac(er#*s *nderstandin. ,it( t(e S2rian m#n$ A/* Amir+ and t(ere)#re (ere)*sed t(eir re=*est+ and #rdered t(e m#s=*e t# /e raBed t# t(e .r#*nd%7isd#m t(e /elievers l#st camel%M2 e#le ad#t m2 la, ,it(#*t #/e2in. it+T(e2 ta$e t(at c#in ,it(#*t assa2in. it%T(e '#rans ,isd#m is li$e t(e 1/elievers l#st camel+ :Ever2 #ne is certain (is camel is l#st%4#* (ave l#st 2#*r camel and see$ it dili.entl264et (#, ,ill 2#* )ind it i) 2#* $n#, n#t 2#*r #,n87(at ,as l#st8 7as it a )emale camel t(at 2#* l#st8It escaed )r#m 2#*r (and+ and 2#* are in a maBe%

T(e caravan is c#me t# /e l#aded+4#*r camel is vanis(ed )r#m t(e midst #) it%4#* r*n (ere and t(ere+ 2#*r m#*t( arc(ed ,it( (eat6T(e caravan m#ves #n+ and ni.(t ar#ac(es%4#*r .##ds lie #n t(e .r#*nd in a dan.er#*s r#ad+4#* (*rr2 a)ter 2#*r camel in all directi#ns%4#* cr2 1O M#slems+ ,(# (as seen a camel+7(ic( escaed )r#m its sta/le t(is m#rnin.8T# (im ,(# s(all .ive me ne,s #) m2 camelI ,ill .ive a re,ard #) s# man2 dir(ems%14#* .# #n see$in. ne,s #) 2#*r camel )r#m ever2 #ne+

And ever2 le,d )ell#, )latters 2#* ,it( a )res( r*m#r+Sa2in.+ 1I sa, a camel6 it ,ent t(is ,a26



T,as red+ and it ,ent t#,ards t(is ast*re%1An#t(er sa2s+ 1Its ear ,as cr#ed%1An#t(er sa2s+ 1Its cl#t( ,as em/r#idered%1An#t(er t(at it (ad #nl2 #ne e2e+An#t(er t(at it (ad l#st its (air )r#m man.e%

T# .ain t(e re,ard ever2 /ase )ell#,Menti#ns a (*ndred mar$s ,it(#*t an2 )#*ndati#n%All )alse d#ctrines c#ntain an element #) tr*t(%J*st s# ever2 #ne in matters #) d#ctrine&ives a di))erent descriti#n #) t(e (idden s*/3ect%A (il#s#(er ex#*nds it in #ne ,a2+And a critic at #nce re)*tes (is r##siti#ns%A t(ird cens*res /#t( #) t(em6A )#*rt( sends (is li)e in trad*cin. t(e #t(ers%Ever2 #ne menti#ns indicati#ns #) t(is r#ad+In #rder t# create an imressi#n t(at (e (as .#ne it%

T(is tr*t( and t(at tr*t( cann#t /e all tr*e+And 2et all #) t(em are n#t entirel2 astra2 in err#r%"eca*se err#r #cc*rs n#t ,it(#*t s#me tr*t(+F##ls /*2 /ase c#ins )r#m t(eir li$eness t# real c#ins%I) t(ere ,ere n# .en*ine c#ins c*rrent in t(e ,#rld+H#, c#*ld c#iners s*cceed in assin. )alse c#ins8I) t(ere ,ere n# tr*t(+ (#, c#*ld )alse(##d exist8False(##d derives its la*si/ilit2 )r#m tr*t(%Tis t(e desire #) ri.(t t(at ma$es men /*2 ,r#n.6Let #is#n /e mixed ,it( s*.ar+ and t(e2 eat it at #nce%I) ,(eat ,ere n#t val*ed as s,eet and .##d )#r )##d+T(e c(eat ,(# s(#,s ,(eat and sells /arle2 ,#*ld ma$e n# r#)it5Sa2 n#t+ t(en+ t(at all t(ese creeds are )alse+T(e )alse #nes ensnare (earts /2 t(e scent #) tr*t(%Sa2 n#t t(at t(e2 are all err#ne#*s )ancies+T(ere is n# )anc2 in t(e *niverse ,it(#*t s#me tr*t(%Tr*t( is t(e 1ni.(t #) #,er 1 < (idden am#n.st #t(er ni.(ts+In #rder t# tr2 t(e sirit #) ever2 ni.(t%

N#t ever2 ni.(t is t(at #) #,er+ O 2#*t(+ N#r 2et is ever2 ni.(t =*ite v#id #) #,er%In t(e cr#,d #) ra.-,earers t(ere is /*t #ne Fa=ir6 >

Searc( ,ell and )ind #*t t(at tr*e #ne%Tell t(e ,ar2 and discernin. /eliever T# distin.*is( t(e $in. )r#m t(e /e..ar%I) t(ere ,ere n# /ad .##ds in t(e ,#rld+Ever2 )##l mi.(t /e a s$il)*l merc(ant6F#r t(en t(e (ard art #) 3*d.in. .##ds ,#*ld /e eas2%I) t(ere ,ere n# )a*lts+ #ne man c#*ld 3*d.e as ,ell as an#t(er%A.ain+ i) all ,ere )a*lt2+ s$ill ,#*ld /e r#)itless%I) all ,##d ,ere c#mm#n+ t(ere ,#*ld /e n# al#es%He ,(# accets ever2t(in. as tr*e is a )##l+"*t (e ,(# sa2s all is )alse is a $nave%

@NOTES0% See '#ran xi% ?:%



9% '#ran ix% %:% T(is is a r#ver/ ascri/ed t# Ali% It means+ e#le are al,a2s l#sin. ,isd#m and see$in. itli$e a l#st camel Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% % :>%<% T(e ni.(t #n ,(ic( t(e '#ran ,as revealed%>% S# in t(e P(aed#+ 1Man2 are t(e ,and/earers+ /*t )e, t(e M2stics%1

STOR4 KII%T(e F#*r Hind*stanis ,(# cens*red #ne an#t(er%F#*r Hind*stanis ,ent t# t(e m#s=*e t# sa2 t(eir ra2ers% Eac( #ne d*l2 r#n#*nced t(eTa$/ir+ and ,as sa2in. (is ra2ers ,it( .reat dev#ti#n+ ,(en t(e M*aBBin (aened t# c#mein% One #) t(em immediatel2 called #*t+ 1O M*aBBin+ (ave 2#* 2et called t# ra2er8 It is timet# d# s#%1 T(en t(e sec#nd said t# t(e sea$er+ 1A(5 2#* (ave s#$en ,#rds *nc#nnected ,it(,#rs(i+ and t(ere)#re+ acc#rdin. t# t(e Hadis+ 2#* (ave s#iled 2#*r ra2ers%1 T(ere*#nt(e t(ird sc#lded t(e last sea$er+ sa2in.+ 1O simlet#n+ ,(2 d# 2#* re/*$e (im8 Rat(erre/*$e 2#*rsel)%1 Last #) all+ t(e )#*rt( said+ 1&#d /e raised t(at I (ave n#t )allen int# t(e

same ditc( as m2 t(ree c#mani#ns%1 T(e m#ral is+ n#t t# )ind )a*lt ,it( #t(ers+ /*t rat(er+acc#rdin. t# t(e r#ver/+ 9 t# /e adm#nis(ed /2 t(eir /ad examle% Ar##s #) t(is r#ver/+ ast#r2 is t#ld #) t,# ris#ners cat*red /2 t(e tri/e #) &(*B% T(e &(*Bians ,ere a/#*t t# *t#ne #) t(em t# deat(+ t# )ri.(ten t(e #t(er+ and ma$e (im c#n)ess ,(ere t(e treas*re ,asc#ncealed+ ,(en t(e d##med man disc#vered t(eir #/3ect+ and said+ 1O n#/le sirs+ $ill m2c#mani#n+ and )ri.(ten me instead%1@NOTES0% Mis($at *l Masa/i(+ /2 Matt(e,s+ i% 9>%9% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% ?9%

STOR4 KIII%T(e Old Man and t(e P(2sician%

An #ld man c#mlained t# (is (2sician t(at (e s*))ered )r#m (eadac(e% T(e (2sicianrelied+ 1T(at is ca*sed /2 #ld a.e%1 T(e #ld man next c#mlained #) a de)ect in (is si.(t+ andt(e (2sician a.ain t#ld (im t(at (is malad2 ,as d*e t# #ld a.e% T(e #ld man ,ent #n t# sa2t(at (e s*))ered )r#m ain in t(e /ac$+ )r#m d2sesia+ )r#m s(#rtness #) /reat(+ )r#m nerv#*s

de/ilit2+ )r#m ina/ilit2 t# ,al$+ and s# #n6 and t(e (2sician relied t(at eac( #) t(eseailments ,as li$e,ise ca*sed /2 #ld a.e% T(e #ld man+ l#sin. atience+ said+ 1O )##l+ $n#,2#* n#t t(at &#d (as #rdained a remed2 )#r ever2 malad281 T(e (2sician ans,ered+ 1T(is

assi#n and c(#ler are als# s2mt#ms #) #ld a.e% Since all 2#*r mem/ers are ,ea$+ 2#* (avel#st t(e #,er #) sel)-c#ntr#l+ and )l2 int# a assi#n at ever2 ,#rd%1"ad rinciles al,a2s r#d*ce /ad acts%F##ls la*d and ma.ni)2 t(e m#s=*e+7(ile t(e2 strive t# #ress (#l2 men #) (eart%"*t t(e )#rmer is mere )#rm+ t(e latter sirit and tr*t(%T(e #nl2 tr*e m#s=*e is t(at in t(e (earts #) saints%T(e m#s=*e t(at is /*ilt in t(e (earts #) t(e saints

Is t(e lace #) ,#rs(i #) all+ )#r &#d d,ells t(ere%S# l#n. as t(e (earts #) t(e saints are n#t a))licted+



&#d never destr#2s t(e nati#n%O*r )#re)at(ers li)ted t(eir (ands a.ainst t(e r#(ets6Seein. t(eir /#dies+ t(e2 t##$ t(em )#r #rdinar2 men%In 2#* als# a/ide t(e m#rals #) t(#se men #) #ld6H#, can 2#* av#id )earin. t(at 2#* ,ill act li$e t(em8

T(e m#rals #) t(#se *nt(an$)*l #nes d,ell in 2#*+4#*r *rn ,ill n#t al,a2s ret*rn *n/r#$en )r#m t(e ,ell%Seein. t(at all t(ese /ad s2mt#ms are seen in 2#*+And t(at 2#* are #ne ,it( t(#se men+ (#, can 2#* escae8

STOR4 KI;%T(e Ara/ Carrier and t(e Sc(#lar%An Ara/ l#aded (is camel ,it( t,# sac$s+ )illin. #ne ,it( ,(eat and t(e sec#nd ,it( sand+ in#rder t# /alance t(e )irst% As (e ,as r#ceedin. #n (is ,a2 (e met a certain traditi#n-m#n.er+,(# =*esti#ned (im a/#*t t(e c#ntents #) (is sac$s% On learnin. t(at #ne c#ntained n#t(in.

/*t sand+ (e #inted #*t t(at t(e #/3ect mi.(t /e attained m*c( /etter /2 *ttin. (al) t(e,(eat in #ne sac$ and (al) in t(e #t(er% On (earin. t(is+ t(e Ara/ ,as s# str*c$ /2 (issa.acit2 t(at (e c#nceived a .reat resect )#r (im+ and m#*nted (im #n (is camel% T(en (esaid+ 1As 2#* #ssess s*c( .reat ,isd#m% I res*me t(at 2#* are a $in. #r a ;aBir+ #r at leasta ver2 ric( and #,er)*l n#/le%1 T(e t(e#l#.ian+ relied+ 1On t(e c#ntrar2% I am a ver2 ##rman6 all t(e ric(es m2 learnin. (as /r#*.(t me are ,eariness and (eadac(es+ and I $n#, n#t,(ere t# l##$ )#r a l#a) #) /read%1 T(e Ara/ said+ 1In t(at case .et+ #)) m2 camel and .# 2#*r,a2+ and s*))er me t# .# mine+ )#r I see 2#*r learnin. /rin.s ill l*c$%1 T(e m#ral #) t(e st#r2is t(e ,#rt(lessness #) mere (*man $n#,led.e+ and its in)eri#rit2 t# t(e divine $n#,led.e

r#ceedin. )r#m insirati#n% T(is t(esis is )*rt(er ill*strated /2 an acc#*nt #) t(e mi.(t2,#r$s ,(ic( ,ere d#ne /2 t(e saint I/ra(im /in Ad(am+ t(r#*.( t(e divine $n#,led.e t(at&#d (ad .iven (im% I/ra(im ,as #ri.inall2 rince #) "al$(+ /*t ren#*nced (is $in.d#m and

/ecame a saint% One da2 (e ,as sittin. /2 t(e s(#re mendin. (is cl#a$+ ,(en #ne #) (is)#rmer s*/3ects assed /2 and marvelled t# see (im en.a.ed in s*c( a+ mean #cc*ati#n% T(esaint at #nce+ /2 insired $n#,led.e+ read (is t(#*.(ts+ and t(*s c#rrected (is )alseimressi#ns% He t##$ t(e needle ,it( ,(ic( (e ,as mendin.+ (is cl#a$ and cast it int# t(e sea%T(en ,it( a l#*d v#ice (e cried #*t+ 1O needle rise a.ain )r#m t(e midst #) t(e sea and c#me

/ac$ a.ain int# m2 (ands%1 7it(#*t a m#ments dela2 t(#*sands #) )is(es r#se t# t(e s*r)ace#) t(e sea+ eac( /earin. in its m#*t( a .#lden needle+ and cried #*t+ 1O S(ai$(+ ta$e t(eseneedles #) &#d51 I/ra(im t(en t*rned t# t(e n#/le+ sa2in.+ 1Is n#t t(e $in.d#m #) t(e (eart

/etter t(an t(e c#ntemti/le eart(l2 $in.d#m I )#rmerl2 #ssessed8 7(at 2#* (ave 3*st seen

is a ver2 tri)lin. si.n #) m2 sirit*al #,er as it ,ere+ a mere lea) l*c$ed t# s(#, t(e /ea*t2#) a .arden% 4#* (ave n#, ca*.(t t(e scent #) t(is .arden+ and it #*.(t t# attract 2#*r s#*l t#t(e .arden itsel)+ )#r 2#* m*st $n#, t(at scents (ave .reat in)l*ence+ e%.%+ t(e scent #)J#se(s c#at+ ,(ic( rest#red Jac#/s si.(t+ and t(e scents ,(ic( ,ere l#ved /2 t(ePr#(et%1 9@NOTES0% '#ran xii% D:%9% T(ere is a Hedis0 1T(e Pr#(et l#ved er)*mes and )air ,#men and /ri.(tness #) e2es in

ra2er%1

STOR4 K;%T(e Man ,(# /#asted t(at &#d did n#t *nis(



(im )#r (is sins+ and Jet(r#s ans,er t# (im%T(at ers#n said in t(e time #) S(*ai/ Jet(r#+1&#d (as seen man2 )a*lts d#ne /2 me64ea+ (#, man2 sins and )a*lts #) mine (as He seen+

Nevert(eless #) His merc2 He *nis(es me n#t%1

&#d Almi.(t2 sa$e in t(e ear #) S(*ai/+Addressin. (im ,it( an inner v#ice in ans,er t(eret#+17(2 (ast t(#* said I (ave sinned s# m*c(+And &#d #) His merc2 (as n#t *nis(ed m2 sins81T(#* sa2est t(e ver2 reverse #) t(e tr*t(+ O )##l57anderin. )r#m t(e ,a2 and l#st in t(e desert5H#, man2 times d# I smite t(ee+ and t(#* $n#,est n#t8T(#* art /#*nd in m2 c(ains )r#m (ead t# )##t%On t(2 (eart is r*st #n r*st c#llected+S# t(#* art /lind t# m2steries%T(2 r*st+ la2er #n la2er+ O /lac$ $ettle5

Ma$es t(e asect #) t(2 inner arts )#*l%I) t(at sm#$e t#*c(ed a ne, $ettle+It ,#*ld s(#, t(e sm*t+ ,ere it #nl2 as a .rain #) /arle26F#r ever2t(in. is made mani)est /2 its ##site+In c#ntrast ,it( its ,(iteness t(at /lac$ s(#,s )#*l%"*t ,(en t(e $ettle is /lac$+ t(en a)ter,ards7(# can see #n it t(e imressi#n #) t(e sm#$e8I) t(e /lac$smit( /e a ne.r#+His )ace a.rees in c#l#r ,it( t(e sm#$e%"*t i) a man #) R*m d#es /lac$smit(s ,#r$+His )ace /ec#mes .rimed /2 t(e sm#$e )*mes6T(en (e =*ic$l2 erceives t(e imressi#n #) (is )a*lt+S# t(at (e ,ails and cries O Alla(57(en (e is st*//#rn and )#ll#,s (is evil ractices+He casts d*st in t(e e2es #) (is discernment%He rec$s n#t #) reentance+ and+ m#re#ver+ t(at sin"ec#mes dear t# (is (eart+ s# t(at (e /ec#mes ,it(#*t )ait(+Old s(ame )#r sin and callin. #n &#d =*it (im+R*st )ive la2ers dee settles #n (is mirr#r+R*st s#ts /e.in t# .na, (is ir#n+T(e c#l#r in (is 3e,el .r#,s less and less%

7(en 2#* ,rite #n ,(ite aer+7(at is ,ritten is read at a .lance6"*t ,(en 2#* ,rite #n t(e )ace #) a ,ritten a.e+It is n#t lain+ readin. it is decetive6F#r t(at /lac$ is ,ritten #n t(e t# #) #t(er /lac$+"#t( t(e ,ritin.s are ille.i/le and senseless%Or i)+ in t(e t(ird lace+ 2#* ,rite #n t(e a.e+And t(en /lac$en it li$e an in)idels s#*l+T(en ,(at remed2 /*t t(e aid #) t(e Remedier8!esair is c#er and si.(t its elixir%La2 2#*r desair /e)#re Him+

T(at 2#* ma2 escae )r#m ain ,it(#*t medicine%17(en S(*ai/ s#$e t(ese a(#risms t# (im+



Fr#m t(at /reat( #) t(e s#*l r#ses /l##med in (is (eart+His s#*l (eard t(e revelati#ns #) (eaven6He said+ 1I) He (as *nis(ed me+ ,(ere is t(e si.n #) it81S(*ai/ said+ 1O L#rd+ (e reels m2 ar.*ments+He see$s )#r a si.n #) t(at *nis(ment%1

T(e ;eiler #) sins relied+ 1I ,ill tell (im n# secrets+Save #nl2 #ne+ in #rder t# tr2 (im%One si.n t(at I *nis( (im is t(is+T(at (e #/serves #/edience and )astin. and ra2er+And dev#ti#ns and alms.ivin.+ and s# #n+4et never )eels t(e least exansi#n #) s#*l%He er)#rms t(e dev#ti#ns and acts en3#ined /2 la,+4et derives n#t an at#m #) relis( )r#m t(em%O*t,ard dev#ti#n is s,eet t# (im+ sirit is n#t s,eet+

N*ts in lent2+ /*t n# $ernel in an2 #) t(em%Relis( is needed )#r dev#ti#ns t# /ear )r*it+

'ernels are needed t(at seeds ma2 2ield trees%H#, can seeds ,it(#*t $ernels /ec#me trees8F#rm ,it(#*t s#*l li)e is #nl2 a dream%1

STOR4 K;I%T(e &l*tt#n#*s S*)i%In a certain c#nvent t(ere lived a S*)i ,(#se c#nd*ct .ave 3*st #))ence t# t(e /ret(ren% T(e2

/r#*.(t (im /e)#re t(eir S(ai$( and t(*s acc*sed (im+ 1T(is S*)i (as t(ree ver2 /ad =*alities6(e /a//les exceedin.l2 li$e a /ell+ at (is meals (e eats m#re t(an t,ent2 men and ,(en (eslees (e is as #ne #) t(e Seven Sleeers%1 T(e S(ai$( t(en adm#nis(ed (im+ insistin. #n t(e#/li.ati#n #) $eein. t# t(e .#lden mean6 and remindin. (im t(at even t(e r#(et M#ses ,as #nce re/*$ed /2 '(iBr )#r sea$in. t# excess% "*t t(e delin=*ent exc*sed (imsel) #n t(e.r#*nds t(at t(e mean is relative+ ,(at is excess in #ne man /ein. m#derati#n in an#t(er+ t(at(e ,(# is led /2 t(e sirit is n# l#n.er s*/3ect t# t(e #*t,ard la,+ and t(at+ t(e 1inner v#ice+1,(ic( r*les s*c( an #ne s c#nd*ct+ is its #,n evidence%T(e mean is relative%

He said+ 1T(#*.( t(e at( #) t(e mean is ,isd#m+4et is t(is same mean als# relative%T(e ,ater ,(ic( is ins*))icient )#r a camelIs li$e an #cean t# a m#*se%7(#s# (as )#*r l#aves as (is dail2 all#,ance+7(et(er (e eat t,# #r t(ree+ (e #/serves t(e mean%"*t i) (e eat all )#*r (e trans.resses t(e mean+A ver2 slave t# .reed+ and v#raci#*s as a d*c$%7(#s# (as an aetite )#r ten l#aves+'n#,+ t(#*.( (e eat six+ (e #/serves t(e mean%I) I (ave an aetite )#r )i)t2 l#aves+

7(ile 2#* can mana.e #nl2 six+ ,e are n#t #n a ar%4#* are ,earied ,it( ten r#strati#ns in ra2er+



7(ilst I can end*re )ive (*ndred%S*c( an #ne .#es /are)##t t# t(e 'a/a+7(ilst an#t(er )aints ,it( .#in. t# t(e m#s=*e%1T(e ecstatic state ,(ic( exalts t(e s*/3ect #) it a/#ve la,%1At times m2 state resem/les a dream+

M2 dreamin. seems t# t(em in)idelit2%'n#, m2 e2es slee+ /*t m2 (eart is a,a$e6M2 /#d2+ t(#*.( t#rid+ is instinct ,it( ener.2%T(e Pr#(et said+ Mine e2es slee+"*t m2 (eart is a,a$e ,it( t(e L#rd #) man$ind%4#*r e2es are a,a$e and 2#*r (eart )ast aslee+M2 e2es are cl#sed+ and m2 (eart at t(e #en d##r%M2 (eart (as #t(er )ive senses #) its #,n6T(ese senses #) m2 (eart vie, t(e t,# ,#rlds%Let n#t a ,ea$lin. li$e 2#* cens*re me+7(at+ seems ni.(t t# 2#* is /r#ad da2 t# me6

7(at seems a ris#n t# 2#* is a .arden t# me%"*siest #cc*ati#n is rest t# me%4#*r )eet are in t(e mire+ t# me+ mire is r#se+7(at t# 2#* is )*neral ,ailin. is marria.e dr*m t# me%7(ile I seem #n eart(+ a/idin. ,it( 2#* in t(e (#*se+I ascend li$e Sat*rn t# t(e sevent( (eaven%Tis n#t I ,(# c#mani#n ,it( 2#*+ tis m2 s(ad#,6M2 exaltati#n transcends 2#*r t(#*.(ts+"eca*se I (ave transcended t(#*.(t+4ea+ I (ave sed /e2#nd reac( #) t(#*.(t%I am l#rd #) t(#*.(t+ n#t #verl#rded /2 t(#*.(t+As t(e /*ilder is l#rd #) t(e /*ildin.%All creat*res are enslaved t# t(#*.(t6F#r t(is ca*se are t(e2 sad at (eart and s#rr#,)*l%I send m2sel) #n an em/ass2 t# t(#*.(t+And+ at ,ill+ srin. /ac$ a.ain )r#m t(#*.(t%I am as t(e /ird #) (eaven and t(#*.(t as t(e )l2+H#, can t(e )l2 lend a (elin. (and t# me87(#s# (as in (im a sar$ #) t(e li.(t #) Omni#tence+H#,ever m*c( (e eats+ sa2 Eat #n6 tis la,)*l t# (im%1T# t(e sirit*al man t(e 1inner v#ice1 is its

#,n evidence+ and needs n# #t(er r##)%1I) 2#* are a tr*e l#ver #) m2 s#*l+T(is tr*t(-)ra*.(t sa2in. #) mine is n# vain retence+T(#*.( I tal$ (al) t(e ni.(t I am s*eri#r t# 2#*6And a.ain+ Fear n#t t(e ni.(t6 (ere am I+ 2#*r $insman%T(ese t,# asserti#ns #) mine ,ill /#t( seem tr*e t# 2#*T(e m#ment 2#* rec#.niBe t(e v#ice #) 2#*r $insman%S*eri#rit2 and $insmans(i are /#t( mere asserti#ns+4et /#t( are rec#.niBed )#r tr*t( /2 men #) clear ,it%T(e nearness #) t(e v#ice r#ves t# s*c( an #neT(at t(e v#ice r#ceeds )r#m a )riend ,(# is near%

T(e s,eetness #) t(e $insmans v#ice+ t##+ O /el#ved+Pr#ves t(e veracit2 #) t(at $insman%



"*t t(e *ninsired )##l ,(# )r#m i.n#ranceCann#t tell t(e v#ice #) a stran.er )r#m a )riends+T# (im t(e )riends sa2in. seems a vain retensi#n+His i.n#rance is t(e material ca*se #) (is dis/elie)%T# t(e ,ise+ ,(#se (earts are enli.(tened+

T(e mere s#*nd #) t(at v#ice r#ves its tr*t(%117(en 2#* sa2 t# a t(irst2 man+ C#me =*ic$l26T(is is ,ater in t(e c*+ ta$e and drin$ it+!#es t(e t(irst2 man sa2+ T(is is a vain retensi#n6&#+ rem#ve 2#*rsel) )r#m me+ O vain retender+Or r#ceed t# .ive r##)s and evidenceT(at t(is is .eneric ,ater+ and c#ncrete ,ater t(ere#)8Or ,(en a m#t(er cries t# (er s*c$in. /a/e+C#me+ O s#n+ I am t(2 m#t(er+!#es t(e /a/e ans,er+ O m#t(er+ s(#, a r##)T(at I s(all )ind c#m)#rt )r#m ta$in. t(2 mil$8

In t(e (earts #) ever2 sect t(at (as a taste #) t(e tr*t(T(e si.(t and t(e v#ice #) r#(ets ,#r$ miracles%7(en t(e r#(ets raise t(eir cr2 t# t(e #*t,ard ear+T(e s#*ls #) eac( sect /#, in dev#ti#n ,it(in6"eca*se never in t(is ,#rld (at( t(e s#*ls earHeard )r#m an2 man t(e li$e #) t(at cr2%T(at ##r man in t(at stran.e s,eet v#iceRec#.niBes t(e v#ice #) &#d+ ;eril2 I am ni.(%1 9@NOTES0% '#ran xviii% GG%9% 1And ,(en m2 servants as$ t(ee c#ncernin. me t(en ,ill I /e ni.( *nt# t(em% I ,illans,er t(e cr2 #) (im t(at criet(+ ,(en (e criet( *nt# me%1 '#ran ii% l9%

STOR4 K;II%T(e Tree #) Li)e%T(e recedin. st#r2 is )#ll#,ed /2 a s(#rt anecd#te #) t(e in)ants #) t(e ;ir.in Mar2 and t(em#t(er #) J#(n t(e "atist leain. in t(eir m#t(ers ,#m/s+ and in rel2 t# matter #) )actcavillers and =*esti#ners #) t(is anecd#te+ t(e #et sa2s ,e m*st l##$ at its sirit and essential

/asis rat(er t(an its #*t,ard )#rm% T(is intr#d*ces t(e st#r2 #) t(e tree #) li)e% A certain ,iseman related t(at in Hind*stan t(ere ,as a tree #) s*c( ,#nder)*l virt*e t(at ,(#s#ever ate #)

its )r*it lived )#rever% Hearin. t(is+ a $in. de*ted #ne #) (is c#*rtiers t# .# in =*est #) it% T(ec#*rtier acc#rdin.l2 r#ceeded t# Hind*stan+ and traveled all #ver t(at c#*ntr2+ in=*irin. #)ever2 #ne (e met ,(ere t(is tree ,as t# /e )#*nd% S#me #) t(ese ers#ns r#)essed t(eir entirei.n#rance+ #t(ers 3#$ed (im+ and #t(ers .ave (im )alse in)#rmati#n6 and+ )inall2+ (e (ad t#ret*rn t# (is c#*ntr2 ,it( (is missi#n *nacc#mlis(ed% He t(en+ as a last res#*rce+ /et##$(imsel) t# t(e sa.e ,(# (ad )irst s#$en #) t(e tree+ and /e..ed )#r )*rt(er in)#rmati#n a/#*tit+ and t(e sa.e relied t# (im as )#ll#,s0T(e S(ai$( la*.(ed+ and said t# (im+ 1O )riend+T(is is t(e tree #) $n#,led.e+ O $n#,in. #ne6;er2 (i.(+ ver2 )ine+ ver2 exansive+T(e ver2 ,ater #) li)e )r#m t(e circ*m)l*ent #cean%

T(#* (ast r*n a)ter )#rm+ O ill-in)#rmed #ne+7(ere)#re t(#* lac$est t(e )r*it #) t(e tree #) s*/stance%



S#metimes it is named tree+ s#metimes s*n+S#metimes la$e+ and s#metimes cl#*d%Tis #ne+ t(#*.( it (as t(#*sands #) mani)estati#ns6Its least mani)estati#n is eternal li)e5T(#*.( tis #ne+ it (as a t(#*sand mani)estati#ns+

T(e names t(at )it t(at #ne are c#*ntless%T(at #ne is t# t(2 ers#nalit2 a )at(er+In re.ard t# an#t(er ers#n He ma2 /e a s#n%In relati#n t# an#t(er He ma2 /e ,rat( and ven.eance+In relati#n t# an#t(er+ merc2 and .##dness%He (as t(#*sands #) names+ 2et is One+Ans,erin. t# all #) His descriti#ns+ 2et indescri/a/le%Ever2 #ne ,(# see$s names+ i) (e is a man #) cred*lit2+Li$e t(ee+ remains (#eless and )r*strated #) (is aim%7(2 cleavest t(#* t# t(is mere name #) tree+S# t(at t(#* art *tterl2 /al$ed and disa#inted8

Pass #ver names and l##$ t# =*alities+S# t(at =*alities ma2 lead t(ee t# essence5T(e di))erences #) sects arise )r#m His names67(en t(e2 ierce t# His essence t(e2 )ind His eace51T(is st#r2 is )#ll#,ed /2 an#t(er anecd#te ill*strative #) t(e same t(esis t(at attendin. merel2t# names and #*t,ard )#rms+ rat(er t(an t# t(e sirit and essence #) reli.i#n+ leads men int#err#r and del*si#n% F#*r ers#ns+ a Persian+ an Ara/+ a T*r$+ and a &ree$+ ,ere travelin.t#.et(er+ and received a resent #) a dir(em% T(e Persian said (e ,#*ld /*2 1an.*r1 ,it( it+t(e Ara/ said (e ,#*ld /*2 1ina/+1 ,(ile t(e T*r$ and t(e &ree$ ,ere )#r /*2in. 1*B*m1 and1asta(il1 sta(2le+ resectivel2% N#, all t(ese ,#rds mean #ne and t(e same t(in.+ viB%1.raes61 /*t+ #,in. t# t(eir i.n#rance #) eac( #t(ers lan.*a.es+ t(e2 )ancied t(e2 eac(,anted t# /*2 s#met(in. di))erent+ and acc#rdin.l2 a vi#lent =*arrel ar#se /et,een t(em% Atlast a ,ise man ,(# $ne, all t(eir lan.*a.es came * and exlained t# t(em t(at t(e2 ,ereall ,is(in. )#r #ne and t(e same t(in.%@NOTES0% L*$e i% <%

STOR4 K;III%T(e 4#*n. !*c$s ,(# ,ere /r#*.(t * *nder a Hen%Alt(#*.( a d#mestic )#,l ma2 (ave ta$en t(ee+

7(# art a d*c$lin.+ *nder (er ,in. and n*rt*red t(ee+T(2 m#t(er ,as a d*c$ #) t(at #cean%T(2 n*rse ,as eart(2+ and (er ,in. dr2 land%T(e l#n.in. )#r t(e #cean ,(ic( )ills t(2 (eart+T(at nat*ral l#n.in. #) t(2 s#*l c#mes )r#m t(2 m#t(er%T(2 l#n.in. )#r dr2 land c#mes t# t(ee )r#m t(2 n*rse6*it t(2 n*rse+ )#r s(e ,ill lead t(ee astra2%Leave t(2 n*rse #n t(e dr2 land and *s( #n+Enter t(e #cean #) real "ein.+ li$e t(e d*c$s5T(#*.( t(2 n*rse ma2 )ri.(ten t(ee a,a2 )r#m ,ater+!# t(#* )ear n#t+ /*t (aste #n int# t(e #cean5

T(#* art a d*c$+ and )l#*ris(est #n land and ,ater+And d#st n#t+ li$e a d#mestic )#,l+ di. * t(e (#*se%



T(#* art a $in. #) 1t(e s#ns #) Adam (#n#red /2 &#d+1 lAnd settest )##t ali$e #n sea and land6F#r imress #n t(2 mind+ 17e (ave carried t(em /2 sea+1"e)#re t(e ,#rds+ 17e (ave carried t(em /2 land%1T(e an.els .# n#t #n dr2 land+

And t(e animals $n#, n#t(in. #) t(e sea6T(#* in /#d2 art an animal+ in t(2 s#*l an an.el6Hence t(#* .#est /#t( *#n eart( and #n (eaven%1Hence t# #*t,ard vie, 1He is a man li$e 2#*+1 97(ile t# (is s(ar-seein. (eart 1it (at( /een revealed%1His eart(2 )#rm (as )allen #n eart(+His sirit rev#lvin. a/#ve (i.(est (eaven%O /#2+ ,e are all #) *s ,ater)#,l+T(e sea $n#,s )*ll ,ell #*r lan.*a.e%S#l#m#n : is+ as it ,ere+ t(at sea+ and ,e as t(e /irds6In S#l#m#n ,e (#ld #*r c#*rse t# eternit2%

Al#n. ,it( S#l#m#n l*n.e int# t(e #cean+ <T(en+ li$e !avid+ t(e ,ater ,ill ma$e *s c#ats-#)-mail%T(at S#l#m#n is resent t# ever2 #ne+"*t ne.li.ence cl#ses t(eir e2es and /e,itc(es t(em%Hence+ t(r#*.( i.n#rance+ sl#t(+ and )#ll2+T(#*.( (e stands (ard /2 *s+ ,e are s(*t #)) )r#m (im%T(e n#ise #) t(*nder ma$es t(e (ead #) t(e t(irst2 ac(e67(en (e $n#,s n#t t(at it *nl#c$s t(e /lessed s(#,ers+His e2es are )ixed #n t(e r*nnin. stream+Un,ittin. #) t(e s,eetness #) t(e rain )r#m (eaven%He *r.es t(e steed #) (is desire t#,ards t(e ca*sed+And er)#rce remains s(*t #)) )r#m t(e Ca*ser%7(#s# /e(#lds t(e Ca*ser )ace t# )ace+H#, can (e set (is (eart #n t(in.s ca*sed #n eart(8@NOTES0% '#ran xvi% G90 1And n#, (ave ,e (#n#red t(e s#ns #) Adam+ /2 sea and /2 land (ave ,ecarried t(em%19% '#ran xviii% 0 1Sa2+ in s##t( I am #nl2 a man li$e 2#*% It (at( /een revealed *nt# met(at 2#*r &#d is #ne #nl2 &#d%1:% '#ran xxvii% ?0 1S#l#m#n said+ O men+ ,e (ave /een ta*.(t t(e seec( #) /irds%1<% '#ran xxvii% << and xxi% %


"##$ III%



STOR4 I%T(e Travelers ,(# ate t(e 4#*n. Ele(ant%

A PART4 #) travelers l#st t(eir ,a2 in a ,ilderness+ and ,ere ,ell ni.( )amis(ed ,it((*n.er% 7(ile t(e2 ,ere c#nsiderin. ,(at t# d#+ a sa.e came * and c#nd#led ,it( t(em #nt(eir *n)#rt*nate li.(t% He t#ld t(em t(at t(ere ,ere man2 2#*n. ele(ants in t(e ad3acent,##ds+ #ne #) ,(ic( ,#*ld )*rnis( t(em an amle meal+ /*t at t(e same time (e ,arned t(emt(at i) t(e2 $illed #ne+ its arents ,#*ld in all r#/a/ilit2 trac$ t(em #*t and /e reven.ed #nt(em )#r $illin. t(eir #))srin.% S(#rtl2 a)ter t(e travelers sa, a l*m 2#*n. ele(ant+ andc#*ld n#t resist $illin. and eatin. it% One al#ne re)rained% T(en t(e2 la2 d#,n t# rest6 /*t n#s##ner ,ere t(e2 )ast aslee t(an a (*.e ele(ant made (is aearance and r#ceeded t#smell t(e /reat( #) eac( #ne #) t(e sleeers in t*rn% T(#se ,(#m (e erceived t# (ave eaten #)t(e 2#*n. ele(ants )les( (e sle, ,it(#*t merc2+ sarin. #nl2 t(e #ne ,(# (ad /een r*denten#*.( t# a/stain%

&#ds care )#r His c(ildren%O s#n+ t(e i#*s are &#ds c(ildren+A/sent #r resent He is in)#rmed #) t(eir state%!eem Him n#t a/sent ,(en t(e2 are endan.ered+F#r He is 3eal#*s )#r t(eir lives%He sait(+ 1T(ese saints are m2 c(ildren+T(#*.( rem#te and al#ne and a,a2 )r#m t(eir L#rd%F#r t(eir trial t(e2 are #r(ans and ,retc(ed+4et in l#ve I am ever (#ldin. c#mm*ni#n ,it( t(em%T(#* art /ac$ed /2 all m2 r#tecti#n6M2 c(ildren are+ as it ,ere+ arts #) me%;eril2 t(ese !arves(es #) mineAre t(#*sands #n t(#*sands+ and 2et n# m#re t(an One6F#r i) n#t+ (#, did M#ses ,it( #ne ma.ic sta))T*rn t(e realm #) P(ara#( *side d#,n8And i) it ,ere n#t s#+ (#, did N#a( ,it( #ne c*rseMa$e East and 7est ali$e dr#,ned in (is )l##d8

N#r c#*ld #ne ra2er #) el#=*ent L#tHave raBed t(eir str#n. cit2 a.ainst t(eir ,ill+T(eir mi.(t2 cit2+ li$e t# Paradise+"ecame as a Ti.ris #) /lac$ ,ater6 .#+ see its vesti.e5

T#,ards S2ria is t(is vesti.e and mem#rial+T(#* seest it in assin. #n t(e ,a2 t# Jer*salem%T(#*sands #) &#d-)earin. r#(etsIn ever2 a.e (#ld divine c(astisements in (and%S(#*ld I tell #) t(em m2 limits ,#*ld /e exceeded+And n#t (earts #nl2 /*t ver2 (ills ,#*ld /leed%1Evil deeds .ive mens ra2ers an ill sav#*r in &#ds n#strils%T(#* art aslee+ and t(e smell #) t(at )#r/idden )r*itAscends t# t(e aB*re s$ies+Ascends al#n. ,it( t(2 )#*l /reat(+Till it #ver#,ers (eaven ,it( stenc(6

Stenc( #) ride+ stenc( #) l*st+ stenc( #) .reed%All t(ese stin$ li$e #ni#ns ,(en a man sea$s%



T(#*.( t(#* s,earest+ sa2in.+ 17(en (ave I eaten8Have I n#t a/stained )r#m #ni#ns and .arlic81T(e ver2 /reat( #) t(at #at( tells tales+As it stri$es t(e n#strils #) t(em t(at sit ,it( t(ee%S# t## ra2ers are made invalid /2 s*c( stenc(es+

T(at cr##$ed (eart is /etra2ed /2 its seec(%T(e ans,er t# t(at ra2er is+ 1"e 2e driven int# (ell+1 9T(e sta)) #) re*lsi#n is t(e re,ard #) all deceit%"*t+ i) t(2 seec( /e cr##$ed and t(2 meanin. strai.(t+T(2 cr##$edness #) ,#rds ,ill /e acceted #) &#d%T(at )ait()*l "ilal+ ,(en (e called t# ra2er+7#*ld dev#*tl2 cr2+ 1C#me (it(er+ c#me (it(er51At last men said+ 1O Pr#(et+ t(is call is n#t ri.(t+T(is is ,r#n.6 n#,+ ,(at is t(2 intenti#n8O Pr#(et+ and O am/assad#r #) t(e Almi.(t2+Pr#vide an#t(er M*aBBin #) /etter talent%

Tis an err#r at t(e /e.innin. #) #*r divine ,#rs(iT# *tter t(e ,#rds+ C#me t# t(e as2l*m51 :T(e ,rat( #) t(e Pr#(et /#iled *+ and (e saidUtterin. #ne #r t,# secrets )r#m t(e )#*nt #) .race+1O /ase #nes+ in &#ds si.(t t(e H#5 #) "ilalIs /etter t(an a (*ndred C#me (it(ers and e3ac*lati#ns%A(5 excite n#t a t*m*lt+ lest I tell )#rt( #enl24#*r secret t(#*.(ts )r#m )irst t# last%I) 2e $ee n#t 2#*r /reat( s,eet in ra2er+&#+ desire a ra2er )r#m t(e "ret(ren #) P*rit251F#r t(is ca*se sa$e &#d t# M#ses+At t(e time (e ,as as$in. aid in ra2er+1O M#ses5 desire r#tecti#n #) me7it( a m#*t( t(at t(#* (ast n#t sinned ,it(al%1M#ses ans,ered+ 1I #ssess n#t s*c( a m#*t(%1&#d said+ 1Call *#n me ,it( an#t(er m#*t(5Act s# t(at all t(2 m#*t(s"2 ni.(t and /2 da2 ma2 /e raisin. ra2ers%7(en t(#* (ast sinned ,it( #ne m#*t(+7it( t(2 #t(er m#*t( cr2+ O Alla(5Or else cleanse t(2 #,n m#*t(+

And ma$e t(2 sirit alert and =*ic$%Callin. #n &#d is *re+ and ,(en *rit2 ar#ac(es+Im*rit2 arises and ta$es its deart*re%C#ntraries )lee a,a2 )r#m c#ntraries67(en da2 da,ns ni.(t ta$es )li.(t%7(en t(e *re name #) &#d enters t(e m#*t(+

Neit(er d#es im*rit2 n#r t(at im*re m#*t( remain51T(e man ,(#se callin. 1O Alla(1 ,as e=*ivalentt# &#ds ans,erin. (im+ 1Here am I1 <%

T(at ers#n #ne ni.(t ,as cr2in.+ 1O Alla(51T(at (is m#*t( mi.(t /e s,eetened t(ere/2+



And Satan said t# (im+ 1"e =*iet+ O a*stere #ne5H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* /a//le+ O man #) man2 ,#rds8

N# ans,er c#mes t# t(ee )r#m ni.( t(e t(r#ne+H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* cr2 Alla( ,it( (ars( )ace81T(at ers#n ,as sad at (eart and (*n. (is (ead+

And t(en /e(eld '(iBr resent /e)#re (im in a visi#n+7(# said t# (im+ 1A(5 t(#* (ast ceased t# call #n &#d+7(ere)#re reentest t(#* #) callin. *#n Him81T(e man said+ 1T(e ans,er Here am I came n#t+7(ere)#re I )ear t(at I am re*lsed )r#m t(e d##r%1'(iBr relied t# (im+ 1&#d (as .iven me t(is c#mmand6&# t# (im and sa2+ O m*c(-tried #ne+!id n#t I en.a.e t(ee t# d# m2 service8!id n#t I en.a.e t(ee t# call *#n me8T(at callin. Alla( #) t(ine ,as m2 Here am I+And t(at ain and l#n.in. and ard#*r #) t(ine m2 messen.er6

T(2 str*..les and strivin.s )#r assistance7ere m2 attracti#ns+ and #ri.inated t(2 ra2er%T(2 )ear and t(2 l#ve are t(e c#ve+rt #) m2 merc2+Eac( O L#rd5 #) t(ine c#ntains man2 Here am Is%1T(e s#*l #) )##ls is alien )r#m t(is callin. #n &#d+"eca*se it is n#t t(eir ,#nt t# cr2+ O L#rd5On t(eir m#*t(s and (earts are l#c$s and /#nds+ >T(at t(e2 ma2 n#t cr2 t# &#d in time #) distress%&#d .ave P(ara#( a/*ndance #) ric(es and ,ealt(+S# t(at (e /#asted t(at (e ,as L#rd S*reme%In t(e ,(#le #) (is li)e (e s*))ered n# (eadac(e+S# t(at (e never cried t# &#d+ ,retc( t(at (e ,as%&#d .ranted (im t(e a/s#l*te d#mini#n #) t(e ,#rld+"*t ,it((eld )r#m (im ain and s#rr#, and cares6"eca*se ain and s#rr#, and l#ads #) caresAre t(e l#t #) &#ds )riends in t(e ,#rld%Pain is /etter t(an t(e d#mini#n #) t(e ,#rld+S# t(at t(#* ma2est call #n &#d in secret%T(e cries #) t(#se )ree )r#m ain are d*ll and c#ld+T(e cries #) t(e s#rr#,)*l c#me )r#m t(e /*rnin. (earts%1@NOTES0

% 17(#ever eats .arlic #r #ni#ns m*st $ee a,a2 )r#m me #r )r#m t(e Mas3id%1 Mis($at *tMasa/i(+ ii% :9%9% '#ran xxiii% 0 1He ,ill sa2 "e 2e driven d#,n int# it+ and address me n#t%1:% R*les )#r t(e call t# ra2er are .iven in Mis($at *l Masa/i( i% <%<% Or+ 17(at d#st t(#* re=*ire #) me81>% '#ran ii% ?%

STOR4 II%T(e ;illa.er ,(# invited t(e T#,nsman t# visit (im%

A certain villa.er aid a visit t# t(e t#,n+ and t(ere received (#sitalit2 )r#m #ne #) t(e



And t(eir rie )r*its /*rst #en #) t(emselves%Press ar#*nd t(at d##r+ /e n#t viler t(an a d#.+I) t(#* ,#*ldest rival t(e Seven Sleeers d#.%&#ds claims t# #*r .ratit*de%7(ereas ,ant #) )idelit2 is s(ame)*l even in d#.s+

H#, can it /e ri.(t in men8&#d Almi.(t2 Himsel) ma$es /#ast #) )idelit2+Sa2in.+ 17(# m#re )ait()*l t# (is r#mise t(an 7e81 :'n#,+ in)idelit2 is )idelit2 t# &#ds adversar2+

N# #ne (as re-eminence #ver t(e ri.(ts #) &#d%T(e claims #) a m#t(er are less t(an &#ds+ )#r He+T(at /#*nte#*s One+ made (er de/t#r )#r t(2 em/r2#%He .ave t(ee a )#rm ,(ilst t(#* ,ast in (er ,#m/+In (er ,#m/ He .ave t(ee need)*l rest and n*rt*re%He vie,ed (er as a art *nited t# t(ee+T(en His ,isd#m searated t(at *nited art%

&#d devised a t(#*sand lans and arts+T# ma$e t(2 m#t(er lavis( a))ecti#n *#n t(ee%7(ere)#re t(e claims #) &#d red#minate #ver t(e m#t(ers+7(#s# ac$n#,led.es n#t &#ds claims is a )##l%He ,(# made m#t(er and /reast and mil$ United m#t(er t# )at(er als#+ desise Him n#t5O L#rd+ O Ancient #) da2s+ T(2 mercies+7(et(er $n#,n t# *s #r *n$n#,n+ are all )r#m T(ee5T(#* (ast c#mmanded+ sa2in.+ 1Remem/er t(2 &#d+1"eca*se &#ds claims are never ex(a*sted5Since t(#* (ast /een led astra2 /2 )ait(less men+T*rn n#, )r#m t(2 evil d#*/ts t# t(e ##site mind%I am )ree )r#m err#r and all )ait(lessness6T(#* m*st c#me t# me and rescind evil d#*/ts%C*t #)) t(ese evil d#*/ts and cast t(em a,a2+F#r in t(e resence #) s*c( t(#* /ec#mest d#*/le%T(ere)#re t(#* (ast c(#sen (ars( )riends and c#mani#ns6I) I as$ ,(ere t(e2 are t(#* sa2est t(e2 are .#ne%T(e .##d )riend .#es * t# (i.(est (eaven+Evil )riends sin$ /eneat( t(e /#tt#m #) t(e eart(+7(ilst t(#* art le)t al#ne in t(e midst+ )#rl#rn+

Even as t(e )ires le)t /2 t(e dearted caravan%1O /rave )riend+ .ras His s$irt+7(# is rem#ved ali$e )r#m t(e ,#rld a/#ve and /el#,67(# neit(er+ li$e% Jes*s+ ascends t# (eaven+

N#r+ li$e '#ra(+ sin$s int# t(e eart(67(# ,ill a/ide ,it( t(ee in t(e (#*se and a/r#ad7(en t(#* lac$est (#*se and (#me%He ,ill /rin. )#rt( eace #*t #) ert*r/ati#ns+And ,(en t(#* art a)llicted ,ill $ee His r#mise%H#, )alse retensi#ns t# sanctit2 aredistin.*is(ed )r#m tr*e sanctit2%

O s#n+ a (*ndred t(#*sand tests a,ait t(ee+7(#ever t(#* art ,(# sa2est 1I am a rince #) t(e .ate+1



I) t(e v*l.ar detect n#t s*c( an #ne /2 tests+4et t(e s$illed ,a2)arers see$ #) (im a si.n%7(en a man ma$es retensi#n t# /e a tail#r+T(e master laces /e)#re (im a iece #) sil$+Sa2in.+ 1C*t #*t a lar.e (ead-dress+1

And )ail*re in t(e test leads (im t# t(e ill#r2%I) all t(e evil men ,ere n#t tested+Ever2 catamite ,#*ld t(r#*.( )ra*d ass )#r a R*stam%S*#se (e ,ears t(e sem/lance #) #ne clad in mail+4et ,(en ,#*nded (e is at #nce ta$en cative%T(e &#d-int#xicated are n#t s#/ered /2 #ld a.e+T(e2 remain /eside t(emselves till t(e last tr*m%T(e ,ine #) &#d is tr*e+ and n#t )alse+"*t t(#* (ast dr*n$ #nl2 s#*r ,(e2%T(#* ma$est t(2sel) #*t t# /e a J*naid #r a "a2aBid6&#5 )#r d# I n#t $n#, a (atc(et )r#m a l#*.(s(are8

O l#tter+ (#, canst t(#* c#nceal /2 )ra*d"aseness+ sl#t(+ c#vet#*sness+ and l*st8T(#* (#ldest t(2sel) #*t as a l#ver #) &#d+"*t t(#* (ast c#=*etted ,it( t(e evil dem#n%T(e l#ver and t(e /el#ved #n t(e last da27ill /e 3#ined t#.et(er and raised in si.(t #) all%H#, )##lis( and sill2 t(#* (ast made t(2sel)5T(#* (ast dr*n$ /l##d #) .raes+ na2+ m2 /l##d5&#5 )#r I $n#, t(ee n#t% &et a,a25I am a l#ver /eside (imsel)+ ,(#se ,#rds are ,ild%T(#* )anciest t(2sel) near t# &#d+Sa2in.+ 1T(e ma$er #) t(e dis( is n#t )ar )r#m t(e dis(%1'n#,est t(#* n#t t(at t(e nearness #) saints t# &#dInv#lves t(e #,er t# d# mi.(t2 ,#r$s and si.ns8Ir#n ,as as ,ax in t(e (ands #) !avid+7ax in t(2 (ands is as ir#n%&#ds nearness and His /ene)icence are c#mm#n t# all+"*t #nl2 eminent saints en3#2 insired l#ve%

Nearness is #) vari#*s $inds+ O s#n+T(e s*n s(ines ali$e #n r#c$s and #n .#ld%4et t(e s*n #ssesses a nearness t# .#ld+

7(ere#) t(e c#mm#n ,ill#, (as n# c#.niBance%T(e dr2 /ranc( and t(e .reen are ali$e near t(e s*n+!#es t(e s*n veil (imsel) )r#m eit(er84et ,(at is t(e nearness #) t(at .reen /ranc(+7(ere)r#m t(#* eatest rie )r*its8"*t as )#r t(e dr2 /ranc( )r#m its nearness t# t(e s*n+7(at d#es it /*t m#re =*ic$l2 .r#, dr2 and saless8"e n#t int#xicated a)ter t(e manner #) t(is /ranc(+7(ic(+ ,(en it /ec#mes s#/er+ (as ca*se )#r reentance+"*t+ li$e t(#se dr*n$ards ,(#+ ,(en t(e2 drin$ ,ine+"ear rie )r*its #) ,isd#m #) enitence%

@NOTES0% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% % :G+ ascri/es t(is sa2in. t# t(e #et+ A=Bam /in Baid%



9% '#ran xxiv% ?%:% '#ran% ix% 9%

STOR4 III%

T(e Jac$al ,(# retended t# /e a Peac#c$%A 3ac$al )ell int# a d2e-it+ and (is s$in ,as d2ed #) vari#*s c#l#rs% Pr#*d #) (is slendidaearance+ (e ret*rned t# (is c#mani#ns+ and desired t(em t# address (im as a eac#c$% "*tt(e2 r#ceeded t# test (is retensi#ns+ sa2in.+ 1!#st t(#* scream li$e a eac#c$+ #r str*t a/#*t.ardens as eac#c$s are ,#nt t# d#81 And (e ,as )#rced t# admit t(at (e did n#t+ ,(ere*#nt(e2 re3ected (is retensi#ns% An#t(er st#r2+ als# #n t(e s*/3ect #) )alse retenders+ )#ll#,s% A

r#*d man ,(# lac$ed )##d r#c*red a s$in )*ll #) )at+ .reased (is /eard and lis ,it( it+ andcalled #n (is )riends t# #/serve (#, l*x*ri#*sl2 (e (ad dined% "*t (is /ell2 ,as vexed at t(is+

/eca*se it ,as (*n.r2+ and (e ,as destr#2in. (is c(ance #) /ein. invited t# dinner /2 (is)riends% S# t(e /ell2 cried t# &#d+ and a cat came and carried #)) t(e s$in #) )at+ and s# t(emans )alse retences ,ere ex#sed% T(e #et ta$es #ccasi#n t# #int #*t t(at P(ara#(s

retensi#ns t# divinit2 exactl2 resem/led t(e retensi#ns #) t(is 3ac$al+ and adds t(at all s*c()alse retenders ma2 /e detected /2 t(e mar$ n#ted in t(e '#ran+ 14e s(all $n#, t(em /2 t(estran.eness #) t(eir seec(%1 T(is recalls t(e st#r2 #) Har*t and Mar*t+ t,# an.els ,(# ,erever2 severe #n t(e )railties #) man$ind+ and ,(#m &#d sent d#,n *#n t(e eart( t# /etemted+ ,it( t(e res*lt t(at t(e2 /#t( s*cc*m/ed t# t(e c(arms #) t(e da*.(ters #) men%9@NOTES0% '#ran xlvii% :9%9% '#ran ii% D?%

STOR4 I;%M#ses and P(ara#(%T(en )#ll#,s a l#n. acc#*nt #) t(e /irt( #) M#ses+ #) P(ara#(s devices t# $ill (im in (isin)anc2+ #) (is ed*cati#n in P(ara#(s (#*se+ #) (is desirin. P(ara#( t# let t(e c(ildren #)Israel .#+ and #) (is c#ntest ,it( t(e ma.icians #) E.2t+ and (is vict#r2 #ver t(em% In t(ec#*rse #) t(e st#r2 t(e )#ll#,in. anecd#te is narrated0A sna$e-catc(er+ ,(# ,as )#ll#,in. (is #cc*ati#n in t(e m#*ntains+ disc#vered a lar.esna$e )r#Ben /2 t(e c#ld+ and+ ima.inin. it t# /e dead+ (e tied it * and t##$ it t# "a.(dad%T(ere all t(e idlers #) t(e cit2 )l#c$ed t#.et(er t# see it+ and t(e sna$e+ t(a,ed /2 t(e ,armt(#) t(e s*n+ rec#vered li)e+ and immediatel2 destr#2ed t(e sectat#rs%C#maris#n #) )les(l2 l*st t# t(e sna$e%

L*st is t(at sna$e6 H#, sa2 2#* it is dead8It is #nl2 )r#Ben /2 t(e an.s #) (*n.er%I) it #/tains t(e state #) P(ara#(+S# as t# c#mmand t(e )r#Ben rivers t# )l#,+Strai.(t,a2 it is led t# ride li$e P(ara#(s+And it l*nders t(e .##ds #) man2 a M#ses and Aar#n%T(r#*.( ress*re #) ,ant t(is sna$e is as a )l2+It /ec#mes a .nat t(r#*.( ,ealt( and ran$ and l*x*r2%"e,are+ $ee t(at sna$e in t(e )r#st #) (*miliati#n+

!ra, it n#t )#rt( int# t(e s*ns(ine #) Ira=5S# l#n. as t(at sna$e is )r#Ben+ it is ,ell6



7(en it )inds release )r#m )r#st 2#* /ec#me its re2%C#n=*er it and save 2#*rsel) )r#m /ein. c#n=*ered+Pit2 it n#t+ it is n#t #ne ,(# /ears a))ecti#n%F#r t(at ,armt( #) t(e s*n $indles its l*st+And t(at /at #) vileness )las its ,in.s%

Sla2 it in sacred ,ar and c#m/at+Li$e a valiant man ,ill &#d re=*ite 2#* ,it( *ni#n%7(en t(at man c(eris(ed t(at sna$e+T(at st*//#rn /r*te ,as (a2 in t(e l*x*r2 #) ,armt(6And #) necessit2 ,#r$ed destr*cti#n+ O )riend64ea+ man2 m#re misc(ie)s t(an I (ave t#ld%I) 2#* ,is( t# $ee t(at sna$e tied *7it(#*t tr#*/le+ /e )ait()*l+ /e )ait()*l5"*t (#, can /ase men attain t(is ,is(8It re=*ires a M#ses t# sla2 serents6And a (*ndred t(#*sand men ,ere slain /2 (is serent+

In dire c#n)*si#n+ acc#rdin. t# (is *r#se%

STOR4 ;%T(e Ele(ant in a !ar$ R##m%S#me Hind##s ,ere ex(i/itin. an ele(ant in a dar$ r##m+ and man2 e#le c#llected t# seeit% "*t as t(e lace ,as t## dar$ t# ermit t(em t# see t(e ele(ant+ t(e2 all )elt it ,it( t(eir(ands+ t# .ain an idea #) ,(at it ,as li$e% One )elt its tr*n$+ and declared t(at t(e /eastresem/led a ,ater-ie6 an#t(er )elt its ear+ and said it m*st /e a lar.e )an6 an#t(er its le.+ andt(#*.(t it m*st /e a illar6 an#t(er )elt its /ac$+ and declared t(e /east m*st /e li$e a .reatt(r#ne% Acc#rdin. t# t(e art ,(ic( eac( )elt+ (e .ave a di))erent descriti#n #) t(e animal%One+ as it ,ere+ called it 1!al1 and an#t(er 1Ali)%1C#maris#n #) t(e sens*al e2e t# t(e(and #) #ne t(at )elt t(e ele(ant%T(e e2e #) #*t,ard sense is as t(e alm #) a (and+T(e ,(#le #) t(e #/3ect is n#t .rased in t(e alm%T(e sea itsel) is #ne t(in.+ t(e )#am an#t(er6

Ne.lect t(e )#am+ and re.ard t(e sea ,it( 2#*r e2es%7aves #) )#am rise )r#m t(e sea ni.(t and da2+4#* l##$ at t(e )#am riles and n#t t(e mi.(t2 sea%7e+ li$e /#ats+ are t#ssed (it(er and t(it(er+

7e are /lind t(#*.( ,e are #n t(e /ri.(t #cean%A(5 2#* ,(# are aslee in t(e /#at #) t(e /#d2+4#* see t(e ,ater6 /e(#ld t(e 7ater #) ,aters5Under t(e ,ater 2#* see t(ere is an#t(er 7ater m#vin. it+7it(in t(e sirit is a Sirit t(at calls it%7(ere ,ere M#ses and Jes*s ,(en t(at S*nS(#,ered d#,n ,ater #n t(e )ields s#,n ,it( c#rn87(ere ,ere Adam and Eve ,(at time&#d Almi.(t2 )itted t(e strin. t# His /#,8T(e #ne )#rm #) seec( is evil and de)ective6T(e #t(er )#rm+ ,(ic( is n#t de)ective+ is er)ect%

I) I sea$ t(ere#) 2#*r )eet st*m/le+4et i) I sea$ n#t #) it+ ,#e /e t# 2#*5



And i) I sea$ in terms #) #*t,ard )#rm+4#* stic$ )ast in t(at same )#rm+ O s#n%4#* are )##t/#*nd li$e t(e .rass in t(e .r#*nd+And 2#*r (ead is s(a$en /2 t(e ,ind *ncertainl2%4#*r )##t stands n#t )irml2 till 2#* m#ve it+

Na2 till 2#* l*c$ it n#t * )r#m t(e mire%7(en 2#* l*c$ * 2#*r )##t 2#* escae )r#m t(e mire+T(e ,a2 t# t(is salvati#n is ver2 di))ic*lt%7(en 2#* #/tain salvati#n at &#ds (ands+ O ,anderer+4#* are )ree )r#m t(e mire+ and .# 2#*r ,a2%7(en t(e s*c$lin. is ,eaned )r#m its n*rse+It eats str#n. meats and leaves t(e n*rse%4#* are /#*nd t# t(e /#s#m #) eart( li$e seeds+Strive t# /e ,eaned t(r#*.( n*triment #) t(e (eart%Eat t(e ,#rds #) ,isd#m+ )#r veiled li.(tIs n#t acceted in re)erence t# *nveiled li.(t%

7(en 2#* (ave acceted t(e li.(t+ O /el#ved+7(en 2#* /e(#ld ,(at is veiled ,it(#*t a veil+Li$e a star 2#* ,ill ,al$ *#n t(e (eavens6

Na2+ t(#*.( n#t in (eaven+ 2#* ,ill ,al$ #n (i.(%'ee silence+ t(at 2#* ma2 (ear Him sea$in.7#rds *n*ttera/le /2 t#n.*e in seec(%'ee silence+ t(at 2#* ma2 (ear )r#m t(at S*nT(in.s inexressi/le in /##$s and disc#*rses%'ee silence+ t(at t(e Sirit ma2 sea$ t# 2#*6&ive * s,immin. and enter t(e ar$ #) N#a(6

N#t li$e Canaan ,(en (e ,as s,immin.+7(# said+ 1I desire n#t t# enter t(e ar$ #) N#a( assin. /2%1

N#a( and (is *n/elievin. s#n Canaan% N#a( cried+ 1H#5 c(ild+ c#me int# t(e ar$ and rest+T(at 2#* /e n#t dr#,ned in t(e )l##d+ O ,ea$ #ne%1 Canaan said+ 1Na25 I (ave learned t# s,im+I (ave lit a t#rc( #) m2 #,n aart )r#m t(2 t#rc(%1

N#a( relied+ 1Ma$e n#t li.(t #) it+ )#r tis t(e )l##d #) destr*cti#n+S,immin. ,it( (ands and )eet avails na*.(t t#da2%T(e ,ind #) ,rat( and t(e st#rm /l#, #*t t#rc(es6Excet t(e t#rc( #) &#d+ all are extin.*is(ed%1

He ans,ered 1Na25 I am .#in. t# t(at (i.( m#*ntain+F#r t(at ,ill save me )r#m all (arm%1 N#a( cried+ 1"e,are+ d# n#t s#+ m#*ntains are n#, as .rass6Excet t(e Friend n#ne can save t(ee%1He ans,ered+ 17(2 s(#*ld I listen t# t(2 advice8F#r t(#* desirest t# ma$e me #ne #) t(2 )l#c$%T(2 seec( is /2 n# means leasin. t# me+I am )ree )r#m t(ee in t(is ,#rld and t(e next%1T(*s t(e m#re .##d advice N#a( .ave (im+T(e m#re st*//#rn re)*sals (e ret*rned%

Neit(er ,as (is )at(er tired #) advisin. Canaan+

N#r did (is advice ma$e an2 imressi#n #n Canaan67(ile t(e2 ,ere 2et tal$in. a vi#lent ,ave



Sm#te Canaans (ead+ and (e ,as #ver,(elmed%Rec#nciliatian #) t(e t,# traditi#ns+ 1Ac=*iescence in in)idelit2 is in)idelit21 and 17(#s#ac=*iesces n#t in &#ds #rdinance desires an#t(er L#rd /esides me1%4esterda2 an in=*irer =*esti#ned me+Since (e ,as interested in t(e )#re.#in. narrative+

Sa2in.+ 1T(e Pr#(et+ ,(#se ,#rds are as a seal+Said+ Ac=*iescence in in)idelit2 is in)idelit2%And a.ain+ Ac=*iescence in &#ds #rdinanceIs inc*m/ent #n all tr*e /elievers%In)idelit2 and (2#cris2 are n#t #rdained #) &#d6I) I ac=*iesce in t(em I am at variance ,it( &#d%And 2et+ i) I ac=*iesce n#t+ t(at a.ain is ,r#n.67(at ,a2 #) escae is t(ere )r#m t(is dilemma8 1I said t# (im+ 1T(is in)idelit2 is #rdained+ n#t #rdinance+ 9T(#*.( t(is in)idelit2 is t(e ,#r$ #) t(e #rdinance%T(ere)#re distin.*is( t(e #rdinance )r#m t(e #rdained+

T(at t(2 di))ic*lt2 ma2 /e at #nce rem#ved%I ac=*iesce in in)idelit2 s# )ar as it is &#ds #rdinance+

N#t s# )ar as it is #*r evil and )#*l assi#ns%In)idelit2 =*a #rdinance is n#t in)idelit2+Call n#t &#d an in)idel% Set n#t )##t in t(is lace%In)idelit2 is )#ll2+ #rdained in)idelit2 ,isd#m+H#, can merc2 and ven.eance /e t(e same8U.liness #) t(e ict*re is n#t *.liness #) t(e ainter+

N#t s#+ )#r (e erases *.l2 ict*res%T(e a/ilit2 #) t(e ainter is s(#,n in t(is+T(at (e can aint /#t( *.l2 and /ea*ti)*l ict*res%I) I s(#*ld *rs*e t(is ar.*ment r#erl2+S# t(at =*esti#ns and ans,ers s(#*ld /e r#l#n.ed+T(e *ncti#n #) t(e m2ster2 #) l#ve ,#*ld escae me+T(e ict*re #) #/edience ,#*ld /ec#me an#t(er ict*re%1"e,ilderment )r#m intense l#ve #) &#d *tsan end t# all t(in$in. and ar.*ment :%A certain man ,(#se (air ,as (al) .ra2 came in (asteT# a /ar/er ,(# ,as a )riend #) (is+Sa2in.+ 1Pl*c$ #*t t(e ,(ite (airs )r#m m2 /eard+F#r I (ave selected a 2#*n. /ride+ O m2 s#n%

T(e /ar/er c*t #)) (is /eard and laid it /e)#re (im+Sa2in.+ 1!# 2#* art t(em+ t(e tas$ is /e2#nd me%1*esti#ns are ,(ite and ans,ers /lac$6 d# 2#* c(##se+F#r t(e man #) )ait( $n#,s n#t (#, t# c(##se%T(*s+ #ne sm#te aid a /l#,+And aid attac$ed (im )#r (is treac(er2%T(e stri$er said+ 1Let me )irst as$ 2#* a =*esti#n+&ive me an ans,er t# it and t(en stri$e me6I str*c$ 2#*r /ac$ and a /r*ise aeared+

N#, I as$ 2#* a =*esti#n in all $indliness+!id t(is /r*ise r#ceed )r#m m2 (and+

Or )r#m t(e smitten art #) 2#*r /ac$+ O c#mlainer81aid relied+ 1T(r#*.( ain I am n#t in a c#nditi#n



T# enter *#n t(#*.(t and c#nsiderati#n #) t(is%4#*+ ,(# are )ree )r#m ain+ t(in$ t(is #*t6S*c( tri)lin. t(#*.(ts #cc*r n#t t# a man in ain%1Men in ain (ave n# time )#r #t(er t(#*.(ts+7(et(er 2#* enter m#s=*e #r C(ristian c(*rc(%

4#*r carelessness and in3*stice s*..est t(#*.(tsAnd *nrecedented di))ic*lties t# 2#*r ima.inati#n%T(e man in ain cares #nl2 )#r t(e )ait(+He is a,are #nl2 #) man and (is ,#r$%He sets &#ds c#mmand *#n (is (ead and )ace+And )#r t(in$in.+ (e *ts it aside% <@NOTES0% '#ran xi% <<%9% Or 1decreed+ n#t decree1 ma=Bi nai =aBa% I c#n)ess I d# n#t *nderstand t(e distincti#n%:% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% 9G%<% T(e )#*r last c#*lets are #mitted in t(e "*la= editi#n%

STOR4 ;I%T(e L#ver ,(# read S#nnets t# (is Mistress%

A l#ver ,as #nce admitted t# t(e resence #) (is mistress+ /*t+ instead #) em/racin. (er+ (e *lled #*t a aer #) s#nnets and read t(em t# (er+ descri/in. (er er)ecti#ns and c(arms and(is #,n l#ve t#,ards (er at len.t(% His mistress said t# (im+ 14#* are n#, in m2 resence+and t(ese l#vers si.(s and inv#cati#ns are a ,aste #) time% It is n#t t(e art #) a tr*e l#ver t#,aste (is time in t(is ,a2% It s(#,s t(at I am n#t t(e real #/3ect #) 2#*r a))ecti#n+ /*t t(at,(at 2#* reall2 l#ve is 2#*r #,n e))*si#ns and ecstatic rat*res% I see+ as it ,ere+ t(e ,ater,(ic( I (ave l#n.ed )#r /e)#re me+ and 2et 2#* ,it((#ld it% I am+ as it ,ere+ in "*l.aria+ andt(e #/3ect #) 2#*r l#ve is in Cat(a2% One ,(# is reall2 l#ved is t(e sin.le #/3ect #) (er l#ver+t(e Al(a and Ome.a #) (is desires% As )#r 2#*+ 2#* are ,raed * in 2#*r #,n am#r#*srat*res+ deendin. #n t(e var2in. states #) 2#*r #,n )eelin.s+ instead #) /ein. ,raed * inme%1T(e tr*e m2stic m*st n#t st# at mere s*/3ective reli.i#*s em#ti#ns+ /*t see$ a/s#l*te *ni#n,it( &#d% 7(#s# is restricted t# reli.i#*s rat*res is /*t a man6S#metimes (is rat*re is excessive+ s#metimes de)icient%

T(e S*)i is+ as it ,ere+ t(e 1s#n #) t(e seas#n+1"*t t(e *re Sa)i is exalted a/#ve seas#n and state%Reli.i#*s rat*res deend #n )eelin.s and ,ill+"*t t(e *re #ne is re.enerated /2 t(e /reat( #) Jes*s%4#* are a l#ver #) 2#*r #,n rat*res+ n#t #) me64#* t*rn t# me #nl2 in (#e #) exeriencin. rat*res%7(#s# is n#, de)ective+ n#, er)ect+Is n#t ad#red /2 A/ra(am6 (e is 1#ne t(at sets%1"eca*se t(e stars set+ and are n#, *+ n#, d#,n+He l#ved t(em n#t6 1I l#ve n#t t(em t(at set%1 97(#s# is n#, leasin. and n#, *nleasin.

Is at #ne time ,ater+ at an#t(er )ire%He ma2 /e t(e (#*se #) t(e m##n+ /*t n#t t(e tr*e m##n6



Or as t(e ict*re #) a mistress+ /*t n#t t(e livin. #ne%T(e mere S*)i is t(e 1 c(ild #) t(e seas#n61He clin.s t# seas#ns as t# a )at(er+"*t t(e *re #ne is dr#,ned in #ver,(elmin. l#ve%A c(ild #) an2 #ne is never )ree )r#m seas#n and state%

T(e *re #ne is dr#,ned in t(e li.(t cc t(at is n#t /e.#tten+117(at /e.ets n#t and is n#t /e.#tten1 is &#d% :&# I see$ s*c( l#ve as t(is+ i) 2#* are alive6I) n#t+ 2#* are enslaved /2 var2in. seas#ns%&aBe n#t #n 2#*r #,n ict*res+ )air #r *.l2+&aBe #n 2#*r l#ve and t(e #/3ect #) 2#*r desire%&aBe n#t at t(e si.(t #) 2#*r #,n ,ea$ness #r vileness+&aBe at #/3ect #) 2#*r desire+ O exalted #ne%@NOTES0% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% >%9% '#ran vi% GG%

:% '#ran cxii% :%

STOR4 ;II%T(e Man ,(# ra2ed earnestl2 t# /e )ed ,it(#*t ,#r$%In t(e time #) t(e r#(et !avid t(ere ,as a man ,(# *sed t# ra2 da2 and ni.(t+ sa2in.+1T(#* (ast created me ,ea$ and (elless6 .ive me m2 dail2 /read ,it(#*t #/li.in. me t#,#r$ )#r it%1 T(e e#le derided (im )#r ma$in. s*c( a )##lis( etiti#n+ /*t (e still ersisted+and at last a c#, ran int# (is (#*se #) its #,n acc#rd+ and (e $illed and ate it% T(is ill*stratest(e sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et t(at &#d l#ves earnest etiti#ners+ /eca*se He re.ards t(e sincerit2#) t(e ra2er m#re t(an t(e nat*re #) t(e t(in. ra2ed )#r% All t(in.s raise &#d+ /*t t(e

raises #) inanimate t(in.s are di))erent )r#m t(e raises #) men+ and t(#se #) a S*nnidi))erent )r#m t(#se #) a C#m*lsi#nist Ja/ri% Eac( sa2s t(e #t(er is in t(e ,a2 #) err#r+ /*tn#ne /*t t(e tr*l2 sirit*al man $n#,s t(e tr*t(%'n#,led.e #r c#nvicti#n+ ##sed t# #ini#n%Little is $n#,n /2 an2 #ne /*t t(e sirit*al man+7(# (as in (is (eart a t#*c(st#ne #) vital tr*t(%T(e #t(ers+ (#verin. /et,een t,# #ini#ns+Fl2 t#,ards t(eir nest #n a sin.le ,in.%'n#,led.e (as t,# ,in.s+ #ini#n #nl2 #ne ,in.6Oini#n is ,ea$ and l#sided in its )li.(t%

T(e /ird (avin. /*t #ne ,in. =*ic$l2 dr#s d#,n+And a.ain )lies #n t,# stes #r m#re%T(is /ird #) #ini#n .#es #n risin. and )allin.On #ne ,in.+ in (#e t# reac( (is nest%7(en (e escaes )r#m #ini#n and $n#,led.e is seen+T(is /ird .ains t,# ,in.s and sreads /#t( #) t(em%A)ter,ards (e 1.#es *ri.(t #n a strai.(t at(+

N#t .r#vellin. #n (is )ace #r creein.%1 lHe )lies * #n t,# ,in.s even as t(e an.el &a/riel+Free #) #ini#n+ #) d*licit2+ and #) vain tal$%T(#*.( t(e ,(#le ,#rld sa2 t# (im+

1T(#* art )irm in t(e r#ad #) &#ds )ait(+1He is n#t made m#re ardent /2 t(eir sa2in. t(is+



N#r is (is l#)t2 s#*l inclined )r#m its c#*rse%And t(#*.( all sa2 t# (im+ 1T(#* art in t(e ,r#n. ,a2T(#* t(in$est t(2sel) a r#c$ ,(# art /*t a /lade #) .rass+1He relases n#t int# #ini#n at t(eir re/*$es+

N#r is (e vexed at t(eir malev#lence%

Na2+ even i) sea and m#*ntains s(#*ld cr2 #*t+Sa2in.+ 1T(#* art mated ,it( err#r+1He ,#*ld n#t relase #ne 3#t int# vain ima.inati#ns+

N#r ,#*ld (e /e .rieved /2 t(e rer#ac(es #) (is )#es%@NOTES0% '#ran lxvii+ 99%

STOR4 ;III%T(e "#2s and t(eir Teac(er%T# ill*strate t(e )#rce #) ima.inati#n #r #ini#n+ a st#r2 is t#ld #) a tric$ la2ed /2 /#2s *#n

t(eir master% T(e /#2s ,is(ed t# #/tain a (#lida2+ and t(e s(arest #) t(em s*..ested t(at,(en t(e master came int# t(e sc(##l eac( /#2 s(#*ld c#nd#le ,it( (im #n (is alle.ed sic$l2aearance% Acc#rdin.l2+ ,(en (e entered+ #ne said+ 1O master+ (#, ale 2#* are l##$in.51and an#t(er said+ 14#* are l##$in. ver2 ill t#da2+1 and s# #n% T(e master at )irst ans,eredt(at t(ere ,as n#t(in. t(e matter ,it( (im+ /*t as #ne /#2 a)ter an#t(er c#ntin*ed ass*rin.(im t(at (e l##$ed ver2 ill+ (e ,as at len.t( del*ded int# ima.inin. t(at (e m*st reall2 /e ill%S# (e ret*rned t# (is (#*se+ ma$in. t(e /#2s )#ll#, (im t(ere+ and t#ld (is ,i)e t(at (e ,asn#t ,ell+ /iddin. (er mar$ (#, ale (e ,as% His ,i)e ass*red (im (e ,as n#t l##$in. ale+and #))ered t# c#nvince (im /2 /rin.in. a mirr#r6 /*t (e re)*sed t# l##$ at it+ and t##$ t# (is

/ed% He t(en #rdered t(e /#2s t# /e.in t(eir less#ns6 /*t t(e2 ass*red (im t(at t(e n#ise made(is (ead ac(e+ and (e /elieved t(em+ and dismissed t(em t# t(eir (#mes+ t# t(e ann#2ance #)t(eir m#t(ers% Ar##s #) t(e s(arness #) t(e /#2 ,(# devised t(is tric$+ t(e #et ta$es#ccasi#n t# c#ntr#vert t(e #ini#n #) t(e M*taBalites+ t(at all m en are /#rn ,it( e=*ala/ilit2+ and t# exress (is a.reement ,it( t(e d#ctrine #) t(e S*nnis+ t(at t(e innate caacities#) men var2 ver2 .reatl2%

STOR4 IK%T(e !arves( ,(# "r#$e (is ;#,%T(ere ,as #nce a !arves( ,(# t##$ * (is a/#de in t(e m#*ntains+ in #rder t# en3#2 er)ects#lit*de% In t(at lace ,ere man2 )r*it-trees+ and t(e !arves( made a v#, t(at (e ,#*ld never

l*c$ an2 #) t(e )r*it+ /*t eat #nl2 ,(at ,as s(a$en d#,n /2 t(e ,ind% F#r a l#n. time (e$et (is v#,6 /*t a time came ,(en t(ere ,as n# ,ind+ and c#nse=*entl2 n# )r*it ,as s(a$end#,n% T(e !arves( ,as tr*e t# (is v#, )#r )ive da2s+ /*t (# c#*ld t(en end*re t(e an.s #)(*n.er n# l#n.er+ and (e stretc(ed #*t (is (and and l*c$ed s#me #) t(e )r*it )r#m t(e

/ranc(es% T(e reas#n #) t(is lase #n (is art ,as t(at (e (ad #mitted t# sa2 1I) &#d ,ill1,(en ma$in. (is v#,6 and as n#t(in. can /e acc#mlis(ed ,it(#*t &#ds aid+ (# c#*ld n#t

#ssi/l2 $ee (is v#,% S(#rtl2 a)ter,ards t(e c(ie) #) t(e #lice visited t(e m#*ntains in *rs*it #) a /and #) r#//ers+ and arrested t(e !arves( al#n. ,it( t(em+ and c*t #)) (is (and%7(en (e disc#vered (is mista$e (e a#l#.iBed ver2 earnestl26 /*t t(e !arves( reass*red (im+sa2in. t(at men ,ere n#t t# /lame+ as &#d (ad evidentl2 desi.ned t# *nis( (im )#r /rea$in.(is v#, /2 derivin. (im #) t(e (and ,(ic( (ad sinned in l*c$in. t(e )r*it%

All t(in.s deendent *#n t(e ,ill #) &#d%



T(ere)#re (at( &#d c#mmanded+ 1Ma$e an exceti#n+C#*le t(e ,#rds I) &#d ,ill ,it( 2#*r v#,s% 9"eca*se t(e .#vernance #) acti#ns is in m2 (ands+T(e ,ills #) all are s*/3ect t# m2 ,ill%

Ever2 m#ment I imart a )res( /ias t# t(e (eart+Ever2 instant I set a )res( mar$ #n t(e (eart6Eac( da2 I am en.a.ed in a )res( ,#r$+ :T(ere is na*.(t t(at s,erves )r#m m2 *r#se%1T(ere is a traditi#n+ 1T(e (eart is li$e a )eat(er In t(e desert+ ,(ic( is /#rne cative /2 t(e ,inds6 <T(e ,ind drives it ever2,(ere at rand#m+

N#, t# ri.(t and n#, t# le)t in ##site directi#ns%1Acc#rdin. t# an#t(er traditi#n+ $n#, t(e (eart is li$eT# ,ater in a $ettle /#ilin. #n t(e )ire%S# ever2 m#ment a )res( *r#se #cc*rs t# t(e (eart+

N#t r#ceedin. )r#m itsel)+ /*t )r#m its sit*ati#n%7(2+ t(en+ are 2#* c#n)ident a/#*t t(e (earts *r#ses87(2 ma$e 2#* v#,s #nl2 t# /e c#vered ,it( s(ame8All t(ese c(an.es r#ceed )r#m t(e e))ect #) &#ds ,ill6Alt(#*.( 2#* see t(e it+ 2#* cann#t av#id it%T(e stran.e t(in. is+ n#t t(at ,in.ed )#,lFall int# t(e deadl2 snare ,it(#*t seein. it+"*t t(at t(e2 see t(e snare and t(e limed t,i.+And 2et )all int# it+ ,(et(er t(e2 ,ill #r n#6T(eir e2es and ears are #en and t(e snare is in )r#nt+4et t(e2 )l2 int# t(e snare ,it( t(eir #,n ,in.s5C#maris#n #) t(e divine decrees t# s#met(in.t(at is (idden+ 2et ,(#se e))ects are seen%"e(#ld t(at $in.s s#n clad in ra.s+7it( /are (ead and )allen int# distress6C#ns*med /2 l*sts and ri#t#*s livin.+Havin. s#ld all (is cl#t(es and s*/stance6Havin. l#st (#*se and (#me+ *tterl2 dis.raced+F*l)illin. t(e desire #) (is enemies /2 (is dis.race%I) (e sees a i#*s man (e cries+ 1O sir+Aid me+ )#r t(e l#ve #) &#d6

F#r I (ave )allen int# t(is dire dis.race6I (ave s=*andered .##ds and .#ld and ,ealt(%Aid me s# t(at erc(ance I ma2 escae (ence+And extricate m2sel) )r#m t(is dee sl#*.(%1He reeats t(is ra2er t# (i.( and l#,+1 Release me+ release me+ release me51His e2es and ears are #en+ and (e is )ree )r#m /#nds+

N# 3ailer ,atc(es (im+ n# c(ain /inds (im67(at+ t(en+ is t(e /#nd )r#m ,(ic( (e as$s release87(at is t(e ris#n )r#m ,(ic( (# see$s an exit8Tis t(e /#nd #) &#ds *r#se and (idden decrees6

A(5 n#ne /*t t(e *re in si.(t can see t(at /#nd6T(#*.( n#t visi/le+ t(at /#nd exists in c#ncealment6



Tis m#re strin.ent t(an ris#n #r c(ains #) ir#n+F#r t(e mas#n can *ll d#,n ris#n ,alls+And /lac$smit(s can /rea$ as*nder ir#n c(ains6"*t+ stran.e t# sa2+ t(is #nder#*s (idden /#nd+"lac$smit(s are im#tent t# /rea$ t(is as*nder5

A(mad al#ne c#*ld see t(at /#nd #n Omm Ja(ils /ac$+ >And t(e r#e #) alm )i/er /#*nd *#n (er nec$64ea+ (e sa, ,##d #n t(e /ac$ #) t(e ,i)e #) "* La(a/+And s(e+ t(e /earer #) t(e )ire,##d+ said it ,as (eav2%

N# e2e /*t (is sa, t(at r#e and t(at )ire,##d+F#r t# (im t(in.s *nseen ,ere visi/le%T(e #t(ers exlained it+ sa2in.T(at A(mad ,as /eside (imsel)+ and t(e2 in t(eir senses%

Nevert(eless )r#m t(e ,ei.(t #) t(e l#ad (er /ac$ /ent+And s(e c#mlained #) its ,ei.(t /e)#re (im+Sa2in.+ 1Aid me t# escae )r#m t(is l#ad+

And t# s(a$e #)) t(is .riev#*s /*rden%1He ,(# sees clearl2 t(ese indicati#ns+!#es (e n#t $n#, als# t(e d##med )r#m t(e elect84ea+ (e $n#,s t(em+ 2et c#nceals it /2 c#mmand #) &#d+Since &#d ermits (im n#t t# reveal it%@NOTES0% c% Cranmer%9% '#ran xviii% 9:%:% '#ran lv% 9D6 c% J#(n v% G%<% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ v#l% iii% % <D%>% See '#ran cxi%0 A/* La/a/+ at t(e insti.ati#n #) (is ,i)e+ Omm Ja(il+ re3ectedM*(ammads claim t# t(e r#(etic #))ice and M*(ammad declared t(at t(e2 s(#*ld /e

/*rned in t(e )ier2 )lame+1 and t(e ,i)e 1laden ,it( )ire,##d+ and #n (er nec$ a r#e #) alm)i/er%1

STOR4 K%T(e Old Man ,(# made n# Lamentati#n at t(e !eat( #) (is S#ns%

A)ter s(#rt anecd#tes #) P(ara#(s ma.icians+ #) t(e m*le ,(# c#mlained t# t(e camel t(at

(e ,as al,a2s st*m/lin.+ and #) t(e r#(et EBra+ c#mes t(e st#r2 #) t(e #ld man ,(# ,etn#t )#r t(e deat( #) (is s#ns%An #ld man ,(# ,as n#ted )#r sanctit2+ and ,(# realiBed t(e sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et+ 1T(e*lama #) t(e )ait( are as t(e r#(ets #) Israel+1 l#st all (is s#ns+ /*t s(#,ed n# .rie) #rre.ret% His ,i)e t(ere)#re re/*$ed (im )#r (is ,ant #) )eelin.+ ,(ere*#n (e relied t# (er as)#ll#,s0He t*rned t# (is ,i)e and said+ 1O dame+T(e (arvest #) !ecem/er is n#t as t(at #) J*l26T(#*.( t(e2 /e dead #r t(#*.( t(e2 /e livin.+Are t(e2 n#t e=*all2 visi/le t# t(e e2es #) t(e (eart8I /e(#ld t(em clearl2 /e)#re me+

7(ere)#re s(#*ld I dis)i.*re m2 c#*ntenance li$e 2#*8T(#*.( t(e2 (ave .#ne )#rt( /2 rev#l*ti#n #) )#rt*ne+



Hear t(is m*c(+ t(at+ ,(ereas t(e t#talit2 #) acti#nsIs n#t e))ected ,it(#*t &#ds directi#n+7(en t(e decree #) &#d /ec#mes t(e leas*re #) man+T(en man desires t(e )*l)illment #) &#ds decrees6And t(is t## s#ntane#*sl2+ n#t in (#e #) re,ard+

"*t /eca*se (is ver2 nat*re is c#n.r*#*s t(ere,it(%He desires n#t even (is #,n li)e )#r (imsel)+ N#r is (e rel2in. #n t(e (#e #) s,eets #) li)e t# c#me%7(atever at( is ta$en /2 t(e eternal decree+7(et(er it /e li)e #r deat(+ tis all #ne t# (im%He lives )#r t(e sa$e #) &#d+ n#t )#r ,ealt(6He dies )#r t(e sa$e #) &#d+ n#t in )ear and .rie)%His )ait( is /ased #n (is desire t# d# &#ds ,ill+

N#t #n (#e t# .ain aradise ,it( its .r#ves and )#*nts%His av#idance #) in)idelit2 is als# )#r &#ds sa$e+It r#ceeds n#t )r#m )ear #) )allin. int# t(e )ire%

T(*s t(is temer #) (is arises )r#m (is ver2 nat*re+ N#t )r#m an2 disciline and endeav#r #) (is #,n%At times (e la*.(s ,(en (e c#ntemlates &#ds leas*re+&#ds decrees are t# (im as s,eetmeats #) s*.ar%I as$+ d#es n#t t(e ,#rld marc( a.reea/l2 t# t(e ,illAnd c#mmands #) a man re3#icin. in t(is dis#siti#n87(2+ t(en+ s(#*ld s*c( a #ne ma$e ra2ers and etiti#ns+Sa2in.+ O &#d+ c(an.e s*c( and s*c( a decree8His #,n deat( and (is c(ildrens deat(sF#r &#ds sa$e seem t# (im as s,eets in t(e m#*t(%In t(e vie, #) t(at )ait()*l #ne (is c(ildrens deat(sAre as s,eetmeats t# a starvin. /e..ar%7(2+ t(ere)#re+ s(#*ld (e ma$e ra2ersUnless (e ra2 )#r ,(at is leasin. t# &#d8T(ese ra2ers and etiti#ns+ n#t t(#se #) sel)-it2Ma$e t(at man t# /e end*ed ,it( salvati#n%He *tterl2 /*rned * all (is sel)-it2+At t(e time ,(en (e lit t(e lam #) l#ve t# &#d%His l#ve ,as t(e (ell t(at /*rned * (is inclinati#ns64ea+ (# /*rned * (is #,n inclinati#ns #ne /2 #ne%1

STOR4 KII%T(e ;isi#ns seen /2 t(e Saint !a=*=i%T# ill*strate t(e exalted state #) identi)icati#n #) t(e ,ill ,it( t(e !ivine ,ill 3*st descri/ed+t(e #et tells t(e st#r2 #) t(e visi#ns and mi.(t2 ,#r$s #) t(e (#l2 !a=*=i% !a=*=i ,as

3#*rne2in. in i#*s )erv#r+ and in (#e t# see t(e slend#*r #) 1T(e Friend1 in (*man s(ae+t(e Ocean in a dr# #) ,ater+ and t(e S*n in an at#m+ ,(en late #ne evenin. (e arrived at t(eseas(#re% T*rnin. (is e2es t# (eaven+ (e sa, seven .reat li.(ts never /e)#re seen #) men+ )#r1&#d directs ,(#m He ,ill%1 Over,(elmed ,it( a,e+ (e ,atc(ed t(ese li.(ts+ and ,(ile (estill ,atc(ed t(em t(e2 *nited int# #ne li.(t% Still m#re amaBed+ (e ,atc(ed #n+ and t(e sin.leli.(t s(#rtl2 ass*med t(e li$eness #) seven men% A)ter,ards t(ese seven men c(an.ed int#

seven trees6 /*t+ stran.e t# sa2+ alt(#*.( cr#,ds #) e#le ,ere assin. /2+ n#ne #) t(emc#*ld see t(ese trees+ s# t(at !a=*=i s(ared t(e )eelin.s #) t(e a#stles 1,(# l#st all (#e1 #)



c#nvincin. t(e ,#rld+ 1and deemed t(at+ t(e2 ,ere rec$#ned as liars%1 9 P#ssessin. (is s#*lin atience+ !a=*=i still ,atc(ed #n+ and sa, t(e seven trees /#,in. d#,n in ra2er+ and ,asreminded #) t(e text+ 1Plants and trees /end in ad#rati#n%1 : Presentl2 t(e seven trees a.ainc(an.ed int# seven men+ and !a=*=i ,as a#inted t# c#nd*ct t(eir dev#ti#ns% 7(ile (e ,as2et actin. as Imam in )r#nt #) t(em+ and t(e2 ,ere )#ll#,in. t(e ra2ers (e recited+ a s(i

,as seen in .reat distress and all /*t l#st% At !a=*=is earnest ra2er t(e cre, ,ere saved+ /*tstrai.(t,a2 vanis(ed )r#m si.(t6 and t(is led (is )#ll#,ers t# d#*/t t(e realit2 #) t(e miracle,(ic( (ad 3*st /een er)#rmed /e)#re t(eir e2es%!escriti#n #) a saint ,(#se ,ill ,as identi)ied ,it( &#ds ,ill%T(at !a=*=i #ssessed a s,eet asect+As a l#ver #) &#d and a ,#r$er #) miracles%He resem/led t(e m##n #) (eaven c#me d#,n #n eart(+He ,as as a li.(t t# t(em t(at ,al$ed in dar$ness%He rarel2 tarried in #ne lace+And seld#m sta2ed t,# da2s in #ne villa.e%He said+ 1I) I tarr2 in #ne (#*se t,# da2s+

Attac(ment t# t(at (#*se /ec#mes a assi#n ,it( me%I .*ard m2sel) )r#m /ein. deceived int# l#vin. a (#me6U5 S#*l+ and travel in searc( #) eternal ,ealt(%M2 (earts inclinati#n is n#t satis)ied /2 (#*ses+S# t(at t(e2 s(#*ld /e laces #) temtati#n )#r me%1T(*s /2 da2 (e traveled+ and /2 ni.(t ra2ed+His e2es ,ere al,a2s .aBin. #n t(e 'in. as a )alc#ns6C*t #)) )r#m man$ind+ t(#*.( n#t )#r an2 )a*lt+Severed )r#m men and ,#men+ t(#*.( n#t )#r /aseness6Havin. c#massi#n #n man$ind+ and ,(#les#me as ,ater+A $ind intercess#r+ and #ne ,(#se ra2ers ,ere (eard%"enev#lent t# t(e .##d and t(e /ad+ and a )irm all2+"etter t(an a m#t(er+ and $inder t(an a )at(er%T(e Pr#(et said+ 1T# 2#*+ O /lessed #nes+I am as a )at(er+ a))ecti#nate and ind*l.ent6F#r t(is ca*se+ t(at 2#* are all #rti#ns #) me%17(ere)#re s(#*ld 2#* tear a,a2 t(e arts )r#m t(e ,(#le8I) t(e art /e severed )r#m its ,(#le it is *seless6I) a lim/ /e rent )r#m t(e /#d2 it dies%Till it is a.ain 3#ined t# its ,(#le+Tis a dead t(in.+ and a stran.er t# li)e%

T(*s !a=*=i+ in dev#ti#ns and raises and ra2ers+7as ever see$in. t(e artic*lar )av#rites #) &#d%T(r#*.(#*t (is l#n. 3#*rne2s (is #/3ect ,as t(is+T# interc(an.e a ,#rd ,it( t(e )av#rites #) &#d%He cried c#ntin*all2 as (e ,ent (is ,a2+1O L#rd+ let me dra, near t# T(2 c(#sen #nes51S# !a=*=i t(e merc2 #) &#d /e *#n (im5Said+ 1I 3#*rne2ed l#n. time t# East and t# 7est+I 3#*rne2ed 2ears and m#nt(s )#r l#ve #) t(at M##n+Heedless #) t(e ,a2+ a/s#r/ed in &#d%7it( /are )eet I tr#d *#n t(#rns and )lints+

Seein. I ,as /e,ildered+ and /eside m2sel)+ and senseless%T(in$ n#t m2 )eet t#*c(ed t(e eart(+



F#r t(e l#ver veril2 travels ,it( t(e (eart%7(at $n#,s t(e (eart #) r#ad and sta.es87(at #) distant and near+ ,(ile it is dr*n$ ,it( l#ve8!istance and nearness are attri/*tes #) /#dies+T(e 3#*rne2s #) sirits are a)ter an#t(er s#rt%

4#* 3#*rne2ed )r#m t(e em/r2# state t# rati#nalit27it(#*t )##tstes #r sta.es #r c(an.e #) lace+T(e 3#*rne2 #) t(e s#*l inv#lves n#t time and lace%And m2 /#d2 learnt )r#m t(e s#*l its m#de #) 3#*rne2in.+

N#, m2 /#d2 (as ren#*nced t(e /#dil2 m#de #) 3#*rne2in.6It 3#*rne2s secretl2 and ,it(#*t )#rm+ t(#*.( *nder a )#rm%1He added+ 1One da2 I ,as t(*s )illed ,it( l#n.in.T# /e(#ld in (*man )#rm t(e slend#*rs #) T(e Friend+T# ,itness t(e Ocean .at(ered * int# a dr#+T(e S*n c#mressed int# a sin.le at#m6And ,(en I dre, near t# t(e s(#re #) t(e sea

T(e da2 ,as dra,in. t# a cl#se%1All reli.i#ns are in s*/stance #ne and t(e same%In t(e ad#rati#ns and /enedicti#ns #) ri.(te#*s menT(e raises #) all t(e r#(ets are $neaded t#.et(er%All t(eir raises are min.led int# #ne stream+All t(e vessels are emtied int# #ne e,er%"eca*se He t(at is raised is+ in )act+ #nl2 One+In t(is resect all reli.i#ns are #nl2 #ne reli.i#n%"eca*se all raises are directed t#,ards &#ds li.(t+T(eir vari#*s )#rms and )i.*res are /#rr#,ed )r#m it%Men never address raises /*t t# One deemed ,#rt(2+T(e2 err #nl2 t(r#*.( mista$en #ini#ns #) Him%S#+ ,(en a li.(t )alls *#n a ,all+T(at ,all is a c#nnectin.-lin$ /et,een all its /eams64et ,(en it casts t(at re)lecti#n /ac$ t# its s#*rce+It ,r#n.l2 s(#,s .reat as small+ and (alts in its raises%Or i) t(e m##n /e re)lected in a ,ell+And #ne l##$s d#,n t(e ,ell+ and mista$enl2 raises it+In realit2 (e is intendin. t# raise t(e m##n+Alt(#*.(+ t(r#*.( i.n#rance+ (e is l##$in. d#,n t(e ,ell%T(e #/3ect #) (is raises is t(e m##n+ n#t its re)lecti#n6

His in)idelit2 arises )r#m mista$e #) t(e circ*mstances%T(at ,ell-meanin. man .#es ,r#n. t(r#*.( (is mista$e6T(e m##n is in (eaven+ and (e )ancies it in t(e ,ell%"2 t(ese )alse id#ls man$ind are erlexed+And driven /2 vain l*sts t# t(eir s#rr#,%T(e Man in t(e time #) t(e Pr#(et !avid ,(# ra2edt# /e )ed ,it(#*t (avin. t# ,#r$ )#r (is )##d%

A)ter t(e etiti#ner (ad slain and eaten t(e c#,+ t(e #,ner #) t(e c#, came * and acc*sed(im #) t(e)t+ and seiBin. (im /2 t(e c#llar+ dra..ed (im /e)#re t(e 3*d.ment-seat #) t(e

r#(et !avid% 7(en (e (ad stated (is case+ !avid #rdered t(e acc*sed t# ma$e restit*ti#n+tellin. (im t(at (e m*st n#t /rea$ t(e la,% At t(is #rder t(e acc*sed red#*/led (is cries+



tellin. !avid t(at (e ,as sidin. ,it( an #ress#r% !avid ,as sta..ered at t(e mansass*rance+ and )inall2 res#lved t# ta$e )*rt(er time )#r c#nsiderati#n /e)#re decidin. t(e case%A)ter rivate meditati#n (e re-versed (is )#rmer sentence+ and directed t(e lainti)) t#relin=*is( (is claim% On t(e lainti)) re)*sin. t# d# t(is+ and st#*tl2 r#testin. a.ainst !avidsin3*stice% !avid )*rt(er #rdered t(at all t(e lainti))s .##ds s(#*ld /e .iven t# t(e acc*sed%

T(e reas#n )#r t(is decisi#n ,as+ t(at !avid disc#vered t(e lainti)) (ad )#rmerl2 slain t(e.rand)at(er #) t(e acc*sed+ and st#len all (is .##ds% !avid t(en led all t(e M#salmans t# atree in t(e desert ,(ere t(e m*rder (ad /een eretrated+ and t(ere *t t(e m*rderer t# deat(%T(e (ands and )eet #) criminals /etra2t(eir crimes even in t(is ,#rld%He #) (imsel) li)ted t(e veil t(at (id (is crime6Had (e n#t d#ne s#+ &#d ,#*ld (ave $et it (idden%Criminals and sinners+ even in t(e c#*rse #) sinnin.+T(emselves rend t(e c#verin.s #) t(eir crimes%T(eir sins are veiled am#n. t(e (earts secrets+4et t(e criminal (imsel) ex#ses t(em t# vie,+

Sa2in.+ 1"e(#ld me ,earin. a air #) (#rns+A c#, #) (ell in si.(t #) all men%1T(*s+ even (ere+ in t(e midst #) t(2 sin+ t(2 (and and )##t"ear ,itness #) t(e secrets #) t(2 (eart%T(2 secret t(#*.(t is as a .#vern#r ,(# sa2s t# t(ee+1Tell )#rt( t(2 c#nvicti#ns+ ,it((#ld t(em n#t61Eseciall2 in seas#ns #) assi#n and an.r2 tal$ It /etra2s t(2 secrets #ne /2 #ne%T(2 secret sins and crimes .#vern (and and )##t+Sa2in.+ 1!iscl#se *s t# men+ O (and and )##t51And since t(ese ,itnesses ta$e t(e /it in t(eir m#*t(s+Eseciall2 in times #) assi#n and ,rat( and reven.e+T(ere)#re t(e same &#d ,(# a#inted t(is .#vern#rT# /laBen )#rt( t(2 secret sins t# t(e ,#rldIs als# a/le t# create man2 m#re .#vern#rsT# div*l.e t(2 secret sins #n t(e da2 #) 3*d.ment% <O man ,(#se #nl2 (andi,#r$ is crime and sin6T(2 secret sins are mani)est6 n# div*l.in. is needed%T(ere is n# need t# r#claim t(2 sins+All men are c#.niBant #) t(2 sin-/*rnt (eart%T(2 s#*l ever2 m#ment casts * sar$s #) )ire+

7(ic( sa2+ 1See me a man destined t# t(e )ire6I am a art #) t(e )ire+ and .# t# 3#in m2 ,(#le6 N#t a li.(t+ s# t(at I s(#*ld 3#in t(e S#*rce #) li.(t%1C#maris#n #) l*st t# t(e m*rderer in t(e st#r2%'ill t(ine #,n l*st and .ive li)e t# t(e ,#rld6It (as $illed its l#rd+ red*ce it t# servit*de%T(at claimant #) t(e c#, is t(2 l*st6 "e,are5It (as made itsel) l#rd and master%T(at sla2er #) t(e c#, is t(2 reas#n6 &#5"e n#t #/d*rate t# t(e ra2ers #) (im t(at $ills t(e c#,%Reas#n is a ##r cative+ and ever cries t# &#d

F#r meat #n its dis( ,it(#*t la/#rin. and t#ilin.%On ,(at deends its .ettin. meat ,it(#*t t#ilin.8



On its $illin. t(e c#, #) t(e /#d2+ t(e s#*rce #) evil%L*st sa2s+ 17(2 (ast t(#* $illed m2 c#,81It sa2s+ 1"eca*se l*sts c#, is t(e )#rm #) t(e /#d2%1 >Reas#n+ t(e L#rds c(ild+ (as /ec#me a a*er+L*st+ t(e m*rderer+ (as /ec#me a l#rd and c(ie)%

'n#,st t(#* ,(at is meat *nt#iled )#r8Tis t(e )##d #) sirits and t(e aliment #) t(e Pr#(et%"*t it is attaina/le #nl2 /2 sla2in. t(e c#,6Treas*re is .ained /2 di..in.+ O di..er #) treas*re5@NOTES0% '#ran lv% >%9% '#ran xii% %:% '#ran ii% :?%<% 1On t(at da2 s(all t(eir (ands sea$ *nt# *s+ and t(eir )eet s(all /ear ,itness #) t(at ,(ic(t(e2 (ave d#ne1 '#ran xxxvi% ?>%>% "a(a*-d-!in Amili+ in (is Nan ,a Hal,a+ c(a% iv%+ c#mares l*st t# a c#,+ re)errin. t#

'#ran ii% ?:%

STOR4 KIII%T(e Pe#le #) Sa/a%A)ter an anecd#te #) Isa /ein. #/li.ed t# ascend a m#*ntain t# .et a,a2 )r#m t(e )##lsc#mes t(e st#r2 #) t(e men #) Sa/a% 1A si.n t(ere ,as t# Sa/a in t(eir d,ellin.-laces t,#.ardens+ t(e #ne #n t(e ri.(t (and and t(e #t(er #n t(e le)t6 Eat 2e #) 2#*r L#rds s*lies+and .ive t(an$s t# Him6 .##dl2 is t(e c#*ntr2 and .raci#*s is t(e L#rd% "*t t(e2 t*rned aside+s# ,e sent *#n t(em t(e )l##d #) lram% S*c( ,as #*r retri/*ti#n #n t(em )#r t(eirin.ratit*de%1 T(e men #) Sa/a ,ere all )##ls+ and /r#*.(t destr*cti#n #n t(emselves /2 t(eirin.ratit*de t# &#d% One ,as )ar-si.(ted+ and 2et /lind6 an#t(er s(ar #) (earin.+ and 2et dea)6and a t(ird na$ed+ and 2et ,earin. a l#n. r#/e% Avarice is /lind t# its #,n )a*lts+ /*t seest(#se #) #t(ers6 t(e s(ar-eared dea) man (ears deat( ar#ac(in. #t(ers+ /*t n#t (imsel)+ andt(e l#n.-r#/ed na$ed man is (e ,(# )ears r#//ers+ t(#*.( (e (as n#t(in. t# l#se% In )act+ allt(ese men #) Sa/a ,ere a))licted ,it( )#llies and sel)-del*si#ns #) t(is $ind+ and .ave n#t(an$s t# &#d )#r t(e /lessin.s ,(ic( t(e2 en3#2ed% Acc#rdin.l2 t(irteen r#(ets ,ere sentt# adm#nis( t(em+ /*t t(eir adm#niti#ns ,ere n#t listened t#+ t(e men #) Sa/a =*esti#nin.t(eir divine missi#n and demandin. a miracle as a si.n% T(e2 als# t#ld t(e r#(ets a ara/le#) a clever (are+ ,(#+ ,is(in. t# )ri.(ten an ele(ant a,a2 )r#m a )#*ntain+ ,ent t# t(eele(ant+ retendin. t# /e an am/assad#r )r#m t(e m##n%9 T(e r#(ets ,ere nat*rall2

indi.nant at t(e e))r#nter2 #) t(e men #) Sa/a in misal2in. ara/les t# discredit t(eir divinemissi#n+ and reminded t(em t(at ,ic$ed men (ad )l#*ted t(e r#(et N#a( in t(e same ,a2,(en (e ,as ,arnin. t(em #) t(e )l##d% And t(e2 dem#nstrated at len.t( (#, t(e men #)Sa/a (ad misalied t(e ara/le #) t(e (are and t(e ele(ant+ and a.ain ad3*red t(em t#

/elieve% "*t t(e men #) Sa/a c#ntin*ed re)ract#r2+ and ,#*ld n#t+ accet t(e Pr#(etsc#*nsels% T(e2 lied t(e r#(ets ,it( t(e ar.*ments #) t(e C#m*lsi#nists Ja/ri2an+ andre)*sed t# /e c#nvinced #) t(e )allac2 #) t(eir reas#nin.% S# at last t(e r#(ets desaired #)t(em+ and le)t t(em t# t(eir d##m%

N#t ever2 #ne can r#erl2 *se similit*des and ara/les in divine matters%T(e )ac*lt2 #) *sin. similit*des is ec*liar t# a saint7(# is si.nall2 mar$ed /2 $n#,led.e #) (idden m2steries%

7(at $n#, 2#* #) t(e m2ster2 (id in a*.(t+ t(at 2#*In 2#*r )#ll2 s(#*ld *se similit*des #) c*rl and c(ee$8



M#ses t##$ (is sta)) t# /e a stic$+ t(#*.( it ,as n#t6It ,as a serent+ and its m2ster2 ,as revealed%I) a saint s*c( as (e $ne, n#t t(e m2ster2 #) a stic$+7(at $n#, 2#* #) t(e m2ster2 #) t(e snare and .rains87(en t(e e2e #) a M#ses erred as t# a similit*de+

H#, can a res*mt*#*s m#*se *nderstand #ne8T(#se similit*des #) 2#*rs are c(an.ed int# serentsT# tear 2#* int# ieces ,it( t(eir 3a,s%S*c( a ara/le did c*rsed I/lis *se+S# t(at (e /ecame c*rsed #) &#d till t(e da2 #) d##m%S*c( a ara/le did '#ra( *se in (is ar.*ment+S# t(at (e ,as s,all#,ed * in t(e eart( ,it( (is ,ealt(%S*c( ara/les $n#, t# /e as cr#,s and #,ls+7(ere/2 a (*ndred (#*se(#lds are anni(ilated%7(en N#a( ,as /*ildin. t(e ar$ in t(e desert+A (*ndred ara/le-m#n.ers attac$ed (im ,it( ir#n2+

Sa2in.+ 1In t(e desert+ ,(ere is n# ,ater #r ,ell+He /*ilds a /#at5 7(at i.n#rant )#ll2 is t(is51T(e ar.*ments #) t(e Ja/ri2an+ i%e%+ t(e Fatalists #r C#m*lsi#nists%T(e men #) Sa/a said+ 1O reac(ers+ en#*.(57(at 2#* sa2 is en#*.(+ i) t(ere are an2 ,ise (ere%&#d (as laced a l#c$ *#n #*r (earts+ :And n# man can #verc#me t(e Creat#r%T(at .reat Painter (as ainted *s t(*s6His aintin. cann#t /e altered /2 ar.*ment%'ee tellin. )#rever a st#ne t# /ec#me a r*/2+'ee tellin. )#rever t(e #ld t# /ec#me 2#*n.5Tell eart( t# ass*me t(e =*alit2 #) ,ater+"id ,ater t# /ec#me (#ne2 #r mil$5&#d is t(e creat#r #) (eaven and t(em t(at d,ell t(erein6Als# #) ,ater and #) eart(+ and t(em t(at d,ell t(erein6T# (eaven He .ave its rev#l*ti#ns and its *rit2+T# t(e eart( its dar$ l##$ and aearance%Can t(e (eaven ,ill t# /ec#me as dre.s8Can eart( ,ill t# ass*me t(e clearness #) *re ,ine8T(at Pers#n (as assi.ned t# eac( its l#t+Can m#*ntain /2 endeav#r /ec#me as .rass81

T(e r#(ets ans,ered+ 1;eril2 &#d (as createdS#me =*alities in 2#* ,(ic( 2#* cann#t alter6"*t He (as created #t(er accidental =*alities+7(ic(+ /ein. #/3ecti#na/le+ ma2 /e made .##d%"id st#ne /ec#me .#ld t(at is im#ssi/le6"id c#er /ec#me .#ld t(at is #ssi/le%"id sand /l##m as a r#se it cann#t6"id d*st t*rn t# m*d t(at is ,it(in its caacit2%&#d (as sent s#me ains )#r ,(ic( t(ere is n# c*re+S*c(+ )#r instance+ as lameness+ l#ss #) n#se+ and /lindness%&#d (as sent #t(er ains )#r ,(ic( t(ere are c*res+

T# ,it+ cr##$ed m#*t( and (eadac(e%&#d (as #rdained t(ese remedies #) His merc26



T(e *se #) t(ese in ain and an.*is( is n#t in vain% Na2+ t(e ma3#rit2 #) ains ma2 /e c*red67(en 2#* see$ t(#se c*res earnestl2 2#* )ind t(em%1T(e men #) Sa/a relied+ 1O men+ t(ese ains #) #*rsAre n#t #) t(e s#rt t(at admit #) c*re%

L#n. time 2e *tter t(ese resa.es and ,arnin.s+"*t #*r /#nds are made t(ere/2 (eavier ever2 m#ment%I) #*r sic$ness admitted #) a c*re+It ,#*ld certainl2 (ave /een lessened /2 2#*r sells%7(en t(e /#d2 is #/str*cted ,ater reac(es n#t t(e liver+T(#*.( #ne drin$s t(e #cean+ it asses else,(ere%T(en #) c#*rse t(e (ands and )eet /ec#me dr#sical+And% 2et t(at dra*.(t d#es n#t =*enc( (is t(irst%1T(e r#(ets relied+ 1T# desair is ,r#n.+T(e merc2 and .race #) &#d are /#*ndless%One m*st n#t desair #) t(e .race #) s*c( a "ene)act#r+

One m*st clin. t# t(e stirr*-stras #) &#d%A(5 man2 are t(e c#nditi#ns ,(ic( at )irst are (ard+"*t+ are a)ter,ards relieved and l#se t(eir (ars(less%O)tentimes (#e s*cceeds t# (#elessness+Man2 times d#es s*nli.(t s*cceed t# dar$ness%7e admit t(at 2e are ,ei.(ted as ,it( st#nes+

And t(at 2e (ave l#c$s *#n 2#*r ears and 2#*r (earts% < N# c#nditi#n #) #*rs is alt#.et(er as ,e ,is(+O*r /*siness is t# /e resi.ned and t# #/e2%&#d (as en3#ined t(is servit*de *#n *s67e sa2 n#t t(is merel2 #n #*r #,n a*t(#rit2%7e en3#2 li)e #n c#nditi#n #) d#in. His ,ill6I) He /ids *s+ ,e s#, #*r seed *#n t(e sand%T(e s#*l #) t(e r#(et cares )#r na*.(t /*t &#d+It (as na*.(t t# d# ,it( ar#vin. #r disar#vin. His ,#r$s%1T(e men #) Sa/a relied+ 1I) 2e 2#*rselves are (a2+4e ma$e *s misera/le and ann#2 and dist*r/ *s%O*r s#*ls ,ere v#id #) all anxieties+And 2e (ave l*n.ed *s int# cares and anxieties%T(e c#m)#rt and (arm#n2 ,(ic( ,e en3#2ed (eret#)#reHave /een rent in ieces /2 2#*r evil resa.es%

7e *sed t# /e as arr#ts m*nc(in. s*.ar+4e (ave made *s as )#,ls /r##din. #n deat(%On ever2 side st#ries insirin. anxiet2+On ever2 side s#*nds excitin. )ears0On ever2 side in t(e ,#rld an evil resa.e+On ever2 side evil #rtents t(reatenin. *nis(ment0T(is is t(e /*rden #) 2#*r ara/les and resa.es+T(is t(e *r#rt #) 2#*r a,e-insirin. st#ries%1T(e r#(ets relied+ 1O*r evil resa.esAre c#rr#/#rated /2 t(e state #) 2#*r s#*ls%S*#se 2#* are sleein. in a lace #) dan.er+

And serents are dra,in. near t# /ite 2#*r (eads+A $ind )riend ,ill in)#rm 2#* #) 2#*r dan.er+



Sa2in.+ J*m *+ lest t(e serent dev#*r 2#*%4#* rel2+ 7(2 d# 2#* *tter evil resa.es8He ans,ers+ 7(at resa.e8 U+ and see )#r 2#*rsel)5"2 means #) t(is evil resa.e I r#*se 2#*+And release 2#* )r#m dan.er and lead 2#* t# 2#*r (#me%

Li$e a r#(et (e ,arns 2#* #) (idden dan.er+F#r a r#(et sees ,(at ,#rldlin.s cann#t see%1Merc2 inclines t(e .##d t# dev#ti#n+ /*t ven.eance t(e /ad%I) 2#* d# a $indness t# a .ener#*s man+ tis )ittin.+F#r eac( $indness (e ,ill ret*rn seven (*ndred)#ld%7(en 2#* treat a /ase man ,it( sc#rn and c#nt*mel2+He ,ill /ec#me 2#*r slave in all sincerit2%In)idels ,(en en3#2in. r#serit2 d# ,r#n.+7(en t(e2 are in (ell t(e2 cr2+ 1O #*r L#rd51F#r /ase men are *ri)ied ,(en t(e2 s*))er evil+And ,(en t(e2 en3#2 r#serit2 t(e2 d# evil%

7(ere)#re t(e m#s=*e #) t(eir dev#ti#n is (ell+As t(e snare is t(e )etter #) ,ild )#,l%T(e ris#n is t(e (ermita.e #) t(e ,ic$ed t(ie)+F#r ,(en (e is t(ere (e is ever cr2in. t# &#d%7(ereas t(e #/3ect #) mans /ein. is t# ,#rs(i &#d+Hell is #rdained as a lace #) ,#rs(i )#r t(e r#*d6 >Man (as t(e #,er t# en.a.e in an2 acti#ns s#ever+"*t ,#rs(i #) &#d is t(e main #/3ect #) (is existence%Read t(e text+ ? 1I (ave n#t created Jinns and men /*t t# ,#rs(i me%1T(e #nl2 #/3ect #) t(e ,#rld is t# ,#rs(i &#d%T(#*.( t(e #/3ect #) a /##$ is t# teac( an art+I) 2#* ma$e a ill#, #) it+ it serves t(at *r#se t##%4et its main #/3ect is n#t t# serve as a ill#,+"*t t# imart $n#,led.e and *se)*l instr*cti#n%I) 2#* *se a s,#rd )#r a tent-e.+4#* re)er t(e ,#rse *se #) it t# t(e /etter%T(#*.( t(e #/3ect #) all mens /ein. is ,isd#m+4et eac( man (as a di))erent lace #) ,#rs(i%T(e lace #) ,#rs(i #) t(e n#/le is n#/ilit2+T(e lace #) ,#rs(i #) t(e /ase is de.radati#n%Smite t(e /ase t# ma$e t(em /#, t(e (ead%

&ive t# t(e n#/le t# ma$e t(em rea2 li/erall2%Inasm*c( as t(e /ase are evil and arr#.ant+Hell and (*m/lin. are t(e 1small .ate1 )#r t(em%;eril2 &#d (as created t,# laces #) ad#rati#n+Hell )#r t(e /ase and increased /liss )#r t(e n#/le%Even s# M#ses made a small .ate in Jer*salem+ GT# ma$e t(e Israelites /#, t(e (ead in enterin. it%T(e disc*ssi#n is c#ntin*ed and ill*strated /2 anecd#tes #) t(e S*)i ,(# re)erred a ta/le ,it(n# )##d *#n it+ /eca*se (e ever s#*.(t 1n#t-/ein.+1 #) Jac#/s visi#n #) J#se(+ and #) adev#*t slave ,(# #/tained leave #) (is master t# sa2 (is ra2ers in a m#s=*e+ /*t tarried t(eres# l#n. t(at t(e d##rs ,ere s(*t+ and (e c#*ld n#t .et #*t+ n#r (is master in% T(e r#(ets at

last desaired #) ma$in. an2 imressi#n *#n t(e *n/elievers+ /*t called t# mind t(e text17(en at last t(e A#stles l#st all (#e+ and deemed t(at t(e2 ,ere rec$#ned as liars+ #*r aid



reac(ed t(em+ and ,e delivered ,(#m ,e ,#*ld+ /*t #*r ven.eance ,as n#t averted )r#m t(e,ic$ed%1 T(e desair #) t(e r#(ets%T(e r#(ets said+ 1H#, l#n.+ in #*r /enev#lence+S(all ,e .ive t# t(is and t(at #ne .##d advice8

H#, l#n. s(all ,e (ammer c#ld ir#n in vain8H#, l#n. ,aste /reat( in /l#,in. int# a lattice8Men are m#ved /2 &#ds decree and )ixed #rdinance+ DAs s(ar-set teet( are ca*sed /2 (eat #) /ell2%Tis Primal S#*l t(at d#minates t(e Sec#nd S#*l+Fis( /e.ins t# stin$ at t(e (ead+ n#t t(e tail%4et /e advised and $ee 2#*r steed strai.(t as an arr#,+7(en &#d sa2s Pr#claim ,e m*st #/e2% O men+ 2e $n#, n#t t# ,(ic( art2 2e /el#n.+ 9Exert 2#*rselves t(en+ till 2e see ,(ic( 2e are%7(en 2#* lace .##ds *#n a s(i+

4#* d# it in tr*st t(at t(e v#2a.e ,ill /e r#ser#*s64#* $n#, n#t ,(ic( #) t(e t,# events ,ill /e)all 2#*+7(et(er 2#* ,ill /e dr#,ned #r c#me sa)e t# land%I) 2#* sa2+ Till I $n#, ,(ic( ,ill /e m2 )ateI ,ill n#t set )##t *#n t(e s(i6S(all I /e dr#,ned #n t(e v#2a.e #r a s*rviv#r8Reveal t# me in ,(ic( class I s(all /e%I s(all n#t *nderta$e t(e v#2a.e #n t(e c(anceOn t(e /are (#e #) reac(in. land+ as t(e rest d#%In t(at case n# trade at all ,ill /e *nderta$en /2 2#*+As t(e secret #) t(ese t,# events is al,a2s (idden%T(e lam #) t(e (eart+ t(at is a timid trader+Ac=*ires neit(er l#ss n#r .ain /2 its vent*res%:

Na2+ it ac=*ires l#ss+ )#r it is recl*ded )r#m .ain6Tis t(e lam t(at ta$es )ire t(at ac=*ires li.(t%Since all t(in.s are deendent #n r#/a/ilit2+Reli.i#n is s# )irst #) all+ )#r t(ere/2 2#* )ind release%In t(is ,#rld n# $n#c$in. at t(e d##r is #ssi/leSave (#e+ and &#d $n#,s ,(at is /est%1Pr#/a/ilit2 t(e .*ide #) li)e in reli.i#n as ,ell as in c#mm#n matters% 1Reli.i#n deendent an(#e and )ear%1 <

T(e )inal ca*se #) tradin. is (#e #r r#/a/ilit2+7(en traders ,#r$ t(emselves lean as sindles% >7(en t(e merc(ant .#es t# (is s(# in t(e m#rnin.+He d#es s# in (#e and r#/a/ilit2 #) .ainin. /read%I) 2#* (ave n# (#e #) .ettin. /read+ ,(2 .#8T(ere is t(e )ear #) l#ss+ since 2#* are n#t str#n.%"*t d#es n#t t(is )ear #) *tter l#ss in 2#*r trade"ec#me ,ea$ened in t(e c#*rse #) 2#*r exerti#ns84#* sa2+ 1Alt(#*.( t(e )ear #) l#ss is /e)#re me+4et I )eel .reater )ear in remainin. idle%I (ave a /etter (#e t(r#*.( exertin. m2sel)6

M2 )ear is increased /2 remainin. idle%17(2 t(en+ O )aint-(earted #ne+ in t(e matter #) reli.i#n



Are 2#* aral2sed /2 t(e )ear #) l#ss8See 2#* n#t (#, t(e traders in t(is mar$et #) #*rsMa$e lar.e r#)its+ /#t( a#stles and saints87(at a mine #) ,ealt( a,aits t(em #n leavin. it+Seein. t(e2 ma$e s*c( r#)its ,(ile still (ere5

Fire is s#)t t# t(em as c#tt#n raiment+T(e #cean /ears t(em .entl2 li$e a #rter6Ir#n in t(eir (ands is s#)t as ,ax+T(e ,inds are t(eir #/edient slaves%@NOTES0% '#ran xxxiv% <%9% Anvar i S*(aili+ c(a% iv% St#r2 I;%:% '#ran xxxvi% ?%<% '#ran lxi% >0 1&#d led t(eir (earts astra2%1>% &#d said+ 1C#me 2e eit(er in #/edience+ #r in site #) 2#*r ,is(es1 '#ran xli% %?% '#ran li% >?%

G% See '#ran ii% >>+ ,it( Sales n#te%% '#ran xii% %D% 1All t(in.s (ave ,e created a)ter a )ixed decree+ ever2 acti#n .reat and small is ,ritten%1'#ran liv% <D%% T(e L#.#s #r )irst Emanati#n r#d*ced t(e sec#nd #r 1Universal S#*l%1% 1O A#stle5 r#claim all t(at (at( /een sent d#,n1 '#ran v% G%9% 17(ic( art2+1 i%e%+ t(#se d##med t# /e saved #r t(#se d##med t# destr*cti#n%:% 1N#t(in. s(all /e rec$#ned t# a man save t(at )#r ,(ic( (e (at( made e))#rt1 '#ran liii%<%<% S# Sadi "#stan "##$ I% C% "*tlers Anal#.2+ C#ncl*si#n%>% i%e%+ exert t(emselves m*c(%

STOR4 KI;%Miracles er)#rmed /2 t(e Pr#(et M*(ammad%

It is related t(at t(e Pr#(et ,as #nce resent at a /an=*et+ and a)ter (e (ad eaten and dr*n$+(is servant Anas t(re, t(e na$in ,(ic( (e (ad *sed int# t(e )ire+ and t(e na$in ,as n#t

/*rnt+ /*t #nl2 *ri)ied /2 t(e )ire% On an#t(er #ccasi#n a caravan #) Ara/s ,as travelin. int(e desert+ and ,as in s#re distress t(r#*.( lac$ #) ,ater+ ,(ere*#n t(e Pr#(etmirac*l#*sl2 increased t(e ,ater in a sin.le ,ater-s$in+ s# t(at it s*))iced t# s*l2 t(e needs#) all t(e travelers% M#re#ver+ t(e ne.r# ,(# carried t(e ,ater-s$in ,as rendered as ,(ite and)air as J#se(% A.ain+ a (eat(en ,#man came t# t(e Pr#(et carr2in. (er in)ant+ a.ed #nl2t,# m#nt(s+ and t(e in)ant sal*ted t(e Pr#(et as t(e verita/le a#stle #) &#d% A.ain+ ,(ent(e r#(et ,as a/#*t t# *t #n (is sandals+ an ea.le s,##ed d#,n *#n #ne #) t(em andcarried it #))+ ,(en a vier ,as seen t# dr# )r#m t(e sandal% T(e Pr#(et ,as at )irst inclinedt# .r*m/le at t(is str#$e #) ill-l*c$6 /*t ,(en (e sa, t(e vier (is disc#ntent ,as t*rned int#t(an$)*lness t# &#d+ ,(# (ad t(*s mirac*l#*sl2 saved (im )r#m /ein. /itten /2 t(e vier%In di))ic*lties t(ere is r#vided a ,a2 #) salvati#n %

In t(is tale t(ere is a ,arnin. )#r t(ee+ O S#*l+T(at t(#* ma2est ac=*iesce in &#ds #rdinances+



And /e ,ar2 and n#t d#*/t &#ds /enev#lence+7(en s*dden mis)#rt*nes /e)all t(ee%Let #t(ers .r#, ale )r#m )ear #) ill )#rt*ne+!# t(#* smile li$e t(e r#se at l#ss and .ain6F#r t(e r#se+ t(#*.( its etals /e t#rn as*nder+

Still smiles #n+ and it is never cast d#,n%It sa2s+ 17(2 s(#*ld I )all int# .rie) in dis.race8I .at(er /ea*t2 even )r#m t(e t(#rn #) dis.race%17(ats#ever is l#st t# t(ee t(r#*.( &#ds decree'n#, #) a s*ret2 is s# m*c( .ained )r#m mis)#rt*ne%7(at is S*)iism8 Tis t# )ind 3#2 in t(e (eart7(ens#ever distress and care assail it%'n#, tr#*/les t# /e t(at ea.le #) t(e Pr#(ets7(ic( carried #)) t(e sandal #) t(at (#l2 #ne+In #rder t# save (is )##t )r#m t(e /ite #) t(e vier O excellent device5 t# reserve (im )r#m (arm%

Tis said+ 1M#*rn n#t )#r 2#*r sla*.(tered cattleI) a ,#l) (as (arried 2#*r )l#c$s61F#r t(at calamit2 ma2 avert a .reater calamit2+And t(at l#ss ma2 ,ard #)) a m#re .riev#*s l#ss%@NOTES0% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ v#l% iii% % ::<%

STOR4 K;%T(e Man ,(# as$ed M#ses t# teac( (im t(e lan.*a.e #) animals%A certain man came t# M#ses and desired t# /e ta*.(t t(e lan.*a.e #) animals+ )#r+ (e said+men *sed t(eir lan.*a.e #nl2 t# .et )##d and )#r *r#ses #) deceti#n+ and #ssi/l2 a$n#,led.e #) animals lan.*a.es mi.(t stim*late (is )ait(% M#ses ,as ver2 *n,illin. t#c#ml2 ,it( (is re=*est+ as (e $ne, s*c( $n#,led.e ,#*ld r#ve destr*ctive t# (im+ /*t+ #n(is ersistin.+ t##$ c#*nsel #) &#d+ and )inall2 ta*.(t (im t(e lan.*a.e #) )#,ls and d#.s%

Next m#rnin. t(e man ,ent am#n.st t(e )#,ls+ and (eard a disc*ssi#n /et,een t(e c#c$ andt(e d#.% T(e d#. ,as a/*sin. t(e c#c$ )#r ic$in. * t(e m#rsels #) /read ,(ic( )ell )r#mt(eir masters ta/le+ /eca*se t(e c#c$ c#*ld )ind lent2 #) .rains #) c#rn t# eat+ ,(ereas t(ed#. c#*ld #nl2 eat /read% T(e c#c$+ t# aease (im+ said t(at #n t(e m#rr#, t(e masters(#rse ,#*ld die+ and t(en t(e d#. ,#*ld (ave en#*.( and t# sare% T(e master+ (earin. t(is+at #nce s#ld (is (#rse+ and t(e d#.+ /ein. disa#inted #) (is meal+ a.ain attac$ed t(e c#c$%

T(e c#c$ t(en t#ld (im t(e m*le ,#*ld die+ ,(ere*#n t(e master s#ld t(e m*le% T(en t(ec#c$ )#ret#ld t(e deat( #) a slave+ and t(e master a.ain s#ld t(e slave% At t(is t(e d#.+ l#sin. atience+ */raided t(e c#c$ as t(e c(ie) #) deceivers+ and t(e c#c$ exc*sed (imsel) /2s(#,in. t(at all t(ree deat(s (ad ta$en lace 3*st as (e (ad redicted+ /*t t(e master (ad s#ldt(e (#rse+ m*le+ and slave+ and (ad t(r#,n t(e l#ss #n #t(ers% He added t(at+ t# *nis( (im )#r(is )ra*d*lent dealin.+ t(e master ,#*ld (imsel) die #n t(e m#rr#,+ and t(ere ,#*ld /e

lent2 )#r t(e d#. t# eat at t(e )*neral )east% Hearin. t(is+ t(e master ,ent t# M#ses in .reatdistress+ and ra2ed t# /e saved% M#ses /es#*.(t t(e L#rd )#r (im+ and .ained ermissi#n t(at(e s(#*ld die in t(e eace #) &#d%7(2 )ree,ill is .##d )#r man%&#d said+ 1!# t(#* .rant (is earnest re=*est+

Enlar.e (is )ac*lt2 acc#rdin. t# (is )ree,ill%Free,ill is as t(e salt t# iet2+



Ot(er,ise (eaven itsel) ,ere matter #) c#m*lsi#n%In its rev#l*ti#ns re,ard and *nis(ment ,ere needless+F#r tis )ree,ill t(at (as merit at t(e .reat rec$#nin.%I) t(e ,(#le ,#rld ,ere )ramed t# raise &#d+T(ere ,#*ld /e n# merit in raisin. &#d%

Place a s,#rd in (is (and and rem#ve (is im#tence+T# see i) (e t*rns #*t a ,arri#r #r a r#//er%"eca*se )ree,ill is t(at ,(ere,it( ,e (#n#r Adam+ Hal) t(e s,arm /ec#me /ees and (al) ,ass%T(e )ait()*l 2ield (#ne2c#m/s li$e /ees+T(e in)idels 2ield st#re #) #is#n li$e ,ass%F#r t(e )ait()*l )eed #n c(#ice (er/s+S# t(at+ li$e /ees+ t(eir c(2le 2ields li)e-.ivin. )##d+7(ilst in)idels )eed #n )ilt( and .ar/a.e+And .enerate #is#n acc#rdin. t# t(eir )##d%1Men insired #) &#d are t(e )#*ntain #) li)e6

Men #) del*si#ns are a s2n#n2m )#r deat(%In t(e ,#rld t(e raise 17ell d#ne )ait()*l servant51Is .iven t# )ree,ill ,(ic( is *sed ,it( r*dence%I) all diss#l*te men ,ere s(*t * in ris#n+T(e2 ,#*ld all /e temerate and dev#*t and i#*s%7(en #,er #) c(#ice is a/sent acti#ns are ,#rt(less6"*t /e,are lest deat( snatc( a,a2 2#*r caital54#*r #,er #) c(#ice is a caital 2ieldin. r#)it+Remem/er ,ell t(e da2 #) )inal acc#*nt5@NOTES0% '#ran xvii% G9%

STOR4 K;I%T(e 7#man ,(# l#st all (er in)ants%A ,#man /#re man2 c(ildren in s*ccessi#n+ /*t n#ne #) t(em lived /e2#nd t(e a.e #) t(ree #r)#*r m#nt(s% In .reat distress s(e cried t# &#d+ and t(en /e(eld in a visi#n t(e /ea*ti)*l.ardens #) Paradise+ and man2 )air mansi#ns t(erein+ and *#n #ne #) t(ese mansi#ns s(e read(er #,n name inscri/ed% And a v#ice )r#m (eaven in)#rmed (er t(at &#d ,#*ld accet t(es#rr#,s s(e (ad end*red in lie* #) (er /l##d s(ed in (#l2 ,ar+ as+ #,in. t# (er sex+ s(e ,as*na/le t# .# #*t t# /attle li$e t(e men% On l##$in. a.ain+ t(e ,#man /e(eld in Paradise all

t(e c(ildren s(e (ad l#st+ and s(e cried+ 1O L#rd 5 t(e2 ,ere l#st t# me+ /*t ,ere sa)e ,it(T(ee51T(is st#r2 is )#ll#,ed /2 anecd#t#s #) HamBa .#in. #*t t# /attle ,it(#*t (is c#at-#)-mail+ #)t(e Pr#(et advisin. a man ,(# c#mlained #) /ein. c(eated in (is /ar.ains t# ta$e time

/e)#re c#mletin. t(em+ and #) t(e deat( #) "ilal+ M*(ammads crier+ and /2 ill*strati#ns #)t(e ill*sive nat*re #) t(e ,#rld+ #) t(e di))erence /et,een t(in.s sel)-evident and mere matters#) in)erence+ and /et,een $n#,in. a t(in. t(r#*.( ill*strati#ns and #n t(e a*t(#rit2 #) #t(ersand $n#,in. it as it reall2 is in its essence%T(e di))erence /et,een $n#,in. a t(in. merel2 /2 similit*des and #n t(e a*t(#rit2 #) #t(ers+and $n#,in. t(e ver2 essence t(ere#)%&#ds merc2 is $n#,n t(r#*.( t(e )r*its t(ere#)+

"*t ,(# save &#d $n#,s His essence8 N# #ne $n#,s t(e ver2 essence #) &#ds attri/*tes



And n#ne /*t &#d $n#,s t(em /2 act*al exerience%T(ere)#re ta$e t(is declarati#n ,it( its c#ntext+Remem/erin. (#, 2#* $n#, and d# n#t $n#, N#a(%@NOTES0% T(ere is a Hadis+ 1T(in$ #n &#ds mercies+ and n#t #n His essence%1

9% '#ran viii% G% Said #) t(e sand cast int# t(e e2es #) t(e men #) Mecca at "eder%:% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% :><+ ,(ere t(e c#mmentat#r sa2s t(e all*si#n is t# M#ses at M#*ntSinai% '#ran vii% :D%

STOR4 K;II%T(e ;a$il #) t(e Prince #) "#$(ara%T(e Prince #) "#$(ara (ad a ;a$il ,(#+ t(r#*.( )ear #) *nis(ment )#r an #))ence (e (adc#mmitted+ ran a,a2 and remained c#ncealed in '*(istan and t(e desert )#r t(e sace #) ten2ears% At t(e end #) t(at time+ /ein. *na/le t# end*re a/sence )r#m (is l#rd and (is (#me an2l#n.er+ (e determined t# ret*rn t# "#$(ara and t(r#, (imsel) at (is l#rds )eet+ and end*re

,(atever *nis(ment (is l#rd mi.(t /e leased t# in)lict *#n (im% His )riends did all t(e2c#*ld t# diss*ade (im+ ass*rin. (im t(at t(e Princes ,rat( ,as still (#t a.ainst (im+ and t(ati) (e aeared at "#$(ara (e ,#*ld /e *t t# deat(+ #r at least imris#ned )#r t(e rest #) (isli)e% He relied+ 1O advisers+ /e silent+ )#r t(e )#rce #) t(e l#ve ,(ic( is dra,in. me t#"#$(ara is str#n.er t(an t(e )#rce #) r*dent c#*nsels% 7(en l#ve *lls #ne ,a2 all t(e,isd#m #) A/* Hani)a and As(-S(a)ii is im#tent t# ,it(stand it% I) it s(all lease m2 l#rd t#sla2 me+ I ,ill 2ield * m2 li)e ,it(#*t rel*ctance+ )#r t(is li)e #) estran.ement )r#m (im,(ic( I am n#, leadin. is t(e same as deat(+ and release )r#m it ,ill /e eternal (ainess% I,ill ret*rn t# "#$(ara and t(r#, m2sel) at m2 l#rds )eet+ and sa2 t# (im+ !eal ,it( me ast(#* ,ilt+ )#r I can n# l#n.er /ear a/sence )r#m t(ee+ and li)e #r deat( at t(2 (ands is all t(esame t# me51 Acc#rdin.l2+ (e 3#*rne2ed /ac$ t# "#$(ara+ c#*ntin. t(e ver2 t#ils anddisc#m)#rts #) t(e r#ad s,eet and deli.(t)*l+ /eca*se t(e2 ,ere stes in (is (#me,ard c#*rse%7(en (e reac(ed "#$(ara (is )riends and relati#ns all ,arned (im n#t t# s(#, (imsel)+ as t(ePrince ,as still mind)*l #) (is #))ence and /ent #n *nis(in. (im6 /*t (e relied t# t(em as t#(is #t(er advisers+ t(at (e ,as *tterl2 re.ardless #) (is li)e+ and ,as res#lved t# c#mmit(imsel) t# (is l#rds .##d leas*re% He t(en ,ent t# t(e c#*rt and t(re, (imsel) at (is l#rds)eet and s,##ned a,a2% T(e Prince+ seein. t(e str#n. a))ecti#n /#rne t# (im /2 (is reentantservant+ c#nceived a similar a))ecti#n t#,ards (im+ and descended )r#m (is t(r#ne and.raci#*sl2 raised (im )r#m t(e .r#*nd+ and ard#ned (is #))ence% T(*s it is t(at eternal li)e is.ained /2 *tter a/and#nment #) #nes #,n li)e% 7(en &#d aears t# His ardent l#ver t(el#ver is a/s#r/ed in Him+ and n#t s# m*c( as a (air #) t(e l#ver remains% Tr*e l#vers are as

s(ad#,s+ and ,(en t(e s*n s(ines in .l#r2 t(e s(ad#,s vanis( a,a2% He is a tr*e l#ver #)&#d t# ,(#m &#d sa2s+ 1I am t(ine+ and t(#* art mine51In t(e c#*rse #) t(is st#r2+ ,(ic( is narrated at .reat len.t(+ are intr#d*ced anecd#tes #) al#ver and (is mistress+ #) t(e ;ir.in Mar2 /ein. visited /2 t(e 1"lessed Sirit1 #r An.el&a/riel+ #) t(e )atal m#s=*e+ #) &alens dev#ti#n t# carnal learnin.+ #) Satans treac(er2 t#t(e men #) Mecca at t(e /attle #) "edr+ 9 and #) S#l#m#n and t(e .nat% T(ere als# #cc*rc#mments #n vari#*s texts+ and a c*ri#*s c#maris#n #) t(e trials and ,(#les#me a))licti#ns#) t(e ri.(te#*s t# t(e /#ilin. #) #t(er/s in a sa*cean /2 t(e c##$%T(e rel2 #) t(e l#ver ,(en as$ed /2 (is mistress ,(ic( cit2 #) all t(#se (e (ad seen ,asm#st leasin. in (is si.(t%

A damsel said t# (er l#ver+ 1O )#nd 2#*t(+



4#* (ave visited man2 cities in 2#*r travels67(ic( #) t(#se cities seems m#st deli.(t)*l t# 2#*81He made ans,er+ 1T(e cit2 ,(erein m2 l#ve d,ells%In ,(atever n##$ m2 =*een ali.(ts+T(#*.( it /e as t(e e2e #) a needle+ tis a ,ide lain6

7(erever (er 4*s*)-li$e )ace s(ines as a m##n+T(#*.( it /e t(e /#tt#m #) a ,ell+ tis Paradise%7it( t(ee+ m2 l#ve+ (ell itsel) ,ere (eaven+7it( t(ee a ris#n ,#*ld /e a r#se-.arden%7it( t(ee (ell ,#*ld /e a mansi#n #) deli.(t+7it(#*t t(ee lilies and r#ses ,#*ld /e as )lames #) )ire51T(e ans,er #) t(e ;a$il t# t(#se ,(# advised (im n#t t# c#*rt deat( /2 2ieldin. (imsel) * t#(is l#rd%He said+ 1I am a dra,er #) ,ater6 ,ater attracts me+Even t(#*.( I $n#, ,ater ma2 /e m2 deat(%

N# dra,er #) ,ater )lees )r#m ,ater+

Even t(#*.( it ma2 ca*se (im a (*ndred deat(s%T(#*.( it ma2 ma$e m2 (and and /ell2 dr#sical+M2 l#ve )#r ,ater ,ill never /e lessened%I s(#*ld sa2+ ,(en t(e2 as$ed me a/#*t m2 /ell2+7#*ld t(at t(e #cean mi.(t )l#, int# it5T(#*.( t(e /#ttle #) m2 /ell2 ,ere /*rst ,it( ,ater+And t(#*.( I s(#*ld die+ m2 deat( ,#*ld /e acceta/le%7(eres#ever I see #ne see$in. ,ater+ I env2 (im+And cr2+ 7#*ld I ,ere in (is lace5M2 (and is a ta/#r and m2 /ell2 a dr*m+Li$e t(e r#se I /eat t(e dr*m #) l#ve #) ,ater%Li$e t(e eart( #r li$e a )et*s I dev#*r /l##d+Since I /ecame a l#ver t(is is m2 #cc*ati#n%I) t(at Fait()*l Sirit s(#*ld s(ed m2 /l##d+I ,#*ld drin$ it * dr# /2 dr# li$e t(e eart(%At ni.(t I /#il #n t(e )ire li$e a c##$in.-#t+Fr#m m#rn till eve I drin$ /l##d li$e t(e sand%It reents me t(at I lanned a strata.em+And t(at I )led )r#m /e)#re (is ,rat(%Tell (im t# sate (is ,rat( #n m2 ##r li)e+He is t(e Feast #) Sacri)ice+ and I (is l#vin. c#,% :

T(e c#,+ ,(et(er it eats #r slees+T(in$s #) na*.(t /*t sacri)icin. itsel)%'n#, me t# /e t(at c#, #) M#ses ,(ic( .ave its li)e+Eac( art #) me .ives li)e t# t(e ri.(te#*s%T(at c#, #) M#ses ,as made a sacri)ice+And its least art /ecame a s#*rce #) li)e%T(at m*rdered man leat * )r#m (is deadnessAt t(e ,#rds+ Stri$e t(e c#rse ,it( art #) (er% <O i#*s #nes+ sla2 t(e c#, #) l*st+I) 2e desire tr*e li)e #) s#*l and sirit5I died as inanimate matter and ar#se a lant+

I died as a lant and r#se a.ain an animal% >I died as an animal and ar#se a man%



7(2 t(en s(#*ld I )ear t# /ec#me less /2 d2in.8I s(all die #nce a.ain as a manT# rise an an.el er)ect )r#m (ead t# )##t5A.ain ,(en I s*))er diss#l*ti#n as an an.el+I s(all /ec#me ,(at asses t(e c#nceti#n #) man5

Let me t(en /ec#me n#n-existent+ )#r n#n-existenceSin.s t# me in #r.an t#nes+ T# (im s(all ,e ret*rn% ?'n#, deat( t# /e t(e .at(erin. t#.et(er #) t(e e#le%T(e ,ater #) li)e is (idden in t(e land #) dar$ness%Li$e a ,ater-lil2 see$ li)e t(ere54ea+ li$e t(at dra,er #) ,ater+ at t(e ris$ #) li)e+7ater ,ill /e (is deat(+ 2et (e still see$s ,ater+And still drin$s #n+ and &#d $n#,s ,(at is ri.(t%O l#ver+ c#ld-(earted and v#id #) l#2alt2+7(# )r#m )ear )#r 2#*r li)e s(*n t(e /el#ved5O /ase #ne+ /e(#ld a (*ndred t(#*sand s#*ls

!ancin. t#,ards t(e deadl2 s,#rd #) (is l#ve0"e(#ld ,ater in a itc(er6 #*r it #*t67ill t(at ,ater r*n a,a2 )r#m t(e stream87(en t(at ,ater 3#ins t(e ,ater #) t(e streamIt is l#st t(erein+ and /ec#mes itsel) t(e stream%Its individ*alit2 is l#st+ /*t its essence remains+And (ere/2 it /ec#mes n#t less n#r in)eri#r%I ,ill (an. m2sel) *#n m2 l#rds alm-treeIn exc*se )#r (avin. )led a,a2 )r#m (im51Even as a /all r#llin. al#n. #n (ead and )ace+He )ell at t(e )eet #) t(e Prince ,it( streamin. e2es%T(e e#le ,ere all #n t(e alert+ exectin.T(at t(e Prince ,#*ld /*rn (im #r (an. (im+Sa2in.+ 1M#t(-li$e (e (as seen t(e /laBe #) t(e li.(t+And )##l-li$e (as l*n.ed t(erein and l#st (is li)e%1"*t t(e t#rc( #) l#ve is n#t li$e t(at t#rc(+Tis li.(t+ li.(t in t(e midst #) li.(t+Tis t(e reverse #) t#rc(es #) )ire+It aears t# /e )ire+ /*t is all s,eetness%L#ve .enerates l#ve% 1I) 2e l#ve &#d+ &#d ,ill l#ve 2#*1 GT(at% "#$(arian t(en cast (imsel) int# t(e )lame+

"*t (is l#ve made t(e ain end*ra/le6And as (is /*rnin. si.(s ascended t# (eaven+T(e l#ve #) t(e Prince ,as $indled t#,ards (im%T(e (eart #) man is li$e t(e r##t #) a tree+T(ere)r#m .r#, t(e leaves #n )irm /ranc(es% C#rres#ndin. t# t(at r##t .r#, * /ranc(esAs ,ell #n t(e tree as #n s#*ls and intellects%T(e t#s #) t(e er)ect trees reac( t(e (eavens+T(e r##ts )irm+ and t(e /ranc(es in t(e s$2%Since t(en t(e tree #) l#ve (as .r#,n * t# (eaven+H#, s(all it n#t als# .r#, in t(e (eart #) t(e Prince8

A ,ave ,as(es a,a2 t(e remem/rance #) t(e sin )r#m (is (eart+F#r )r#m eac( (eart is a ,ind#, t# #t(er (earts%



Since in eac( (eart t(ere is a ,ind#, t# #t(er (earts+T(e2 are n#t+ searated and s(*t #)) li$e t,# /#dies%T(*s+ even t(#*.( t,# lam-dis(es /e n#t 3#ined+4et t(eir li.(t is *nited in a sin.le ra2%

N# l#ver ever see$s *ni#n ,it( (is /el#ved+

"*t (is /el#ved is als# see$in. *ni#n ,it( (im%"*t t(e l#vers l#ve ma$es (is /#d2 lean+7(ile t(e /el#veds l#ve ma$es (ers )air and l*st2%7(en in t(is (eart t(e li.(tnin. sar$ #) l#ve arises+"e s*re t(is l#ve is recir#cated in t(at (eart%7(en t(e l#ve #) &#d arises in t(2 (eart+7it(#*t d#*/t &#d als# )eels l#ve )#r t(ee%T(e n#ise #) clain. #) (ands is never (eardFr#m #ne #) t(2 (ands *naided /2 t(e #t(er (andT(e man at(irst cries+ 17(ere is delici#*s ,ater817ater t## cries+ 17(ere is t(e ,ater-drin$er81

T(is t(irst in m2 s#*l is t(e attracti#n #) t(e ,ater6I am t(e ,aters and t(e ,ater is mine%&#ds ,isd#m in His eternal )#re$n#,led.e and decreeMade *s t# /e l#vers #ne #) t(e #t(er%

Na2 m#re+ all t(e arts #) t(e ,#rld /2 t(is decreeAre arran.ed in airs+ and eac( l#ves its mate%Ever2 art #) t(e ,#rld desires its mate+J*st as am/er attracts /lades #) stra,%Heaven sa2s t# eart(+ 1All (ail t# t(ee57e are related t# #ne an#t(er as ir#n and ma.net%1Heaven is man and eart( ,#man in c(aracter67(atever (eaven sends it+ eart( c(eris(es%7(en eart( lac$s (eat+ (eaven sends (eat67(en it lac$s m#ist*re and de,+ (eaven sends t(em%T(e eart(2 si.n D s*cc#*rs t(e terrestrial eart(+T(e ,ater2 si.n A=*ari*s sends m#ist*re t# it6T(e ,ind2 si.n sends t(e cl#*ds t# it+T# dra, #)) *n,(#les#me ex(alati#ns%T(e )ier2 si.n Le# sends )#rt( t(e (eat #) t(e s*n+Li$e a dis( (eated red-(#t in )r#nt and /e(ind%T(e (eaven is /*sil2 t#ilin. t(r#*.( a.es+

J*st as men la/#r t# r#vide )##d )#r ,#men%And t(e eart( d#es t(e ,#mans ,#r$+ and t#ilsIn /earin. #))srin. and s*c$lin. t(em%'n#, t(en eart( and (eaven are end*ed ,it( sense+Since t(e2 act li$e ers#ns end*ed ,it( sense%I) t(ese t,# l#vers did n#t s*c$ n*triment )r#m eac( #t(er+7(2 s(#*ld t(e2 cree t#.et(er li$e man and ,i)e87it(#*t t(e eart( (#, c#*ld r#ses and sa))r#n .r#,8F#r na*.(t can .r#, )r#m t(e s#le (eat and rain #) (eaven%T(is is t(e ca*se #) t(e )emale see$in. t(e male+T(at t(e ,#r$ #) eac( ma2 /e acc#mlis(ed%

&#d (as instilled m*t*al l#ve int# man and ,#man+T(at t(e ,#rld ma2 /e eret*ated /2 t(eir *ni#n%



Eart( sa2s t# t(e eart( #) t(e /#d2+ 1C#me a,a2+*it t(e s#*l and c#me t# me as d*st%T(#* art #) m2 .en*s+ and ,ilt /e /etter ,it( me+T(#* (adst /etter =*it t(e s#*l and )l2 t# me51"#d2 relies 1Tr*e+ /*t m2 )eet are )ast /#*nd+

T(#*.( li$e t(ee I s*))er )r#m searati#n%17ater calls #*t t# t(e m#ist*re #) t(e /#d2+1O m#ist*re+ ret*rn t# me )r#m 2#*r )#rei.n a/#de51Fire als# calls #*t t# t(e (eat #) t(e /#d2+1T(#* art #) )ire6 ret*rn t# t(2 r##t51In t(e /#d2 t(ere are sevent2-and-t,# diseases6It is ill c#macted #,in. t# t(e str*..le #) its elements%!isease c#mes t# rend t(e /#d2 as*nder+And t# dra. aart its c#nstit*ent elements%T(e )#*r elements are as /irds tied t#.et(er /2 t(e )eet6!eat(+ sic$ness and disease l##se t(eir )eet as*nder%

T(e m#ment t(eir )eet are l##sed )r#m t(e #t(ers+T(e /ird #) eac( element )lies #)) /2 itsel)%T(e re*lsi#n #) eac( #) t(ese rinciles and ca*sesIn)licts ever2 m#ment a )res( an. #n #*r /#dies%T(at it ma2 diss#lve t(ese c#m#site /#dies #) #*rs+T(e /ird #) eac( art tries t# )l2 a,a2 t# its #ri.in6"*t t(e ,isd#m #) &#d revents t(is seed2 end+And reserves t(eir *ni#n till t(e a#inted da2%He sa2s+ 1O arts+ t(e a#inted time is n#t 2et6It is *seless )#r 2#* t# ta$e ,in. /e)#re t(at da2%1"*t as eac( art desires re*ni#n ,it( its #ri.inal+H#, is it ,it( t(e s#*l ,(# is a stran.er in exile8It sa2s+ 1O arts #) m2 (a/itati#n (ere /el#,+M2 a/sence is sadder t(an 2#*rs+ as I am (eaven-/#rn%T(e /#d2 l#ves .reen ast*res and r*nnin. ,ater+F#r t(is ca*se t(at its #ri.in is )r#m t(em%T(e l#ve #) t(e s#*l is )#r li)e and t(e livin. #ne+"eca*se its #ri.in is t(e S#*l n#t /#*nd t# lace%T(e l#ve #) t(e s#*l is )#r ,isd#m and $n#,led.e+T(at #) t(e /#d2 )#r (#*ses+ .ardens+ and vine2ards6T(e l#ve #) t(e s#*l is )#r t(in.s exalted #n (i.(+

T(at #) t(e /#d2 )#r ac=*isiti#n #) .##ds and )##d%T(e l#ve t## #) Him #n (i.( is directed t# t(e s#*l0'n#, t(is )#r He l#ves t(em t(at l#ve Him%1 T(e s*m is t(is+ t(at ,(#s# see$s an#t(er+T(e s#*l #) t(at #t(er ,(# is s#*.(t inclines t# (im%Let *s =*it t(e s*/3ect% L#ve )#r t(at s#*l at(irst7as $indled in t(e /reast #) t(e Prince #) "#$(ara%T(e sm#$e #) t(at l#ve and t(e .rie) #) t(at /*rnin. (eartAscended t# (is master and excited (is c#massi#n%T(e raises addressed t# t(e Prince /2 t(e ;a$il%

He said+ 1O (#enix #) &#d and .#al #) t(e sirit



I t(an$ t(ee t(at t(#* (ast c#me /ac$ )r#m M#*nt a)5O Isra)il #) t(e res*rrecti#n-da2 #) l#ve+O l#ve+ l#ve+ and (earts desire #) l#ve5Let t(2 )irst /##n t# me /e t(is+T# lend t(ine ear t# m2 #ris#ns%

T(#*.( t(#* $n#,est m2 c#nditi#n clearl2+O r#tect#r #) slaves+ listen t# m2 seec(%A t(#*sand times+ O rince inc#mara/le+Has m2 reas#n ta$en )li.(t in desire t# see t(ee+And t# (ear t(ee and t# listen t# t(2 ,#rds+And t# /e(#ld t(2 li)e-.ivin. smiles%T(2 inclinin. t(ine ear t# m2 s*licati#nsIs as a caress t# m2 mis.*ided s#*l%T(e /aseness #) m2 (earts c#in is $n#,n t# t(ee+"*t t(#* (ast acceted it as .en*ine c#in%T(#* art r#*d t#,ards t(e arr#.ant and r#*d6

All clemencies are as na*.(t t# t(2 clemenc2%First (ear t(is+ t(at ,(ile I remained in a/sence+First and last ali$e escaed me%Sec#ndl2+ (ear t(is% O rince /el#ved+T(at I searc(ed m*c(+ /*t )#*nd n# sec#nd t# t(ee%T(irdl2+ t(at ,(en I (ad dearted #*tside t(ee+I said it ,as li$e t(e C(ristian Trinit2% F#*rt(l2+ ,(en m2 (arvest ,as /*rned *+I $ne, n#t t(e )#*rt( )r#m t(e )i)t(%7(eres#ever t(#* )indest /l##d #n t(e r#ads+Trace it+ and tis tears #) /l##d )r#m m2 e2es%M2 ,#rds are t(*nder+ and t(ese si.(s and tearsAre dra,n /2 it as rain )r#m t(e cl#*ds%I am distracted /et,een sea$in. and ,eein.%S(all I ,ee+ #r s(all I sea$+ #r ,(at s(all I d#8I) I sea$+ m2 ,eein. ceases6I) I ,ee+ I cease t# raise and ma.ni)2 t(ee%1He s#$e t(*s+ and t(en )ell t# ,eein.+S# t(at (i.( and l#, ,et ,it( (im%S# man2 1A(s1 and 1Alases1 r#ceeded )r#m (is (eart+T(at t(e e#le #) "#$(ara )#rmed a circle r#*nd (im%

Tal$in. sadl2+ ,eein. sadl2+ smilin. sadl2+Men and ,#men+ small and .reat+ ,ere all assem/led%T(e ,(#le cit2 ,et in c#ncert ,it( (im6Men and ,#men min.led t#.et(er as #n t(e last da2%T(en Heaven said t# Eart(+1I) 2#* never sa, a res*rrecti#n-da2+ see it (ere51Reas#n ,as amaBed+ sa2in.+ 17(at l#ve+ ,(at ecstas25Is (is searati#n m#re ,#ndr#*s+ #r (is re*ni#n81@NOTES0% '#ran xix% %9% '#ran viii% %

:% T(e Id *l AB(a+ #r t(e Feast #) Sacri)ices+ (eld #n t(e tent( da2 #) t(e m#nt( *l Hi33a% It isals# called 1T(e C#, Festival%1



<% T(is re)ers t# '#ran ii% ?:% T(e c#, ,as t# /e sacri)iced in #rder t(at a m*rderer mi.(t /edisc#vered /2 stri$in. t(e c#rse ,it( a iece #) (er )les(%>% i%e%+ Eart( l#sin. its #,n )#rm /ec#mes ve.eta/le+ ve.eta/le a.ain eris(es t# )eed and /etransm*ted int# animal+ + and in li$e manner animal /ec#mes man% See t(e assa.e #) Milt#n=*#ted /el#,+ and &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <D and n#te%

?% '#ran ii% >:0 1;eril2 ,e are &#ds+ and t# Him s(all ,e ret*rn%1G% '#ran iii% 9D%% 1Seest t(#* n#t t# ,(at &#d li$enet( a .##d ,#rd8 T# a .##d tree+ its r##t )irml2 )ixed+ andits /ranc(es in t(e (eaven1 '#ran xiv% 9D%D% i%e%+ #) t(e B#diac%% '#ran v% >D%% 1T(e2 s*rel2 are in)idels ,(# sa2+ &#d is t(e t(ird #) t(ree+ )#r t(ere is n# &#d /*t #ne&#d1 '#ran v% GG%

STOR4 K;III%

T(e !eadl2 M#s=*e%

In t(e s*/*r/s #) a certain cit2 t(ere ,as a m#s=*e in ,(ic( n#ne c#*ld slee a ni.(t and live%S#me said it ,as (a*nted /2 malev#lent )airies6 #t(ers+ t(at it ,as *nder t(e /ane)*l in)l*ence#) a ma.ic sell6 s#me r##sed t# *t * a n#tice ,arnin. e#le n#t t# slee t(ere+ and#t(ers advised t(at t(e d##r s(#*ld /e $et l#c$ed% At last a stran.er came t# t(at cit2 anddesired t# slee in t(e m#s=*e+ sa2in. t(at (e did n#t )ear t# ris$ (is li)e+ as t(e li)e #) t(e

/#d2 ,as na*.(t+ and &#d (as said+ 17is( )#r deat( i) 2#* are sincere%1 T(e men #) t(e cit2,arned (im a.ain and a.ain #) t(e dan.er+ and re/*$ed (im )#r (is )##l(ardiness+ remindin.(im t(at n#t imr#/a/l2 Satan ,as temtin. (im t# (is #,n destr*cti#n+ as (e temted t(emen #) Mecca at t(e /attle #) "edr% 9 T(e stran.er+ (#,ever+ ,#*ld n#t /e diss*aded+ /*t

ersisted in (is *r#se #) sleein. in t(e m#s=*e% He said t(at (e ,as as #ne #) t(e dev#teda.ents #) t(e Ismailians+ ,(# ,ere al,a2s read2 t# sacri)ice t(eir lives at t(e /iddin. #) t(eirc(ie)s+ and t(at t(e terr#rs #) deat( did n#t aal (im an2 m#re t(an t(e n#ise #) a little dr*m

/eaten /2 a /#2 t# scare a,a2 /irds c#*ld aal t(e .reat dr*m-/earin. camel t(at *sed t#marc( at t(e (ead #) 'in. Ma(m*ds arm2% Acc#rdin.l2+ (e slet in t(e m#s=*e+ and atmidni.(t (e ,as a,a$ened /2 a terri/le v#ice+ as #) #ne a/#*t t# attac$ (im% "*t instead #)

/ein. disma2ed+ (e /et(#*.(t (imsel) #) t(e text 1Assa*lt t(em ,it( t(2 (#rsemen and t(2)##tmen+1 : and c#n)r#nted (is *nseen )#e+ c(allen.in. (im t# s(#, (imsel) and stand t# (isarms% At t(ese ,#rds t(e sell ,as dissiated+ and s(#,ers #) .#ld )ell #n all sides+ ,(ic( t(e

/rave (er# r#ceeded t# ar#riate%T(e 1$n#,led.e #) certaint21 and t(e 1e2e #) certaint21%O*r /#d2 and s*/stance are sn#,+ d##med t# eris(+&#d is He ,(# /*2s t(em+ )#r 1&#d (at( /#*.(t t(em%1 <4#* re)er t(is eris(in. sn#, t# &#ds rice"eca*se 2#* are in d#*/t and (ave n#t certaint26And+ stran.e t# sa2+ #ini#n a/ides in 2#*+ O ,ea$ #ne+And never )lies a,a2 t# t(e .arden #) certaint2%Ever2 #ini#n is aimin. at certaint2+ O s#n+And m#re and m#re m#ves its ,in.s t#,ards certaint2%7(en it reac(es $n#,led.e it stands erect+

And its $n#,led.e a.ain (astes #n t#,ards certaint2+"eca*se in t(e ar#ved r#ad #) t(e )ait(



'n#,led.e is l#,er t(an certaint2+ /*t a/#ve #ini#n%'n#, $n#,led.e asires t# certaint2+And certaint2 a.ain t# si.(t and #c*lar evidence%In t(e c(ater+ 1!esire #) ric(es #cc*iet( 2#*+1 >A)ter 1Na2+1 read 17#*ld t(at 2e $ne,51

'n#,led.e c#nd*cts 2#* t# si.(t+ O $n#,er51I) 2e are certain+ 2e s(all see (ell-)ire%1Si.(t )#ll#,s #n certaint2 ,it( n# interval+J*st as reas#ned $n#,led.e is /#rn #) #ini#n%See t(e acc#*nt #) t(is in t(e c(ater cited+H#, $n#,led.e #) certaint2 /ec#mes t(e e2e #) certaint2%As )#r me+ I am a/#ve /#t( #ini#n and certaint26M2 (ead is n#t a))ected /2 2#*r cavils%Since m2 m#*t( (as eaten #) His s,eetmeats+I am /ec#me clear-si.(ted+ and see (im )ace t# )ace5T(e ri.(te#*s are ex#sed t# trials )#r t(eir imr#vement+ as #t(er/s are /#iled t# ma$e

t(em )it )#r )##d%

"e(#ld t(ese #t(er/s /#ilin. in t(e #t+H#, t(e2 3*m and t#ss a/#*t in t(e (eat #) t(e )ire%7(ilst t(e2 are /#ilin.+ t(e2 $ee leain. *+Even t# t(e t# #) t(e #t+ and *tter cries+Sa2in. t# t(e (#*se,i)e+ 17(2 d# 2#* set *s #n t(e )ire8

N#, 2#* (ave /#*.(t *s+ ,(2 s(#*ld 2#* a))lict *s81T(e (#*se,i)e *s(es t(em d#,n ,it( (er s##n+ sa2in.+1"e still+ and /#il ,ell+ and lea n#t #)) t(e )ire%I d# n#t /#il 2#* /eca*se I disli$e 2#*+"*t t(at 2#* ma2 ac=*ire a .##d sav#r and taste%7(en 2#* /ec#me )##d 2#* ,ill /e min.led ,it( li)e6T(is trial is n#t im#sed #n 2#* t# distress 2#*%In t(e .arden 2#* dran$ ,ater s#)t and )res(6T(at ,ater-)ed #ne ,as reserved )#r t(is )ire%Merc2 ,as )irst s(#,n t# it /e)#re ven.eance+T(at merc2 mi.(t train it t# /e r##) a.ainst trial6Merc2 ,as s(#,n t# it revi#*sl2 t# ven.eance+T(at it mi.(t ac=*ire its s*/stance #) /ein.%

"eca*se )les( and s$in .r#, n#t ,it(#*t tender care+H#, s(#*ld t(e2 n#t .r#, ,(en ,armed /2 t(e Friends l#ve%I) ven.eance )#ll#,s as a necessar2 c#nse=*ence+T(at 2#* ma2 ma$e an #))erin. #) t(at s*/stance+Merc2 )#ll#,s a.ain t# c#mensate )#r it+T(at 2#* ma2 /e *ri)ied and raised a/#ve 2#*r nat*re%I am A/ra(am+ and 2#* (is s#n *nder t(e $ni)e%La2 d#,n 2#*r (ead5 I (ave seen I m*st sacri)ice 2#*% ?4ield 2#*r (ead t# ven.eance+ 2#*r (eart t# c#nstanc2+T(at I ma2 c*t 2#*r t(r#at li$e an Ismailians%I c*t #)) 2#*r (ead+ /*t t(at (ead is s*c(

T(at it is rest#red t# li)e /2 /ein. c*t #))51M2 main #/3ect (erein is t# inc*lcate resi.nati#n+



O M#salman5 it /e(#ves 2#* t# see$ resi.nati#n% GO #t(er/s+ 2#* /#il in trials and s*))erin.sT(at neit(er existence n#r sel) ma2 remain in 2#*%T(#*.( 2#* #nce smiled in t(at eart(l2 .arden+4#* are reall2 r#ses #) t(e .arden #) li)e and si.(t%

I) 2#* are t#rn a,a2 )r#m t(e .arden #) eart(+4#* /ec#me s,eet )##d t# revive mans li)e64ea+ /ec#me (is )##d and stren.t( and t(#*.(t5 4#* ,ere #nl2 mil$+ 2#* /ec#me a li#n #) t(e )#rest54#* iss*e )r#m &#ds attri/*tes at )irst6Ret*rn a.ain /ac$ t# t(#se attri/*tes ,it( all seed54#* c#me )r#m t(e cl#*ds and s*ns(ine and s$2+T(en ass*me m#ral =*alities and ascend t(e s$2%4#* c#me in t(e )#rm #) rain and s*ns(ine+4#* deart end*ed ,it( excellent attri/*tes%4#* /e.in as a art #) t(e s*n+ cl#*ds+ and stars+

4#* rise t# /e /reat(+ act+ ,#rd+ and t(#*.(t5T(e li)e #) animals c#mes )r#m t(e deat( #) lants%Tr*e is t(e sa2in.+ 'ill me+ O )ait()*l #nes5Since s*c( exaltati#n a,aits *s a)ter deat(%Tr*e it is t(at In #*r deat( is li)e%Acts+ ,#rds+ and )ait( are t(e )##d #) t(e 'in.+S# t(at in t(is ascent #ne attains t# (eaven%T(*s+ as #t(er/s /ec#me t(e )##d #) men+T(e2 rise a/#ve t(e .rade #) minerals t# t(at #) animals%O/3ecti#ns #) )##ls t# t(e Masnavi%A certain .##se #s (is (ead #*t #) (is c##+And disla2s (imsel) as a critic #) t(e Masnavi+Sa2in.+ 1T(is #em+ t(e Masnavi+ is c(ildis(6Tis /*t a st#r2 #) t(e r#(ets+ and s# #n%Tis n#t an acc#*nt #) t(e ar.*ments and dee m2steries+7(eret# (#l2 men direct t(eir attenti#n6C#ncernin. asceticism+ and s# #n t# sel)-anni(ilati#n+Ste /2 ste+ * t# c#mm*ni#n ,it( &#d6An exlanati#n and de)initi#n #) eac( several state+7(eret# t(e men #) (eart ascend in t(eir )li.(t%17(ereas t(e "##$ #) &#d resem/les t(e Masnavi in t(is+

T(e in)idels a/*sed it+ in t(e same manner+Sa2in.+ It c#ntains #ld tales and st#ries6 DT(ere is n# dee anal2sis #r l#)t2 investi.ati#n t(erein%Little /#2s can *nderstand it6It #nl2 c#ntains c#mmands and r#(i/iti#ns+Acc#*nts #) 4*s*) and (is c*rled l#c$s+Acc#*nts #) Jac#/+ #) *lai$(a and (er l#ve+Acc#*nts #) Adam+ #) t(e ,(eat+ and #) t(e serent I/lis+Acc#*nts #) H*d+ #) N#a(+ #) A/ra(am+ and t(e+ )ire%1'n#, t(e ,#rds #) t(e '#ran are simle+"*t ,it(in t(e #*t,ard sense is an inner secret #ne%

"eneat( t(at secret meanin. is a t(ird+7(ereat t(e (i.(est ,it is d*m/)#*ndered%



T(e )#*rt( meanin. (as /een seen /2 n#neSave &#d+ t(e Inc#mara/le and All-s*))icient%T(*s t(e2 .# #n+ even t# seven meanin.s+ #ne /2 #ne+Acc#rdin. t# t(e sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et+ ,it(#*t d#*/t%!# t(#*+ O s#n+ c#n)ine n#t t(2 vie, t# t(e #*t,ard meanin.+

Even as t(e dem#ns sa, in Adam #nl2 cla2% T(e #*t,ard meanin. #) t(e '#ran is li$e Adams /#d2+F#r its sem/lance is visi/le+ /*t its s#*l is (idden%O revilin. d#.5 t(#* ma$est a clam#*r+T(#* ma$est t(2 a/*se #) t(e '#ran t(2 destr*cti#n% 9T(is is n#t a li#n+ ,(ere)r#m t(#* canst save t(2 li)e+Or canst sec*re t(2sel) )r#m (is tal#ns5T(e '#ran cries #*t even t# t(e last da2+1O e#le+ .iven * as a re2 t# i.n#rance+I) 2e (ave ima.ined me t# /e #nl2 emt2 )a/les+4e (ave s#,n t(e seed #) revilin. and in)idelit2%

4e 2#*rselves ,(# a/*se me ,ill see 2#*rselvesAnni(ilated+ and made li$e a tale t(at is t#ld51S#l#m#n and t(e .nat%A .nat came in )r#m t(e .arden and )ields+And called #n S#l#m#n )#r 3*stice+Sa2in.+ 1O S#l#m#n+ 2#* extend 2#*r e=*it2Over dem#ns and t(e s#ns #) Adam and )airies%Fis( and )#,l d,ell *nder t(e s(elter #) 2#*r 3*stice67(ere is t(e #ressed #ne ,(#m 2#*r merc2 (as n#t s#*.(t8&rant me redress+ )#r I am m*c( a))licted+"ein. c*t #)) )r#m m2 .arden and mead#, (a*nts%1T(en S#l#m#n relied+ 1O see$er #) redress+Tell me )r#m ,(#m d# 2#* desire redress87(# is t(e #ress#r+ ,(#+ *))ed * ,it( arr#.anceHas #ressed 2#* and smitten 2#*r )ace81T(e .nat relied+ 1He )r#m ,(#m I see$ redress is t(e 7ind+Tis (e ,(# (as emitted t(e sm#$e #) #ressi#n at me6T(r#*.( (is #ressi#n I am in a .riev#*s strait+T(r#*.( (im I drin$ /l##d ,it( arc(ed li51S#l#m#n relied t# (im+ 1O s,eet v#iced #ne+4#* m*st (ear t(e c#mmand #) &#d ,it( all 2#*r (eart%

&#d (as c#mmanded me sa2in.+ O disenser #) 3*stice+ Never (ear #ne art2 ,it(#*t t(e #t(er5Till /#t( arties c#me int# t(e resence+T(e tr*t( is never made lain t# t(e 3*d.e%17(en t(e 7ind (eard t(e s*mm#ns+ it came s,i)tl2+And t(e .nat instantl2 t##$ )li.(t%In li$e manner t(e see$ers #) &#ds resence-seat+7(en &#d aears+ t(#se see$ers vanis(%T(#*.( t(at *ni#n is li)e eternal+4et at )irst t(at li)e is anni(ilati#n%@NOTES0

% '#ran ii% %9% '#ran viii% >



:% '#ran xvii% ??%<% 1;eril2 #) t(e )ait()*l (at( &#d /#*.(t t(eir ers#ns and t(eir s*/stance+ #n c#nditi#n #)Paradise )#r t(em in ret*rn1 '#ran ix% 9%>% 1T(e desire #) ric(es #cc*iet( 2#* till 2e c#me t# t(e .rave% Na25 /*t in t(e end 2e s(all$n#,% Na25 ,#*ld t(at 2e $ne, it ,it( $n#,led.e #) certaint2% S*rel2 2e s(all see (ell-)ire%

4e s(all s*rel2 see it ,it( t(e e2e #) certaint21 '#ran cii%?% '#ran xxxvii% %G% Acc#rdin. t# its et2m#l#.2% Islam means sel)-s*rrender t# &#d as ,ell as sa)et2+ eace+ and#/edience t# divine la,s%% C% Milt#n+ Paradise L#st+ v% <901Fl#,rs and t(eir )r*it+Mans n#*ris(ment+ /2 .rad*al scale s*/limd+T# vital sirits asire+ t# animal+T# intellect*al%1D% '#ran xxvii% G%% T(ere is a Hadis t# t(e e))ect t(at eac( ,#rd #) t(e '#ran (as seven meanin.s% See '#ran

iii% >%% '#ran xvii% ?:%9% T(e L*c$n#, c#mmentat#r sa2s t(at FaiBi /r#t(er #) A/*l FaBl A$/ars minister #nces#$e disresect)*ll2 #) t(e '#ran and t(e Masnavi+ and #n t(e leaves /ein. t*rned #ver+ t(is

assa.e resented itsel)%T(e /##$ ends ,it( t(e /e.innin. #) a st#r2 ,(ic( is )inis(ed in t(e )#*rt( /##$%

THE SPIRITUAL COUPLETS

OFMAULANA JALALU-!-!lN MUHAMMA! RUMI

"##$ I;%

STOR4 I%T(e L#ver and (is Mistress%

THE )#*rt( /##$ /e.ins ,it( an address t# H*sam*-d-!in+ and t(is is )#ll#,ed /2 t(e st#r2#) t(e l#ver and (is mistress+ alread2 c#mmenced in t(e t(ird /##$% A certain l#ver (ad /eensearated )r#m (is mistress )#r t(e sace #) seven 2ears+ d*rin. ,(ic( (e never relaxed (ise))#rts t# )ind (er% At last (is c#nstanc2 and erseverance ,ere re,arded+ in acc#rdance ,it(t(e r#mises 1T(e see$er s(all )ind+1 and 17(#s# s(all (ave ,r#*.(t an at#ms ,ei.(t #).##d s(all /e(#ld it%1 One ni.(t+ as (e ,as ,anderin. t(r#*.( t(e cit2+ (e ,as *rs*ed /2t(e atr#l+ and+ in #rder t# escae t(em+ t##$ re)*.e in a .arden+ ,(ere (e )#*nd (is l#n.-s#*.(t mistress% T(is #ccasi#ned (im t# re)lect (#, #)ten men 1(ate t(e t(in.s t(at are .##d)#r t(em+1 9 and led (im t# /less t(e r#*.( atr#l ,(# (ad r#c*red (im t(e /liss #) meetin.

,it( (is mistress%Ar##s #) t(is+ an anecd#te is t#ld #) a reac(er ,(# ,as in t(e (a/it #) /lessin. r#//ers and



#ress#rs+ /eca*se t(eir evil examle (ad t*rned (im t# ri.(te#*sness% T(e m#ment t(e l#ver)#*nd (imsel) al#ne ,it( (is mistress+ (e attemted t# em/race (er+ /*t (is mistress re*lsed(im+ sa2in.+ t(at t(#*.( n# men ,ere resent+ 2et t(e ,ind ,as /l#,in. and t(at s(#,ed t(at&#d+ t(e m#ver #) t(e ,ind+ ,as als# resent% T(e l#ver relied+ 1It ma2 /e I am lac$in. in.##d manners+ /*t I am n#t lac$in. in c#nstanc2 and )idelit2 t#,ards 2#*%1 His mistress

relied+ 1One m*st 3*d.e #) t(e (idden /2 t(e mani)est6 I see )#r m2sel) t(at 2#*r #*t,ard /e(avi#r is /ad+ and t(ence I cann#t /*t in)er t(at 2#*r /#ast #) (idden virt*es is n#t,arranted /2 act*al )acts% 4#* are as(amed t# misc#nd*ct 2#*rsel) in t(e si.(t #) men+ /*t(ave n# scr*le t# d# s# in t(e resence #) t(e All-seein. &#d+ and (ence I d#*/t t(eexistence #) t(e virt*#*s sentiments ,(ic( 2#* claim t# #ssess+ /*t ,(ic( can #nl2 /e$n#,n t# 2#*rsel)%1 T# ill*strate t(is+ s(e t#ld t(e st#r2 #) a S*)i and (is )ait(less ,i)e% T(is,i)e ,as #ne da2 entertainin. a aram#*r+ ,(en s(e ,as s*rrised /2 t(e s*dden ret*rn #) (er(*s/and% On t(e s*r #) t(e m#ment s(e t(re, a ,#mans dress #ver (er aram#*r and

resented (im t# (er (*s/and as a ric( lad2 ,(# (ad c#me t# r##se a marria.e /et,een (ers#n and t(e S*)is da*.(ter+ sa2in. s(e did n#t care )#r ,ealt(+ /*t #nl2 re.arded m#dest2 andrectit*de #) c#nd*ct% T# t(is t(e S*)i relied+ t(at as )r#m (er c#min. *nattended it ,as lain

t(at t(e lad2 (ad n#t t(e ,ealt( s(e retended t# (ave+ it ,as m#re t(an r#/a/le t(at (er retensi#ns t# extra#rdinar2 m#dest2 and (*milit2 ,ere als# )ictiti#*s% T(e l#ver t(en r#ceeded t# exc*se (imsel) /2 t(e lea t(at (e (ad ,is(ed t# test (is mistress+ and ascertain)#r (imsel) ,(et(er s(e ,as a m#dest ,#man #r n#t% He said (e #) c#*rse $ne, /e)#re(andt(at s(e ,#*ld r#ve t# /e a m#dest ,#man+ /*t still (e ,is(ed t# (ave #c*lar dem#nstrati#n#) t(e )act% His mistress rer#ved (im )#r tr2in. t# deceive (er ,it( )alse retences+ ass*rin.(im t(at+ a)ter (e (ad /een detected in a )a*lt+ (is #nl2 r#er c#*rse ,as t# c#n)ess it+ asAdam (ad d#ne% M#re#ver+ s(e added t(at an attemt t# *t (er t# t(e test ,#*ld (ave /eenan extremel2 *n,#rt(2 r#ceedin.+ #nl2 t# /e aralleled /2 A/* Ja(ls attemt t# r#ve t(etr*t( #) t(e Pr#(ets claims /2 callin. #n (im t# er)#rm a miracle%T(e s#*l #) .##d in t(in.s evil% Evil #nl2 relative%T(e l#ver inv#$ed /lessin.s #n t(at r#*.( atr#l+"eca*se t(eir (ars(ness (ad ,r#*.(t /liss )#r (im%T(e2 ,ere #is#n t# m#st men+ /*t s,eets t# (im+"eca*se t(#se (ars( #nes (ad *nited (im ,it( (is l#ve%In t(e ,#rld t(ere is n#t(in. a/s#l*tel2 /ad6'n#,+ m#re#ver+ evil is #nl2 relative%In t(e ,#rld t(ere is neit(er #is#n n#r antid#te+7(ic( is n#t a )##t t# #ne and a )etter t# an#t(er6T# #ne t(e #,er #) m#vin.+ t# an#t(er a cl#.6T# #ne a #is#n+ t# an#t(er an antid#te%

Serents #is#n is li)e t# serents+In relati#n t# man$ind it is deat(%T# t(e creat*res #) t(e sea t(e sea is a .arden+T# t(e creat*res #) t(e land it is )atal%In t(e same ,a2+ O man+ rec$#n * ,it( intelli.enceT(e relati#ns #) t(ese t(in.s in endless variet2%In relati#n t# t(is man aid is as Satan+In relati#n t# an#t(er (e is as a S*ltan%T(e latter calls aid a sincere M*ss*lman+T(e )#rmer calls (im a &*e/er deservin. t# /e $illed%aid+ #ne and t(e same ers#n+ is li)e t# t(e #ne+

And t# t(e #t(er an ann#2ance and a est%I) 2#* desire t(at &#d ma2 /e leasin. t# 2#*+



T(en l##$ at Him ,it( t(e e2es #) t(em t(at l#ve Him%L##$ n#t at t(at "ea*t2 ,it( 2#*r #,n e2es+L##$ at t(at O/3ect #) desire ,it( His v#taries e2es6S(*t 2#*r #,n e2es )r#m /e(#ldin. t(at s,eet O/3ect+And /#rr#, )r#m His admirers t(eir e2es6

Na2+ /#rr#, )r#m Him /#t( e2es and si.(t+And ,it( t(#se e2es #) His l##$ *#n His )ace+In #rder t(at 2#* ma2 n#t /e disa#inted ,it( t(e si.(t%&#d sa2s+ 17(#s# is &#ds+ &#d als# is (is%1&#d sa2s+ 1I am (is e2e+ (is (and+ (is (eart+1 :T(at (is .##d )#rt*ne ma2 emer.e )r#m adversit2%7(ats#ever is (ate)*l t# 2#*+ i) it s(#*ld lead 2#*T# 2#*r /el#ved+ at #nce /ec#mes a.reea/le t# 2#*%7(2 &#d is named 1Hearin.+1 1Seein.1 and 1'n#,in.1%&#d calls (imsel) 1Seein.+1 t# t(e end t(atHis e2e ma2 ever2 m#ment scare 2#* )r#m sinnin.%

&#d calls (imsel) 1Hearin.+1 t# t(e end t(at4#* ma2 cl#se 2#*r lis a.ainst )#*l disc#*rse%&#d calls (imsel) 1'n#,in.+1 t# t(e end t(at4#* ma2 /e a)raid t# l#t evil%T(ese names are n#t mere accidental names #) &#d+As a ne.r# ma2 /e called 'a)*r ,(ite6T(e2 are names derived )r#m &#ds essential attri/*tes+

N#t mere vain titles #) t(e First Ca*se%F#r i) s#+ t(e2 ,#*ld /e #nl2 emt2 leasantries+Li$e callin. t(e dea) a (earer and t(e /lind a seer+Or a name li$e 1im*dent1 )#r a m#dest man+Or 1/ea*ti)*l1 )#r an *.l2 ne.r#+Or s*c( a title as 1Ha3i1 )#r a ne,-/#rn /#2+Or t(at #) 1&(aBi1 alied t# a n#/le idler%I) s*c( titles as t(ese are *sed in raisin. ers#ns7(# d# n#t #ssess t(e =*alities imlied+ tis ,r#n.6T,#*ld /e 3estin. #r m#c$er2 #r madness%1&#d is exalted a/#ve1 ,(at is said /2 evil men% <I $ne, 2#* /e)#re I met 2#* )ace t# )ace6T(at 2#* (ad a )air )ace /*t an evil (eart64ea+ I $ne, 2#* /e)#re I sa, 2#*+

T(at 2#* ,ere r##ted in ini=*it2 t(r#*.( .*ile%7(en m2 e2e is red #,in. t# in)lammati#n+I $n#, tis s# )r#m t(e ain+ t(#*.( I see it n#t%4#* re.arded me as a lam/ ,it(#*t a s(e(erd64#* )ancied t(at I (ad n# .*ardian%L#vers (ave s*))ered c(astisement )#r t(is ca*se+T(at t(e2 (ave cast ill-timed l##$s at )air #nes%T(e2 (ave s*#sed t(e )a,n t# (ave n# s(e(erd+T(e2 (ave s*#sed t(e cative t# /e .#in. a /e..in.6Till in t(e t,in$lin. #) an e2e an arr#, ierces t(em+Sa2in.+ 1I am (er .*ardian6 l##$ n#t at (er ras(l251

7(at5 am I less t(an a lam/ #r a )all#, deer+T(at I s(#*ld (ave n#ne t# s(e(erd me8



Na2+ I (ave a &*ardian ,#rt(2 #) d#mini#n+7(# $n#,s ever2 ,ind t(at /l#,s *#n me%He is a,are ,(et(er t(at ,ind is c(ill #r mild+He is n#t i.n#rant n#r a/sent+ O mean #ne%T(e carnal s#*l is made /2 &#d /lind and dea)6

I sa, ,it( t(e (earts e2e 2#*r /lindness a)ar #))%F#r t(is ca*se I never in=*ired a/#*t 2#* )#r ei.(t 2ears"eca*se I sa, 2#* )illed ,it( i.n#rance and d*licit2%7(2 indeed s(#*ld I in=*ire a/#*t #ne in t(e )*rnace+7(# is /#,ed d#,n ,it( rer#ac(+ li$e 2#*rsel)8C#maris#n #) t(e ,#rld t# a /at( st#ve+and #) iet2 t# t(e (#t /at(%T(e l*st #) t(e ,#rld is li$e a /at( st#ve+7(ere/2 t(e /at( #) iet2 is (eated6"*t t(e l#t #) t(e i#*s is *rit2 )r#m t(e st#ves )ilt(+"eca*se t(e2 d,ell in t(e /at( and in cleanliness%

T(e ric( are as t(#se t(at carr2 d*n.T# (eat t(e )*rnace #) t(e /at( ,it(al%&#d (as instilled int# t(em c*idit2+T(at t(e /at( ma2 /e ,armed and leasant%*it t(is st#ve and *s( #n int# t(e /at(6'n#, =*ittin. t(e st#ve t# /e t(e /at( itsel)%7(#s# is in t(e st#ve-r##m is as a servantT# (im ,(# is temerate and r*dent%4#*r l*st is as )ire in t(e ,#rld+7it( a (*ndred .reed2 m#*t(s ,ide #en%In t(e 3*d.ment #) reas#n t(is .#ld is )#*l d*n.+Alt(#*.(+ li$e d*n.+ it serves t# $indle t(e )ire%7(#s# ,as /#rn in t(e st#ve-r##m and never sa, *rit2+T(e smell #) s,eet m*s$ is disa.reea/le t# (im%In ill*strati#n #) t(is+ a st#r2 )#ll#,s #) a tanner ,(# ,as acc*st#med t# /ad smells in t(ec#*rse #) (is trade+ and ,(# ,as (al) $illed /2 t(e smell #) m*s$ in t(e /aBaar #) t(e

er)*mers+ /*t ,as c*red /2 t(e acc*st#med smell #) d*n.%@NOTES0% '#ran xcix% G%9% '#ran ii% 9:%:% 1M2 servant dra,s ni.( t# me /2 i#*s deeds till I l#ve (im+ and+ ,(en I l#ve (im+ I am (is

e2e+ (is ear+ (is t#n.*e+ (is )##t+ (is (and+ and /2 me (e sees+ (ears+ tal$s+ ,al$s+ and )eels%1Hadis%<% C% '#ran xvi :%

STOR4 II%T(e "*ildin. #) t(e 1M#st Rem#te Temle1 at Jer*salem%'in. !avid *r#sed t# /*ild a temle at Jer*salem+ /*t ,as )#r/idden t# d# s# /2 a divinev#ice+ /eca*se (e (ad /een a man #) /l##d% "*t+ it ,as added+ t(e ,#r$ s(#*ld /eacc#mlis(ed /2 (is s#n S#l#m#n+ and S#l#m#ns ,#r$ ,#*ld /e rec$#ned t(e same as!avids+ in acc#rdance ,it( t(e texts+ 1T(e )ait()*l are /ret(ren+1 and 1Sa.es are as a sin.le

s#*l+1 and 17e ma$e n# distincti#n /et,een an2 #) t(e a#stles%1 Acc#rdin.l2+ ,(enS#l#m#n came t# t(e t(r#ne+ (e set a/#*t t(e /*ildin.+ ,(ic( ,as attended ,it( man2



mirac*l#*s circ*mstances+ e%.%+ t(e st#nes in t(e =*arr2 cr2in. #*t and m#vin. #) t(emselvest# t(e site #) t(e temle% "il=is+ *een #) Sa/a+ sent S#l#m#n a resent #) )#rt2 camels laden,it( in.#ts #) .#ld6 /*t S#l#m#n ,#*ld n#t receive t(em+ and sent (er messen.ers /ac$ ,it(a letter c#mmandin. (er t# a/and#n t(e ,#rs(i #) t(e s*n and em/race Islam% 9 At t(e sametime (e c(ar.ed t(e messen.ers t# re#rt )*ll2 t# t(e *een all t(e2 (ad seen in (is $in.d#m+

and t# *r.e (er t# c#ml2 ,it( (is c#mmands t# ren#*nce (er s#verei.nt2 and resent (ersel)in all (*milit2 at (is c#*rt% As s(e dela2ed t# c#me+ S#l#m#n a.ain sent t# ass*re (er t(at (e(ad n# sinister vie,s re.ardin. (er+ and desired (er attendance at (is c#*rt s#lel2 )#r (er #,nsirit*al /ene)it% At last "il=is ren#*nced (er r#2al state and cast a,a2 all care )#r ,#rldl2t(in.s+ and+ imelled /2 earnest desire t# learn t(e tr*e )ait(+ resented (ersel) at t(e c#*rt #)'in. S#l#m#n% T(en S#l#m#n c#mmanded t(at t(e t(r#ne #) "il=is s(#*ld /e /r#*.(t )r#mSa/a+ and an A)rit #))ered t# )etc( it+ /*t Asa)+ t(e viBier anticiated (im% : A)ter,ardsS#l#m#n r#ceeded ,it( t(e /*ildin. #) t(e temle+ ,(erein (e ,as assisted /2 devils and)airies% T(en &#d tried S#l#m#n /2 lacin. #n (is t(r#ne a )alse c#*nterart #) (im% Hismiracle ,#r$in. si.net ,as st#len /2 a devil named Sa$(ar ,(# t(ere*#n ass*med (is s(aeand ers#nated (im )#r )#rt2 da2s+ d*rin. ,(ic( S#l#m#n (ad t# ,ander a/#*t and /e. (is

/read% A)ter t(is (e re.ained (is t(r#ne+ and (avin. c#mleted t(e temle+ /e.an t# ,#rs(it(erein% One da2 (e #/served t(at a t*)t #) c#arse .rass (ad sr*n. * in a c#rner #) t(etemle+ and (e ,as .reatl2 distressed /eca*se (e t(#*.(t it #rtended t(e r*in #) t(e /*ildin.+

/*t (e t##$ c#m)#rt )r#m t(e t(#*.(t t(at ,(ile (e (imsel) lived t(e temle ,#*ld n#t /eall#,ed t# )all int# r*in6 s# l#n. as (e lived+ at least+ (e ,#*ld r##t * all evil ,eeds t(att(reatened t(e sa)et2 #) t(e temle+ as ,ell t(e temle /*ilt ,it( (ands as t(e sirit*al temlein (is (eart%In t(e c#*rse #) t(is st#r2+ ,(ic( is t#ld at .reat len.t(+ t(ere #cc*r anecd#tes #) t(e /e.innin.#) t(e rei.n #) Ot(man+ #) t(e miracles #) A/d*lla( M#.(ra/i+ and #t(ers+ #) ,(ic( a/stractsare .iven /el#,%T(#*.( (il#s#(ers call man t(e micr#c#sm+ divines call (im t(e macr#c#sm%In #*t,ard )#rm t(#* art t(e micr#c#sm+"*t in realit2 t(e macr#c#sm% <Seemin.l2 t(e /#*.( is t(e ca*se #) t(e )r*it+ >"*t reall2 t(e /#*.( exists /eca*se #) t(e )r*it%7ere (e n#t imelled /2 desire #) )r*it+T(e .ardener ,#*ld never (ave lanted t(e tree%T(ere)#re in realit2 t(e tree is /#rn )r#m t(e )r*it+T(#*.( seemin.l2 t(e )r*it is /#rn )r#m t(e tree%F#r t(is ca*se M*sta)a said+ 1Adam and all r#(etsAre m2 )#ll#,ers and .at(er *nder m2 standard%

T(#*.( t# #*t,ard vie, I am a s#n #) Adam+In realit2 I am (is )irst )#re)at(er+"eca*se t(e an.els ,#rs(ied (im )#r m2 sa$e+And t,as in m2 )##tstes t(at (e ascended t# (eaven%Hence in realit2 #*r )irst arent ,as m2 #))srin.+As in realit2 t(e tree is /#rn #) its #,n )r*it%17(at is )irst in t(#*.(t is last in act%T(#*.(t is t(e secial attri/*te #) t(e Eternal%T(is r#d*ct .#es )#rt( )r#m (eaven ver2 s,i)tl2+And c#mes t# *s li$e a caravan% ?Tis n#t a l#n. r#ad t(at t(is caravan travels6

Can t(e desert st# t(e deliverer8T(e (eart travels t# t(e 'a/a ever2 m#ment+



And /2 divine .race t(e /#d2 ac=*ires t(e same #,er%!istance and nearness a))ect #nl2 t(e /#d2+7(at d# t(e2 matter in t(e lace ,(ere &#d is87(en &#d c(an.es t(e /#d2+It re.ards n#t arasan.s #r miles%

Even #n eart( t(ere is (#e #) ar#ac(in. &#d%Press #n li$e a l#ver+ and cease vain ,#rds+ O s#n5In t(e c#*rse #) (is re/*$e t# t(e messen.ers #) "il=is )#r /rin.in. (im mere .#ld instead #) a(*m/le (eart+ S#l#m#n tells t(e st#r2 #) t(e dr*..ist ,(# *sed s#ast#ne #r Persian eart( )#ra ,ei.(t% A man came t# (im t# /*2 s*.ar-cand2+ and as (e (ad n# ,ei.(t at (and+ (e *sed al*m #) s#ast#ne instead6 /*t+ ,(ile (is /ac$ ,as t*rned+ t(e *rc(aser st#le a /it #) t(es#ast#ne% T(e dr*..ist+ t(#*.( (e sa, ,(at (e ,as d#in.+ ,#*ld n#t interr*t (im+ )#r (e$ne, t(at t(e m#re s#ast#ne t(e *rc(aser st#le+ t(e less s*.ar-cand2 (e ,#*ld .et% In li$emanner t(e m#re men .ras at t(e transit#r2 ,ealt( #) t(is ,#rld+ t(e less t(e2 ,ill #/tain #)t(e sta/le ,ealt( #) t(e ,#rld t# c#me%Part #) S#l#mans messa.e t# "il=is%

Re#rt t# "il=is ,(at marvels 2e (ave seen+And ,(at lains #) .#ld /el#n. t# S#l#m#n6H#, 2e /e(eld )#rt2 mansi#ns )aced ,it( .#ld+And (#, 2e ,ere as(amed #) 2#*r resents6T(at s(e ma2 $n#, S#l#m#n is n#t c#vet#*s #) .#ld6He (as received .#ld )r#m t(e Creat#r #) .#ld%T(e m#ment (e ,ills it+ ever2 .rain #) eart(s d*stIs c(an.ed int# .#ld and reci#*s earls%F#r t(is ca*se+ O t(#* t(at l#vest .#ld+On t(e last da2 &#d ,ill ma$e eart( all silver ,(ite% G*it t(2 ,ealt(+ even i) it /e t(e realm #) Sa/a6T(#* ,ilt )ind man2 realms n#t #) t(is eart(%7(at t(#* callest a t(r#ne is #nl2 a ris#n6T(#* t(in$est t(2sel) ent(r#ned+ /*t art #*tside t(e d##r%T(#* (ast n# s#verei.nt2 #ver t(ine #,n assi#ns+H#, canst t(#* s,a2 .##d and evil8T(2 (air t*rns ,(ite ,it(#*t t(2 c#nc*rrence+Ta$e s(ame t# t(2sel) )#r t(2 evil assi#ns%7(#s# /#,s (is (ead t# t(e 'in. #) $in.s7ill receive a (*ndred $in.d#ms n#t #) t(is ,#rld6"*t t(e deli.(t #) /#,in. d#,n /e)#re &#d

7ill seem s,eeter t# t(ee t(an c#*ntless .l#ries%1An anecd#te )#ll#,s #) a darves( ,(# sa, in a dream s#me saints+ and ra2ed t(em t# r#vide (im ,it( (is dail2 /read ,it(#*t #/li.in. (im t# mix in ,#rldl2 a))airs% T(e saints#rdered (im t# .# t# t(e )#rest+ and t(ere (e )#*nd t(at all t(e ,ild )r*its ,ere rendered )it )#r(is )##d% Havin. a )e, .rains #) .#ld /2 (im+ ,(ic( (e (ad .ained /2 ,#rldl2 la/#*r /e)#ret(is miracle (ad /een ,r#*.(t )#r (im+ (e ,as a/#*t t# .ive t(em t# a ##r ,##dc*tter ,(#,as assin. t(at ,a2% "*t t(is ,##dc*tter ,as a saint+ and at #nce read (is t(#*.(ts+ and t#s(#,+ li$e S#l#m#n+ t(at (e (ad n# need #) ,#rldl2 ,ealt(+ (e #))ered * a s(#rt ra2er t#&#d+ and strai.(t,a2 (is /*ndle #) )ire,##d ,as c(an.ed int# .#ld+ and immediatel2 a)ter+ atan#t(er ra2er+ ,as c(an.ed /ac$ a.ain int# )ire,##d%I/ra(im /in Ad(am a*d (is )#ndness )#r m*sic%



Haste t# ren#*nce t(2 $in.d#m+ li$e I/ra(im /in Ad(am+T# #/tain+ li$e (im+ t(e $in.d#m #) eternit2%At ni.(t t(at $in. ,#*ld slee #n (is t(r#ne+7it( (is .*ards #) state s*rr#*ndin. (is alace+

T(#*.( (e needed n# .*ards )#r t(e *r#seO) ,ardin. #)) r#//ers and va.a/#nds6F#r (e ,(# is a 3*st $in. $n#,s ever2t(in.+And is sa)e )r#m (arm and (is mind is at eace%J*stice is t(e .*ardian #) (is stes+

N#t .*ards ,it( dr*ms r#*nd (is alace%His *r#se in (avin. t(is /and #) m*sic ,as t(is+T# recall t# (is l#n.in. (eart t(at call #) &#d% DT(e ,ailin. #) (#rn and t(e t(*nder #) dr*mResem/le in s#me s#rt t(at dread 1tr*met /last%1 7(ere)#re (il#s#(ers sa2 t(at ,e (ave learned

O*r mel#dies )r#m t(#se #) t(e rev#lvin. s(eres%T(e s#n. #) t(e s(eres in t(eir rev#l*ti#nsIs ,(at men sin. ,it( l*te and v#ice%T(e )ait()*l (#ld t(at t(e s,eet in)l*ences #) (eavenCan ma$e even (ars( v#ices mel#di#*s%As ,e are all mem/ers #) Adam+7e (ave (eard t(ese mel#dies in Paradise6T(#*.( eart( and ,ater (ave cast t(eir veil *#n *s+7e retain )aint reminiscences #) t(#se (eavenl2 s#n.s%"*t ,(ile ,e are t(*s s(r#*ded /2 .r#ss eart(l2 veils+H#, can t(e t#nes #) t(e dancin. s(eres reac( *s8 Hence it is t(at listenin. t# m*sic is l#vers )##d+"eca*se it recalls t# t(em t(eir rimal *ni#n ,it( &#d%T(e in,ard )eelin.s #) t(e mind ac=*ire stren.t(+

Na2+ are s(#,n #*t,ardl2+ *nder in)l*ence #) m*sic%T(e )ire #) l#ve /*rns (#tter *nder stim*l*s #) m*sic+Even as #cc*rred in t(e case #) t(e n*t-.at(erer%I/ra(ims a/dicati#n%Once t(at n#/le I/ra(im+ as (e sat #n (is t(r#ne+Heard a clam#*r and n#ise #) cries #n t(e r##)+Als# (eav2 )##tstes #n t(e r##) #) (is alace%

He said t# (imsel)+ 17(#se (eav2 )eet are t(#se81He s(#*ted )r#m (is ,ind#,+ 17(# .#es t(ere8Tis n# mans ste6 s*rel2 tis a )air2%1His .*ards+ )illed ,it( c#n)*si#n+ /#,ed t(eir (eads+Sa2in.+ 1It is ,e ,(# are .#in. t(e r#*nds in searc(%1He said+ 17(at see$ 2e81 T(e2 said 1O*r camels1 9He said+ 17(# ever searc(ed )#r camels #n a (#*set#81T(e2 said+ 17e )#ll#, t(2 examle+7(# see$est *ni#n ,it( &#d ,(ile sittin. #n a t(r#ne%1T(is ,as all+ and n# man ever sa, (im a.ain+J*st as )airies are invisi/le t# men%

His s*/stance ,as (id )r#m men+ t(#*.( (e ,as ,it( t(em+F#r ,(at can men see save t(e #*t,ard asect and dress8



As (e ,as rem#ved )r#m t(e si.(t #) )riends and stran.ers+His )ame ,as n#ised a/r#ad li$e t(at #) t(e An$a%F#r t(e s#*l #) ever2 /ird t(at reac(es M#*nt a) C#n)ers .l#r2 #n t(e ,(#le )amil2 #) /irds% l:T(e anecd#te #) t(e n*t-.at(erer+ intr#d*ced in t(e a/#ve st#r2+ is #nl2 an#t(er versi#n #) t(e

st#r2 #) t(e t(irst2 man ,(# t(re, /ric$s int# t(e ,ater in #rder t# (ear t(e s#*nd #) t(eslas(% < T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 an address t# H*sam*-d-!in+ in ,(ic( t(e #et sa2s t(at (is#/3ect in ,ritin. t(e Masnavi ,as t# elicit ,#rds )r#m H*sam+ as (is ,#rds ,ere t(e same ast(e ,#rds #) &#d%S#l#m#ns reac(in. t# t(e e#le #) "il=is% T(e art #) reac(in.%I tell t(e tale #) Sa/a in l#vers st2le%7(en t(e /reeBe /#re S#l#m#ns ,#rds t# t(at .arden+T,as as ,(en /#dies meet s#*ls at t(e res*rrecti#n+Or as ,(en /#2s ret*rn t# t(eir l#ved (#mes%T(e e#le #) l#ve are (idden am#n.st t(e e#les+As a li/eral man enc#massed /2 t(e c#nt*mel2 #) t(e /ase%

S#*ls are dis.raced /2 *ni#n ,it( /#dies+"#dies are enn#/led /2 *ni#n ,it( s#*ls%Arise+ O l#vers6 t(is s,eet dra*.(t is 2#*rs64e are t(e2 t(at end*re6 eternal li)e is 2#*rs%H#5 2e t(at see$+ arise and ta$e 2#*r )ill #) l#ve+Sn*)) * t(at er)*me #) 4*s*)5Ar#ac(+ O S#l#m#n+ t(#* t(at $n#,est /irds lan.*a.e+S#*nd t(e n#te #) ever2 /ird t(at dra,s near6 >7(en &#d sent+ t(ee t# t(e /irds+He ta*.(t t(ee )irst t(e n#tes #) all t(e /irds%T# t(e redestinarian /ird tal$ redestinati#n+T# t(e /ird ,it( /r#$en ,in.s reac( atience+T# t(e atient ,ell-d#er reac( c#m)#rt and ard#n+T# t(e sirit*al An$a relate t(e .l#ries #) M#*nt a)+T# t(e i.e#n reac( av#idance #) t(e (a,$+T# t(e l#rdl2 (a,$ merc2 and sel)-c#ntr#l6As )#r t(e /at+ ,(# lin.ers (elless in t(e dar$+Ac=*aint (im ,it( t(e s#ciet2 #) t(e li.(t6T# t(e )i.(tin. artrid.e teac( eace+T# t(e c#c$ t(e si.ns #) da,nin. da2%In t(is ,a2 deal ,it( all )r#m t(e (#### t# t(e ea.le%

T(en )#ll#,s a l#n. acc#*nt #) vari#*s mirac*l#*s incidents t(at #cc*rred d*rin. t(ec(ild(##d #) t(e Pr#(et+ (#, (e ,as s*c$led /2 Halima+ a ,#man #) t(e "ani Saad+ (#, t(eid#ls /#,ed d#,n /e)#re (im+ (#, (e stra2ed )r#m (#me+ (#, (is .rand)at(er+ A/d *lM*ttali/+ ra2ed t# &#d t(at (e mi.(t /e )#*nd+ and (#, (e ,as at last )#*nd in t(e 'a/aand rest#red t# (is .rand)at(er%

Next a st#r2 is t#ld #) a c*r ,(# attac$ed a /lind man '*r in t(e street+ rat(er t(an (*nt t(e,ild ass &#r #n t(e m#*ntains in c#man2 ,it( ,ell-/red d#.s% T(is is an ill*strati#n #) t(et(esis t(at man$ind is r#ne t# r*n a)ter mean eart(l2 #/3ects+ and t# ne.lect asirin. t# t(esirit*al ,#rld%S#l#m#ns adm#niti#ns t# "il=is%A(5 "il=is+ /estir t(2sel) n#, t(e mar$et is t(r#n.ed+

Flee a,a2 )r#m t(em ,(#se tra))ic is *nr#)ita/le5 ?Arise+ "il=is+ n#, t(at t(#* (ast t(e c(#ice+



"e)#re t(at deat( la2s (is (eav2 (and *#n t(ee%S##n ,ill deat( *ll t(2 ears+ as i) t(#* ,ertA t(ie) dra..ed /e)#re t(e #))icer in deadl2 )ear%H#, l#n. ,ilt t(#* steal s(#es )r#m asses #) t(e ,#rld8I) t(#* m*st steal+ steal earls #) t(e ,#rld a/#ve%

T(2 sisters (ave )#*nd t(e $in.d#m t(at lasts )#rever+T(#* cleavest t# t(e $in.d#m #) dar$ness%Ha2 is (e ,(# =*its t(is eart(l2 $in.d#m+7(ic( s##ner #r later deat( ,ill destr#2%Arise5 O "il=is+ at least /e(#ldT(e $in.d#m #) t(e r#2al $in.s #) t(e )ait(5In realit2 t(e2 are seated in t(e .arden #) t(e sirit+T(#*.( t# #*t,ard vie, t(e2 are .*idin. t(eir )riends%T(at sirit*al .arden acc#manies t(em ever2,(ere+4et it is never revealed t# t(e e2es #) t(e e#le+Its )r*its ever as$in. t# /e .at(ered+

Its )#*nt #) li)e ,ellin. * t# /e dr*n$5&# r#*nd a/#*t t(e (eavens ,it(#*t aid #) ,in.s+Li$e s*n #r )*ll m##n #r ne, m##n5T(#* ,ilt m#ve as a sirit ,it(#*t aid #) )eet+T(#* ,ilt eat s,eet viands ,it(#*t m#*t( #r alate%

N# cr#c#dile #) s#rr#, ,ill attac$ t(2 /ar$+ N#r ,ill sad t(#*.(ts #) deat( assail t(ee%T(#* ,ilt /e at #nce =*een+ arm2+ and t(r#ne+End*ed ,it( .##d )#rt*ne and )#rt*ne itsel)% GT(#* sa2est t(#* art a .reat =*een #) .##d )#rt*ne6"*t t(2 )#rt*ne is aart )r#m t(ee and ,ill s##n )ade+T(#* ,ilt /e le)t li$e a+ /e..ar ,it(#*t s*stenance6T(ere)#re+ O c(#sen #ne+ /ec#me t(2 #,n )#rt*ne%7(en+ O sirit*al #ne+ t(#* (ast /ec#me t(2 #,n )#rt*ne+T(en+ /ein. t(2sel) t(2 )#rt*ne+ t(#* ,ilt never l#se it%H#,% O )#rt*nate #ne+ canst t(#* ever l#se t(2sel)+7(en t(2 real sel) is t(2 treas*re and t(2 $in.d#m8H#, men and dem#ns (eled S#l#m#n in /*ildin. t(e temle%7(en S#l#m#n laid t(e )#*ndati#ns #) t(e temle+Men and Jinns came and lent t(eir aid t# t(e ,#r$+S#me #) t(em ,it( .##d-,ill+ and #t(ers #n c#m*lsi#n+

Even as ,#rs(iers )#ll#, t(e r#ad #) dev#ti#n%Men are as dem#ns+ and l*st #) ,ealt( t(eir c(ain+7(ic( dra.s t(em )#rt( t# t#il in s(# and )ield%T(is c(ain is made #) t(eir )ears and anxieties%!eem n#t t(at t(ese men (ave n# c(ain *#n t(em%It ca*ses t(em t# en.a.e in la/#r and t(e c(ase+It )#rces t(em t# t#il in mines and #n t(e sea+It *r.es t(em t#,ards .##d and t#,ards evil%&#d sait(+ 1On t(eir nec$s is a r#e #) alm )i/re+1 And 1;eril2 #n t(eir nec$s (ave ,e laced r#es+ D17e ma$e t(is r#e #*t #) t(eir #,n dis#siti#ns6

T(ere is n#ne eit(er im*re #r intelli.ent+"*t ,e (ave )astened (is ,#r$ a/#*t (is nec$%1 9



T(2 l*st is even as )ire /*rnin. in t(2 evil deeds6T(e /lac$ c#al #) t(ese deeds is li.(ted /2 t(e )ire6T(e /lac$ness #) t(e c#al is )irst (idden /2 t(e )ire+"*t+ ,(en it is /*rnt+ t(e /lac$ness is made visi/le%T(e /*ildin. #) t(e r#(ets ,as ,it(#*t l*st+

And acc#rdin.l2 its slend#r ever increased%4ea+ man2 are t(e n#/le temles t(e2 (ave raised+T(#*.( all ,ere n#t named 1T(e M#st Rem#te Temle%1T(e 'a/a+ ,(#se ren#,n ,axes .reater ever2 m#ment+O,ed its )#*ndati#n t# t(e iet2 #) A/ra(am%Its .l#r2 is n#t derived )r#m st#nes and m#rtar+"*t )r#m /ein. /*ilt ,it(#*t l*st #r stri)e%

Neit(er are t(e r#(ets ,ritin.s li$e #t(er ,ritin.s6 N#r t(eir temles+ n#r t(eir ,#r$s+ n#r t(eir )amilies6 N#r t(eir manners+ n#r t(eir ,rat(+ n#r t(eir c(astisements6 N#r t(eir dreams+ n#r t(eir reas#n+ n#r t(eir ,#rds%

Eac( #ne #) t(em is end*ed ,it( a di))erent .l#r2+Eac( s#*ls /ird ,in.ed ,it( di))erent )eat(ers%H#5 i#*s #nes+ /*ild t(e livel2 temle #) t(e (eart+T(at t(e !ivine S#l#m#n ma2 /e seen+ and eace /e *#n 2#*5And i) 2#*r dem#ns and )airies /e recalcitrant+4#*r .##d an.els m*st lace c#llars #n t(eir nec$s%I) 2#*r dem#ns .# astra2 t(r#*.( .*ile and )ra*d+C(astisement m*st #verta$e t(em s,i)t as li.(tnin.%"e li$e S#l#m#n+ s# t(at 2#*r dem#nsMa2 di. st#nes )#r 2#*r sirit*al edi)ice%"e li$e S#l#m#n+ )ree )r#m evil t(#*.(ts and .*ile+S# t(at carnal dem#ns and Jinns ma2 /e s*/missive t# 2#*%4#*r (eart is as S#l#m#ns si.net6 ta$e .##d careT(at it )alls n#t a re2 t# dem#ns+F#r t(en dem#ns ,ill r*le #ver 2#* as #ver S#l#m#n%&*ard t(en 2#*r si.net )r#m t(e dem#ns+ and /e at eace%T(en )#ll#,s a st#r2 #) a #et ,(# recited a ane.2ric in (#n#r #) a li/eral $in.% T(e $in.c#mmanded t(at (e s(#*ld receive #ne t(#*sand ieces #) .#ld+ /*t t(e vaBir+ named A/*l-Hasan+ .ave (im ten t(#*sand% T(e #et ,ent t# (is (#me ,ell c#ntented+ /*t a)ter s#me2ears )ell int# #vert2+ and nat*rall2 /et(#*.(t (im #) t(e .ener#*s $in. and (is vaBir+ ,(#(ad /e)#re assisted (im% Si/a,a2(+ t(e .rammarian #) S(iraB sa2s 1Alla(1 is derived )r#m

1Ala(1 )leein. )#r re)*.e and t(*s ,e see all creat*res+ and even t(e elements t(emselves+ever l##$in. t# Alla( t# s*stain t(em in existence% T(e #et+ t(ere)#re+ a.ain resented(imsel) t# t(e $in. ,it( a ne, ane.2ric+ and t(e $in.+ #n (earin. it+ c#mmanded as /e)#ret(at a t(#*sand ieces #) .#ld s(#*ld /e .iven (im% "*t t(e ne, vaBir+ ,(# ,as als# namedA/*l-Hasan+ ers*aded t(e $in. t(at t(e exc(e=*er c#*ld n#t a))#rd t(is lar.e #*tla2+ and $ett(e #et ,aitin. s# l#n. )#r (is m#ne2+ t(at at last (e ,as .lad t# .et a,a2 ,it( #nl2 #ne(*ndred ieces #) .#ld% T(ese t,# vaBirs recall Asa)+ t(e .##d vaBir #) 'in. S#l#m#n+ ,(#deserves t(e title 1Li.(t *#n li.(t+1 9 and Haman+ t(e evil vaBir #) P(ara#(+ ,(# t*rned (is(e+art a.ainst M#ses+ and /r#*.(t man2 la.*es *#n t(e $in.d#m #) E.2t%H#, all creat*res cr2 t# &#d )#r s*stenance%

4ea+ all t(e )is( in t(e seas+



And all )eat(ered )#,l in t(e air a/#ve+All ele(ants+ ,#lves+ and li#ns #) t(e )#rest+All dra.#ns and sna$es+ and even little ants+4ea+ even air+ ,ater+ eart(+ and )ire+!ra, t(eir s*stenance )r#m Him+ /#t( ,inter and s*mmer%

Ever2 m#ment t(is (eaven cries t# Him+ sa2in.+1O L#rd+ =*it n#t T(2 (#ld #) me )#r a m#ment5T(e illar #) m2 /ein. is T(2 aid and r#tecti#n6T(e ,(#le is )#lded * in t(at ri.(t (and #) T(ine%1 99And eart( cries+ 1O $ee me )ixed and stead)ast+T(#* ,(# (ast laced me #n t(e t# #) ,aters51All #) t(em are ,aitin. and exectin. His aid+All (ave learned #) Him t# reresent t(eir needs%Ever2 r#(et ext#ls t(is rescriti#n+1See$ 2e (el ,it( atience and ,it( ra2er%1 9:H#5 see$ aid #) Him+ n#t #) an#t(er t(an Him

See$ ,ater in t(e #cean+ n#t in a dried-* c(annel%T(e next anecd#te is t(at #) t(e raven ,(# ta*.(t Cain t(e art #) di..in. .raves and /*r2in.c#rses+ as t#ld in '#ran v% :<% T(is is desi.ned t# ill*strate t(e t(esis t(at *naided (*manreas#n can disc#ver n# n#, tr*t(+ *nless insired /2 !ivine ,isd#m+ #) ,(ic( t(e r#(ets+and eseciall2 1Universal Reas#n+1 #r t(e Pr#(et M*(ammed+ are t(e c(annels% T(*s

(2sicians and (er/alists (ave derived t(eir $n#,led.e #) t(e virt*es #) lants )r#m t(einstr*cti#ns #ri.inall2 .iven /2 'in. S#l#m#n ,(en (e classi)ied t(e lants t(at .re, in t(ec#*rt #) t(e temle% T(e inner e2e sees m#re t(an is visi/le t# t(e si.(t #) t(e v*l.ar% T#ill*strate t(is+ an anecd#te is t#ld #) a S*)i ,(# (ad acc#manied (is )riends t# a /ea*ti)*l.arden+ /*t instead #) l##$in. a/#*t and en3#2in. t(e )ra.rance #) t(e )l#,ers and )r*its+ sat,it( (is (ead s*n$ #n (is /reast in S*)i )as(i#n% His )riends said t# (im+ in t(e ,#rds #) t(e'#ran+ 1L##$ at t(e si.ns #) &#ds merc2+ (#, a)ter its deat( He =*ic$enet( t(e eart(51 9< Heans,ered t(em t(at t(ese si.ns ,ere )ar m#re lainl2 visi/le t# (im in (is (eart t(an in t(e#*t,ard creati#n+ ,(ic( ,as merel2 as it ,ere a /l*rred re)lecti#n )r#m t(e sirit*al creati#nens(rined in (is (eart% F#r &#d sa2s+ 1T(e li)e #) t(e ,#rld is na*.(t /*t a c(eatin. )r*iti#n%19> In #t(er ,#rds+ 1Nat*re c#nceals &#d+ /*t t(e s*ernat*ral in man reveals Him%1 9?On cleansin. t(e in,ard temle #) t(e (eart )r#m sel)-c#nceit and reliance #n carnal reas#n%7(en t(e /#d2 /#,s in ,#rs(i+ t(e (eart is a temle+And ,(ere t(ere is a temle+ t(ere /ad )riends are ,eeds7(en a li$in. )#r /ad )riends .r#,s * in 2#*+Flee )r#m t(em+ and av#id c#nverse ,it( t(em%

R##t * t(#se ,eeds+ )#r+ i) t(e2 attain )*ll .r#,t(+T(e2 ,ill s*/vert 2#* and 2#*r temle t#.et(er%O /el#ved+ t(is ,eed is deviati#n )r#m t(e 1ri.(t ,a2+14#* cra,l cr##$edl2+ li$e in)ants *na/le t# ,al$%Fear n#t t# ac$n#,led.e 2#*r i.n#rance and .*ilt+T(at t(e Heavenl2 Master ma2 n#t ,it((#ld instr*cti#n%7(en 2#* sa2+ 1I am i.n#rant6 O teac( me+1S*c( #en c#n)essi#n is /etter t(an )alse ride%O in.en*#*s #ne+ learn #) #*r )at(er Adam+7(# said #) 2#re+ 1O L#rd+ ,e (ave dealt *n3*stl2%1 9GHe made n# vain exc*ses and revaricated n#t+

N#r did (e raise t(e standard #) .*ile and cra)t%On t(e #t(er (and+ I/lis raised ar.*ments+ sa2in.+



1I *sed t# /e (#n#ra/le6 T(#* (ast dis.raced me%M2 stain is #,in. t# T(ee6 T(#* art m2 d2er6T(#* (ast ca*sed m2 sin and trans.ressi#n%1Read t(e text+ 1L#rd+ T(#* (ast ca*sed me t# err+1 9T(at 2#* lead n#t c#m*lsi#n+ and s# err li$e I/lis%

H#, l#n. ,ill 2#* clim/ int# t(at tree #) c#m*lsi#n8H#, l#n. cast #*t #) si.(t 2#*r #,n )ree,ill8H#, l#n.+ li$e I/lis and (is evil cre,+T(r#, t(e /lame #) 2#*r #,n sins *#n &#d8H#, ,ere 2#* c#melled t# sin ,(en 2#* t##$ s*c( leas*reAnd ride in en.a.in. in t(#se sins8!#es a man )eel s*c( leas*re in actin. #n c#m*lsi#nAs (e ex(i/its ,(en c#mmittin. ,r#n. acti#ns84#* /attle li$e t,ent2 men a.ainst t(#se7(# .ive 2#* .##d advice n#t t# d# t(at act6Sa2in. t# t(em+ 1T(is is ri.(t and =*ite r#er6

7(# diss*ades me )r#m it /*t men #) n# acc#*nt81!#es a man actin. #n c#m*lsi#n tal$ li$e t(is8Or rat(er #ne ,(# is errin. #) (is #,n )ree,ill87(atever 2#*r l*st ,ills 2#* deem )ree,ill+7(at reas#n demands 2#* deem c#m*lsi#n%7(#s# is ,ise and r*dent $n#,s t(is+T(at cleverness c#mes )r#m I/lis+ /*t l#ve )r#m Adam%Cleverness is li$e Canaans s,immin. in t(e #cean6 9DTis n# river #r small stream6 tis t(e mi.(t2 #cean%A,a2 ,it( t(is attemt t# s,im6 =*it sel)-c#nceit%T,ill n#t save 2#*6 Canaan ,as dr#,ned at last%L#ve is as t(e ar$ a#inted )#r t(e ri.(te#*s+7(ic( ann*ls t(e dan.er and r#vides a ,a2 #) escae%Sell 2#*r cleverness and /*2 /e,ilderment6Cleverness is mere #ini#n+ /e,ilderment int*iti#n%Ma$e sacri)ice #) 2#*r reas#n at t(e )eet #) M*sta)a+Sa2+ 1&#d S*))icet( me+ )#r He+ is s*))icient )#r me%1 :!# n#t+ li$e Canaan+ (an. /ac$ )r#m enterin. t(e ar$+"ein. *))ed * ,it( vain c#nceit #) cleverness%He said+ 1I ,ill escae t# t(e t# #) (i.( m#*ntains+7(2 need I *t m2sel) *nder #/li.ati#n t# N#a(81

A(5 /etter )#r (im (ad (e never learnt s,immin.5T(en (e ,#*ld (ave /ased (is (#es #n N#a(s ar$%7#*ld (e (ad /een i.n#rant #) cra)t as a /a/e5T(en li$e a /a/e (e ,#*ld (ave cl*n. t# (is m#t(er%7#*ld (e (ad /een less )*ll #) /#rr#,ed $n#,led.e5T(en (e ,#*ld (ave acceted insired $n#,led.e )r#m (is )at(er%7(en+ ,it( insirati#n at (and+ 2#* see$ /##$-learnin.+4#*r (eart+ as i) insired+ l#ads 2#* ,it( rer#ac(% :Traditi#nal $n#,led.e+ ,(en insirati#n is availa/le+Is li$e ma$in. a/l*ti#ns ,it( sand ,(en ,ater is near%Ma$e 2#*rsel) i.n#rant+ /e s*/missive+ and t(en

4#* ,ill #/tain release )r#m 2#*r i.n#rance%F#r t(is ca*se+ O s#n+ t(e Prince #) men declared+



1T(e ma3#rit2 #) t(#se in Paradise are t(e )##lis(%1 :9Cleverness is as a ,ind raisin. st#rms #) ride6"e )##lis(+ s# t(at 2#*r (eart ma2 /e at eace6

N#t ,it( t(e )#ll2 t(at d#*/les itsel) /2 vain /a//le+"*t ,it( t(at arisin. )r#m /e,ilderment at 1T(e Tr*t(%1

T(#se E.2tian ,#men ,(# c*t t(eir (ands ,ere )##ls ::F##ls as t# t(eir (ands+ /ein. amaBed at 4*s*)s )ace%Ma$e sacri)ice #) reas#n t# l#ve #) 1T(e Friend+1Tr*e reas#n is t# /e )#*nd ,(ere He is%Men #) ,isd#m direct t(eir reas#n (eaven,ards+;ain /a//lers (alt #n eart( ,(ere n# 1Friend1 is%I) t(r#*.( /e,ilderment 2#*r reas#n =*its 2#*r (ead+Ever2 (air #) 2#*r (ead /ec#mes tr*e reas#n and a (ead%T(en )#ll#, c#mmentaries #n t(e text+ 1O t(#* en)#lded in t(2 mantle61 :< #n t(e r#ver/+1Silence is t(e r#er ans,er t# a )##l61 #n t(e Hadis+ 1&#d created t(e an.els ,it( reas#nand t(e /r*tes ,it( l*st+ /*t man (e created ,it( /#t( reas#n and l*st6 t(e man ,(# )#ll#,s

reas#n is (i.(er t(an t(e an.els+ and t(e man ,(# )#ll#,s l*st is l#,er t(an t(e /r*tes61 #nt(e text+ 1As t# t(#se in ,(#se (eart is a disease+ it ,ill add d#*/t t# t(eir d#*/t+ and t(e2s(all die in)idels+1 :> and a c#maris#n #) t(e str*..le /et,een reas#n and l*st t# t(at

/et,een Ma3n*n and (is s(e-camel+ (e tr2in. t# .et t# (is mistress Laila+ and t(e s(e-cameltr2in. t# r*n (#me t# (er )#al%@NOTES0% '#ran xlix% 6 xxxi% 9G6 ii% 9>%9% T(e letter is .iven in '#ran xxvii% :%:% All t(ese le.ends are derived )r#m '#ran xxi%+ xxvii%+ and xxxviii% See Sales n#tes%<% T(is re)ers t# M*(ammad+ ,(# is at #nce t(e 1First reas#n1 L#.#s and t(e 1Per)ect man+1,(# is 1t(e s*m #) all t(e ,#rlds1 and t(e 1&reat ,#rld%1 See N#tices et Extraits des MSS%+ x%

% ?%>% He ,as als# t(e )inal ca*se #) creati#n% 1I) it (ad n#t /een )#r t(ee+ t(e ,#rld (ad n#t /eencreated%1?% M*(ammad as t(e L#.#s is t(e c(annel /2 ,(ic( divine .race is c#nve2ed t# man% T(e1c(an.e #) t(e /#d21 is an all*si#n t# t(e ascensi#n #) M*(ammad Mi ra3%G% A Hadis%% M*sic is m*c( *sed in t(e reli.i#*s services #) t(e 1Ma*lavi1 #rder #) !arves(es+ )#*nded

/2 Jalal* -d-!in R*mi% See 1T(e !ervis(es+1 /2 J%P% "r#,n+ % DG%D% 1Am n#t I 2#*r l#rd81 '#ran vii% G%% 17(en t(ere s(all /e a tr*met /last+ t(at s(all /e a dread)*l da21 '#ran lxxiv% G%

% T(e s#-called P2t(a.#rean d#ctrine #) t(e 1Harm#n2 #) t(e s(eres1 ,as as ,ell $n#,n t#Persian #ets as t# S(a$eseare%9% T(is is an all*si#n t# t(e st#r2 #) t(e 1"elievers l#st camel%1 "##$ ii%+ St#r2 xi%:% T(is all*des t# t(e ,ell-$n#,n #em #) Farid*-d-!in Attar t(e 1Manti=*-t-Tair%1<% "##$ ii% St#r2 v%>% '#ran xxvii% ?% T(ere is a Hadis+ 1Sea$ t# men acc#rdin. t# t(e am#*nt #) t(eirintelli.ence%1?% 1T(ese are t(e2 ,(# (ave /#*.(t err#r at t(e rice #) .*idance+ /*t t(eir tra))ic (at( n#t

/een .ain)*l1 '#ran ii% >%G% Uni#n attained+ all d*alit2 and searate (en#menal existence are s,all#,ed * in t(eOne N#*men#n% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% :> and <>%

% '#ran iii% >%D% '#ran xxxvi% G%



9% 1And ever2 mans ,#r$ (ave ,e )astened a/#*t (is nec$+ and #n t(e last da2 ,ill ,e /rin.)#rt( t# (im a /##$+ ,(ic( s(all /e s(#,n t# (im ,ide #en% Read t(2 /##$6 t(ere needet(n#ne /*t t(2sel) t# ma$e #*t an acc#*nt a.ainst t(ee t(at da2 1 '#ran xvii% <%9% '#ran xxiv% :>%99% '#ran xxxix% ?G%

9:% '#ran ii% <%9<% '#ran xxx% <D%9>% '#ran iii% 9%9?% 1"*t is it *nreas#na/le t# c#n)ess t(at ,e /elieve in &#d+ n#t /2 reas#n #) t(e nat*re,(ic( c#nceals (im+ /*t /2 reas#n #) t(e s*ernat*ral in man+ ,(ic( al#ne reveals (im and

r#ves (im t# exist8 1 Jac#/i+ =*#ted in Sir 7% Hamilt#ns Lect*res #n Meta(2sics+ v#l% i% %<%9G% '#ran vii% 99%9% He said+ 1T(at t(#* (ast ca*sed me t# err1 '#ran vii% >% T(is is t(e /*rden #) man2 #)Omar '(a22ams #ems%9D% '#ran xi% <:% See "##$ iii%+ St#r2 >%

:% '#ran ix% :%:% 'n#,led.e #) 1T(e Tr*t(1 is t# /e attained n#t /2 exercise #) t(e reas#n+ /*t /2ill*minati#n )r#m a/#ve% 7(en t(e li.(t #) 1T(e Tr*t(1 is revealed+ reas#n is dr#,ned in

/e,ilderment% &*ls(an i RaB+ Ans,er ii%:9% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ v#l% ii% % D6 C#r% iv% %::% 1T(e2 ,ere amaBed at 4*s*)+ and c*t t(eir (ands+ and said+ &#d $ee *s+ t(is is n# man51'#ran xii% :%:<% '#ran lxxiii% %:>% '#ran ix% 9?%

STOR4 III%T(e 4#*t( ,(# ,r#te a letter #) c#mlainta/#*t (is rati#ns t# t(e 'in.%A certain 2#*t( in t(e service #) a .reat $in. ,as dissatis)ied ,it( (is rati#ns+ s# (e ,ent t#t(e c##$ and rer#ac(ed (im ,it( dis(#n#rin. (is master /2 (is stin.iness% T(e 2#*t( ,#*ldn#t listen t# (is exc*ses+ /*t ,r#te #)) an an.r2 letter #) c#mlaint t# t(e $in.+ in terms #)#*t,ard c#mliment and resect+ /*t /etra2in. an an.r2 sirit% On receivin. t(is letter+ t(e$in. #/served t(at it c#ntained #nl2 c#mlaints a/#*t meat and drin$+ and evinced n#asirati#ns a)ter sirit*al )##d+ and t(ere)#re needed n# ans,er+ as 1t(e r#er ans,er t# a)##l is silence%1 7(en t(e 2#*t( received n# ans,er t# (is letter+ (e ,as m*c( s*rrised+

and t(re, t(e /lame #n t(e c##$ and #n t(e messen.er+ i.n#rin. t(e )act t(at t(e )#ll2 #) (is#,n letter ,as t(e real reas#n #) its /ein. le)t *nans,ered% He ,r#te in all )ive letters+ /*t t(e$in. ersisted in (is re)*sal t# rel2+ sa2in. t(at )##ls are enemies t# &#d and man+ and t(at(e ,(# (as an2 dealin.s ,it( a )##l )#*ls (is #,n nest% F##ls #nl2 re.ard material meat anddrin$+ ,(ereas t(e )##d #) t(e ,ise is t(e li.(t #) &#d+ as it is said /2 t(e Pr#(et+ 1I ass t(eni.(t in t(e resence #) m2 L#rd+ ,(# .ivet( me meat and drin$+1 9 and a.ain+ 1Fastin. is t(e)##d #) &#d+1 i%e%+ t(e means /2 ,(ic( sirit*al )##d is #/tained% :Exlanati#n #) t(e text 1And M#ses c#nceived a secret )ear ,it(in (im% 7e said Fear n#t+ )#rt(#* s(alt /e *erm#st #ver P(ara#(s ma.icians 1% <M#ses said+ 1T(eir s#rcer2 c#n)*ses t(em67(at can I d#8 T(ese e#le (ave n# discernment%1

&#d said+ 1I ,ill .enerate in t(em discernment6I ,ill ma$e t(eir *ndiscernin. reas#n t# see clearl2%



Alt(#*.( li$e a sea t(eir ,aves cast * )#am+O M#ses+ t(#* s(alt revail #ver t(em6 )ear n#t51T(e ma.icians .l#ried in t(eir #,n ac(ievements+"*t ,(en M#ses r#d /ecame a sna$e+ t(e2 ,ere c#n)#*nded%7(#s# /#asts #) (is /ea*t2 and ,it+

T(e st#ne #) deat( is a t#*c(st#ne #) (is /#asts%S#rcer2 )ades a,a2+ /*t t(e miracles #) M#ses advance%"#t( resem/le a dis( )allin. )r#m a r##)0T(e n#ise #) t(e dis( #) s#rcer2 leaves #nl2 c*rsin.6T(e n#ise #) t(e dis( #) )ait( leaves edi)icati#n%7(en t(e t#*c(st#ne is (idden )r#m t(e si.(t #) all+T(en c#me )#rt( t# /attle and /#ast+ O /ase c#in54#*r time )#r /#astin. is ,(en t(e t#*c(st#ne is a,a26T(e (and #) #,er ,ill s##n cr*s( 2#*r exaltati#n%T(e /ase c#in sa2s t# me ,it( ride ever2 m#ment+1O *re .#ld+ (#, am I in)eri#r t# 2#*81

T(e .#ld relies+ 1Even s#+ O c#mrade6"*t t(e t#*c(st#ne is at (and6 /e read2 t# meet it51!eat( #) t(e /#d2 is a /ene)acti#n t# t(e sirit*al67(at dama.e (as *re .#ld t# dread )r#m t(e s(ears8I) t(e /ase c#in ,ere #) itsel) )ar-si.(ted+It ,#*ld reveal at )irst t(e /lac$ness it s(#,s at last%I) it (ad s(#,ed its /lac$ness at )irst #n its )ace+T,#*ld (ave av#ided (2#cris2 n#, and miser2 at last%T,#*ld (ave s#*.(t t(e alc(em2 #) .race in d*e time6Its reas#n ,#*ld (ave revailed #ver its (2#cris2%I) it /ecame /r#$en-(earted t(r#*.( its #,n /ad state+T,#*ld l##$ #n,ard t# Him t(at (eals t(e /r#$en6T,#*ld l##$ t# t(e res*lt and /e /r#$en-(eartedAnd /e made ,(#le at #nce /2 t(e Healer #) /r#$en (earts%!ivine .race laces /ase c#er in t(e alem/ic+Ad*lterated .#ld is excl*ded )r#m t(at )av#r%O ad*lterated .#ld+ /#ast n#t+ /*t see clearl2T(at t(2 P*rc(aser is n#t /lind t# t(2 de)ects%T(e li.(t #) t(e 3*d.ment-da2 ,ill enli.(ten (is e2esAnd destr#2 t(e .lam#*r #) t(2 )ascinati#ns%"e(#ld t(em t(at (ave re.ard t# t(e *ltimate res*lt+

And als# t(e re.rets #) )##lis( s#*ls and t(eir env2%"e(#ld t(em t(at re.ard #nl2 t(e resent+And cast a,a2 t(#*.(ts #) evil t# c#me )r#m t(eir minds%@NOTES0% See Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% >>+ )#r a arallel%9% '#ran xxvi% GD%:% See Mis($at *l Masa/i(+ v#l% i% % <?:%<% '#ran xx% G%

STOR4 I;%

"a2aBid and (is imi#*s sa2in.s ,(en /eside (imsel)%T(e (#l2 saint "a2aBid /e)#re (is deat( redicted t(e /irt( #) t(e saint A/*l-Hasan '(ir=ani+



and seci)ied all t(e ec*liar =*alities ,(ic( ,#*ld /e seen in (im% And a)ter (is deat( itcame t# ass as (e (ad redicted+ and A/*l-Hasan+ (earin. ,(at "a2aBid (ad said+ *sed t#)re=*ent (is t#m/% One da2 (e visited t(e t#m/ as *s*al+ and )#*nd it c#vered ,it( sn#,+ anda v#ice ,as (eard sa2in.+ 1T(e ,#rld is )leetin. as sn#,% I am callin. t(ee5 F#ll#, me and)#rsa$e t(e ,#rld51

H#, "a2aBid cried #*t+ ,(en /eside (imsel)+ 1&l#r2 /e t# me51 and (#, (is disciles ,erescandaliBed at t(is sa2in.+ and (#, "a2aBid ans,ered t(em%

Once t(at )am#*s saint "a2aBid came t# (is disciles+Sa2in.+ 1L#+ I m2sel) am &#d Almi.(t2%1T(at man #) sirit*al .i)ts /ein. visi/l2 /eside (imsel)6Said+ 1T(ere is n# &#d /eside me6 ,#rs(i me51

Next m#rnin.+ ,(en (is ecstatic state (ad assed+T(e2 said+ 14#* said s# and s#+ ,(ic( ,as imi#*s%1He ans,ered+ 1I) I d# s# a.ain+

Strai.(t,a2 sla2 me ,it( 2#*r $nives5&#d is indeendent #) me6 I am in t(e /#d2%I) I sa2 t(at a.ain 2#* m*st $ill me517(en t(at (#l2 ers#n (ad .iven t(is in3*ncti#n+Eac( #) (is disciles made read2 (is $ni)e%A.ain t(at #ver)l#,in. c* /ecame /eside (imsel)+And (is recent in3*ncti#ns assed )r#m (is mind%Alienati#n came *#n (im+ reas#n ,ent astra2+T(e da,n s(#ne )#rt( and (is lam aled at its li.(t%Reas#n is li$e an #))icer ,(en t(e $in. aears6T(e #))icer t(en l#ses (is #,er and (ides (imsel)%Reas#n is &#ds s(ad#,6 &#d is t(e s*n%7(at #,er (as t(e s(ad#, /e)#re t(e s*n87(en a man is #ssessed /2 an evil siritT(e =*alities #) (*manit2 are l#st in (im%7(atever (e sa2s is reall2 said /2 t(at sirit+T(#*.( it seems t# r#ceed )r#m t(e mans m#*t(%7(en t(e sirit (as t(is r*le and d#minance #ver (im+T(e a.ent is t(e r#ert2 #) t(e sirit+ and n#t (imsel)6His sel) is dearted+ and (e (as /ec#me t(e sirit%T(e T*r$ ,it(#*t instr*cti#n sea$s Ara/ic6

7(en (e ret*rns t# (imsel) (e $n#,s n#t a ,#rd #) it%Seein. &#d is l#rd #) sirits and #) man+H#, can He /e in)eri#r in #,er t# a sirit87(en t(e ea.le #) alienati#n )r#m sel) t##$ ,in.+"a2aBid /e.an t# *tter similar seec(es6T(e t#rrent #) madness /#re a,a2 (is reas#n+And (e s#$e m#re imi#*sl2 t(an /e)#re%17it(in m2 vest*re is na*.(t /*t &#d+7(et(er 2#* see$ Him #n eart( #r in (eaven%1His disciles all /ecame mad ,it( (#rr#r+And str*c$ ,it( t(eir $nives at (is (#l2 /#d2%

Eac( #ne+ li$e t(e assassins #) 'ard$#(+ 97it(#*t )ear aimed at t(e /#d2 #) (is c(ie)%



Eac( ,(# aimed at t(e /#d2 #) t(e S(ai$(+His str#$e ,as reversed and ,#*nded t(e stri$er%

N# str#$e t##$ e))ect #n t(at man #) sirit*al .i)ts+"*t t(e disciles ,ere ,#*nded and dr#,ned in /l##d%Eac( ,(# (ad aimed a /l#, at (is nec$+

Sa, (is #,n t(r#at c*t+ and .ave * t(e .(#st6He ,(# (ad str*c$ at (is /reastHad cle)t (is #,n /reast and $illed (imsel)%T(e2 ,(# $ne, /etter t(at l#rd #) )elicit2+7(# (ad n#t c#*ra.e en#*.( t# stri$e a deadl2 /l#,+T(eir (al)-$n#,led.e (eld t(eir (ands /ac$6T(e2 saved t(eir lives /*t sli.(tl2 ,#*nded t(emselves%On t(e m#rr#, t(#se disciles+ diminis(ed in n*m/er+Raised lamentati#ns in t(eir (#*ses%T(e2 ,ent t# "a2aBid+ t(#*sands #) men and ,#men+Sa2in.+ 1T(e t,# ,#rlds are (idden in t(2 vest*re6

I) t(is /#d2 #) t(ine ,ere t(at #) a man+It ,#*ld (ave eris(ed #) s,#rd-,#*nds+ li$e a mans%1T(e man in (is senses )#*.(t ,it( (im /eside (imsel)+And t(r*st t(e t(#rn int# (is #,n e2es%1A(5 2#* ,(# smite ,it( 2#*r s,#rd (im /eside (imsel)+4#* smite 2#*rsel) t(ere,it(6 "e,are5F#r (e t(at is /eside (imsel) is anni(ilated and sa)e64ea+ (e d,ells in sec*rit2 )#rever%His )#rm is vanis(ed+ (e is a mere mirr#r6

N#t(in. is seen in (im /*t t(e re)lecti#n #) an#t(er%I) 2#* sit at it+ 2#* sit at 2#*r #,n )ace+And i) 2#* (it t(at mirr#r+ 2#* (it 2#*rsel)6And i) 2#* see an *.l2 )ace in it+ tis 2#*r #,n+And i) 2#* see an Isa t(ere+ 2#* are its m#t(er Mar2%He is neit(er t(is n#r t(at (e is v#id #) )#rm6Tis 2#*r #,n )#rm ,(ic( is re)lected /ac$ t# 2#*%"*t ,(en t(e disc#*rse reac(es t(is #int+ li is cl#sed67(en en reac(es t(is #int+ it is slit in t,ain%Cl#se t(en 2#*r lis+ t(#*.( el#=*ence /e #ssi/le%'ee silence6 &#d $n#,s t(e ri.(t ,a25T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 an anecd#te #) t(e Pr#(et a#intin. an H*d(aili 2#*t( t# /e catain #) a

/and #) ,arri#rs am#n.st ,(#m ,ere man2 #lder and m#re exerienced s#ldiers+ and #) t(e#/3ecti#ns made t# t(is a#intment+ and #) t(e Pr#(ets ans,er t# t(e #/3ect#rs%7(2 t(e Pr#(et r#m#ted t(e 2#*t( t# c#mmand (is seni#rs%T(e Pr#(et said+ 1O 2e ,(# re.ard #nl2 t(e #*tside+Re.ard (im n#t as a 2#*t( v#id #) talents%Man2 are t(e2 ,(#se /eards are /lac$ 2et are #ld+Man2 t## (ave ,(ite /eards and (earts li$e itc(%I (ave made trial #) (is ,isd#m #)ten and #)ten+And t(at 2#*t( (as s(#,n (imsel) #ld in (is acti#ns%A.e c#nsists in mat*rit2 #) ,isd#m+ O s#n+

N#t+ in ,(iteness #) t(e /eard and (air%

H#, can an2 #ne /e #lder t(an I/lis84et+ i) (e (as n# ,isd#m+ (e is na*.(t%



S*#se (im an in)ant+ i) (e (as Isas s#*l+He is *re )r#m ride and )r#m carnal l*st%T(at ,(iteness #) t(e (air is a si.n #) mat*rit2Onl2 t# *r/lind e2es ,(#se visi#n is limited%Since t(at s(#rtsi.(ted #ne 3*d.es /2 #*t,ard si.ns+

He see$s t(e ri.(t c#*rse /2 #*t,ard t#$ens%F#r (is sa$e I said t(at i) 2e desire c#*nsel4e #*.(t t# ma$e c(#ice #) an #ld man%He ,(# (as emer.ed )r#m t(e veil #) /lind /elie)"e(#lds /2 t(e li.(t #) &#d all t(in.s t(at exist%His *re li.(t+ ,it(#*t si.ns #r t#$ens+Cleaves )#r (im t(e rind and /rin.s (im t# t(e $ernel%T# t(e re.arder #) externals+ .en*ine and /ase c#in are ali$e%H#, can (e $n#, ,(at is inside t(e /as$et8Man2 are t(e .#ld c#ins made /lac$ ,it( sm#$e+S# t(at t(e2 el*de t(e cl*tc(es #) .reed2 t(ieves6

Man2 are t(e c#er c#ins .ilded ,it( .#ld+And s#ld as .#ld t# men #) slender ,its%7e ,(# re.ard t(e inside #) t(e ,#rld+7e l##$ at t(e (eart and disre.ard t(e #*tside%T(e 3*d.es ,(# c#n)ine t(eir vie, t# externalsAnd /ase t(eir decisi#ns #n #*t,ard aearances+As t(e2 testi)2 and ma$e #*t,ard s(#, #) )ait(+ :Are strai.(t,a2 d*//ed )ait()*l /2 men #) externals%T(ere)#re t(ese (eretics+ ,(# re.ard #nl2 externals+Have secretl2 s(ed t(e /l##d #) man2 tr*e /elievers%Strive t(en t# /e #ld in ,isd#m and in )ait(+T(at+ li$e Universal Reas#n+ 2#* ma2 see ,it(in%1 <@NOTES0% All*din. t# t(e st#r2 #) t(e '*rd+ S2ad A/*l-7a)a+ "##$ i St#r2 xiv% n#te%9% A (ill in MaBandaran%:% 1And s#me t(ere are ,(# sa2+ 7e /elieve in &#d and in t(e last da2+ 2et t(e2 are n#t

/elievers1 '#ran ii% G%<% Universal Reas#n+ (ere alied t# M*(ammad% 1T(e )irst t(in. ,(ic( &#d created ,asa=l Reas#n #r Intelli.ence+1 i%e%+ t(e L#.#s%

STOR4 ;%T(e T(ree Fis(es%T(is st#r2+ ,(ic( is ta$en )r#m t(e /##$ #) 'alila and !amna(+ is as )#ll#,s% T(ere ,as in asecl*ded lace a la$e+ ,(ic( ,as )ed /2 a r*nnin. stream+ and in t(is la$e ,ere t(ree )is(es+#ne ver2 ,ise+ t(e sec#nd (al) ,ise+ and t(e t(ird )##lis(% One da2 s#me )is(ermen assed /2t(at la$e+ and (avin. esied t(e )is(+ (astened (#me t# )etc( t(eir nets% T(e )is( als# sa, t(e)is(ermen and ,ere s#rel2 dis=*ieted% T(e ver2 ,ise )is(+ ,it(#*t a min*tes dela2+ =*ittedt(e la$e and t##$ re)*.e in t(e r*nnin. stream ,(ic( c#mm*nicated ,it( it+ and t(*s escaedt(e imendin. dan.er% T(e (al) ,ise )is( dela2ed d#in. an2t(in. till t(e )is(ermen act*all2made t(eir aearance ,it( t(eir nets% He t(en )l#ated *#n t(e s*r)ace #) t(e ,ater+

retendin. t# /e dead+ and t(e )is(erman t##$ (im * and t(re, (im int# t(e stream+ and /2

t(is device (e saved (is li)e% "*t t(e )##lis( )is( did n#t(in. /*t s,im ,ildl2 a/#*t+ and ,asta$en and $illed /2 t(e )is(ermen%



T(e mar$s #) t(e ,ise man+ #) t(e (al) ,ise+ and #) t(e )##l%T(e ,ise man is (e ,(# #ssesses a t#rc( #) (is #,n6He is t(e .*ide and leader #) t(e caravan%T(at leader is (is #,n direct#r and li.(t6T(at ill*minated #ne )#ll#,s (is #,n lead%

He is (is #,n r#tect#r6 d# 2e als# see$ r#tecti#nFr#m t(at li.(t ,(ere#n (is s#*l is n*rt*red%T(e sec#nd+ (e+ namel2+ ,(# is (al) ,ise+'n#,s t(e ,ise man t# /e t(e li.(t #) (is e2es%He clin.s t# t(e ,ise man li$e a /lind man t# (is .*ide+S# as t# /ec#me #ssessed #) t(e ,ise mans si.(t%"*t t(e )##l+ ,(# (as n# article #) ,isd#m+Has n# ,isd#m #) (is #,n+ and =*its t(e ,ise man%He $n#,s n#t(in. #) t(e ,a2+ .reat #r small+And is as(amed t# )#ll#, t(e )##tstes #) t(e .*ide%He ,anders int# t(e /#*ndless desert+

S#metimes (altin. and desairin.+ s#metimes r*nnin.%He (as n# lam ,(ere,it( t# li.(t (imsel) #n (is ,a2+

N#r (al) a lam ,(ic( mi.(t rec#.niBe and see$ li.(t%He lac$s ,isd#m+ s# as t# /#ast #) /ein. alive+And als# (al) ,isd#m+ s# as t# ass*me t# /e dead8T(at (al) ,ise #ne /ecame as #ne *tterl2 deadIn #rder t# rise * #*t #) (is de.radati#n%I) 2#* lac$ er)ect ,isd#m+ ma$e 2#*rsel) as deadUnder t(e s(ad#, #) t(e ,ise+ ,(#se ,#rds .ive li)e%T(e )##l is neit(er alive s# as t# c#mani#n ,it( Isa+

N#r 2et dead s# as t# )eel t(e #,er #) Isas /reat(%His /lind s#*l ,anders in ever2 directi#n+And at last ma$es a srin.+ /*t srin.s n#t *,ards%T(e c#*nsels #) t(e /ird%A man cat*red a /ird /2 ,iles and snares6T(e /ird said t# (im+ 1O n#/le sir+In 2#*r time 2#* (ave eaten man2 #xen and s(ee+And li$e,ise sacri)iced man2 camels64#* (ave never /ec#me satis)ied ,it( t(eir meat+S# 2#* ,ill n#t /e satis)ied ,it( m2 )les(%Let me .#+ t(at I ma2 .ive 2#* t(ree c#*nsels+

7(ence 2#* ,ill see ,(et(er I am ,ise #r )##lis(%T(e )irst #) m2 c#*nsels s(all /e .iven #n 2#*r ,rist+T(e sec#nd #n 2#*r ,ell-lastered r##)+And t(e t(ird I ,ill .ive 2#* )r#m t(e t# #) a tree%On (earin. all t(ree 2#* ,ill deem 2#*rsel) (a2%As re.ards t(e c#*nsel #n 2#*r ,rist+ tis t(is%"elieve n#t )##lis( asserti#ns #) an2 #ne517(en (e (ad s#$en t(is c#*nsel #n (is ,rist+ (e )le,U t# t(e t# #) t(e r##)+ entirel2 )ree%T(en (e said+ 1!# n#t .rieve )#r ,(at is ast67(en a t(in. is d#ne+ vex n#t 2#*rsel) a/#*t it%1

He c#ntin*ed+ 1Hidden inside t(is /#d2 #) mineIs a reci#*s earl+ ten drac(ms in ,ei.(t%



T(at 3e,el #) ri.(t+ /el#n.ed t# 2#*+7ealt( )#r 2#*rsel) and r#serit2 )#r 2#*r c(ildren%4#* (ave l#st it+ as it+ ,as n#t )ated 2#* s(#*ld .et it+T(at earl ,(#se li$e can n#,(ere /e )#*nd%1T(ere*#n t(e man+ li$e a ,#man in (er travail+

&ave vent t# lamentati#ns and ,eein.%T(e /ird said t# (im+ 1!id I n#t c#*nsel 2#*+ sa2in.+"e,are #) .rievin. #ver ,(at is ast and .#ne87(en tis ast and .#ne+ ,(2 s#rr#, )#r it8Eit(er 2#* *nderst##d n#t m2 c#*nsel #r are dea)%T(e sec#nd c#*nsel I .ave 2#* ,as t(is+ namel2+"e n#t mis.*ided en#*.( t# /elieve )##lis( asserti#ns%O )##l+ alt#.et(er I d# n#t ,ei.( t(ree drac(ms+H#, can a earl #) ten drac(ms /e ,it(in me81T(e man rec#vered (imsel) and said+ 17ell t(en+Tell me n#, 2#*r t(ird .##d c#*nsel51

T(e /ird relied+ 14#* (ave made a )ine *se #) t(e #t(ers+T(at I s(#*ld ,aste m2 t(ird c#*nsel *#n 2#*%T# .ive c#*nsel t# a slee2 i.n#ram*sIs t# s#, seeds *#n salt land%T#rn .arments #) )#ll2 and i.n#rance cann#t /e atc(ed%O c#*nsel#rs+ ,aste n#t t(e seed #) c#*nsel #n t(em51@NOTES0% Anvar i S*(aili% "##$ i% St#r2 >%

STOR4 ;I%M#ses and P(ara#(% T(en )#ll#,s a ver2 l#n. acc#*nt #) t(e dealin.s #) M#ses+ an incarnati#n #) tr*e reas#n+ ,it(P(ara#(+ t(e ex#nent #) mere #ini#n #r ill*si#n% It /e.ins ,it( a l#n. disc*ssi#n /et,eenM#ses and P(ara#(% M#ses tells P(ara#( t(at /#t( #) t(em ali$e #,e t(eir /#dies t# eart( andt(eir s#*ls t# &#d+ and t(at &#d is t(eir #nl2 l#rd% P(ara#( relies t(at (e is l#rd #) M#ses+and c(ides M#ses )#r (is ,ant #) .ratit*de t# (imsel) )#r n*rt*rin. (im in (is c(ild(##d%M#ses relies t(at (e rec#.niBes n# l#rd /*t &#d+ and reminds P(ara#( (#, (e (ad tried t#$ill (im in (is in)anc2% P(ara#( c#mlains t(at (e is made #) n# acc#*nt /2 M#ses+ andM#ses ret#rts t(at in #rder t# c*ltivate a ,aste )ield it is necessar2 t# /rea$ * t(e s#il6 and in#rder t# ma$e a .##d .arment+ t(e st*)) m*st )irst /e c*t *6 and in #rder t# ma$e /read+ t(e

,(eat m*st )irst /e .r#*nd in t(e mill+ and s# #n% T(e /est ret*rn (e can ma$e t# P(ara#( )#r(is (#sitalit2 t# (im in (is in)anc2 is t# set (im )ree )r#m (is l*st-en.endered ill*si#ns+ li$e a)is( )r#m t(e )is(-(##$ ,(ic( (as ca*.(t (im% P(ara#( t(en t,its M#ses ,it( (is s#rceries inc(an.in. (is sta)) int# a serent+ and t(ere/2 /e.*ilin. t(e e#le% M#ses relies t(at all t(is,as acc#mlis(ed n#t /2 s#rcer2+ li$e t(at #) P(ara#(s #,n ma.icians+ /*t /2 t(e #,er #)&#d+ t(#*.( P(ara#( c#*ld n#t see it+ #,in. t# (is ,ant #) erceti#n #) divine t(in.s% T(eear and t(e n#se cann#t see /ea*ti)*l #/3ects+ /*t #nl2 t(e e2e+ and similarl2 t(e sens*al e2e+

/linded /2 l*st+ is im#tent t# /e(#ld sirit*al tr*t(% On t(e #t(er (and+ men #) sirit*alinsi.(t+ ,(#se visi#n is *r.ed )r#m l*st+ /ec#me as it ,ere all e2es+ and n# l#n.er seed#*/le+ /*t #nl2 t(e One s#le real "ein.% Mans /#d2+ it is tr*e+ is )#rmed #) eart(+ /*t /2disciline and c#ntriti#n it ma2 /e made t# re)lect sirit*al verities+ even as c#arse and (ard

ir#n ma2 /e #lis(ed int# a steel mirr#r% P(ara#( #*.(t t# cleanse t(e r*st #) evil-d#in. )r#m(is s#*l+ and t(en (e ,#*ld /e a/le t# see t(e sirit*al tr*t(s ,(ic( M#ses ,as disla2in.



/e)#re (im% T(e d##r #) reentance is al,a2s #en% M#ses t(en r#mised t(at i) P(ara#(,#*ld #/e2 #ne adm#niti#n (e s(#*ld receive in ret*rn )#*r advanta.es% P(ara#( ,as temted

/2 t(is r#mise+ and as$ed ,(at t(e adm#niti#n ,as% M#ses ans,ered t(at it ,as t(is+ t(atP(ara#( s(#*ld c#n)ess t(at t(ere is n# &#d excet t(e One Creat#r #) all t(in.s in (eavenand #n eart(% P(ara#( t(en ra2ed (im t# ex#*nd t(e )#*r advanta.es (e (ad r#mised+

sa2in. t(at #ssi/l2 t(e2 mi.(t c*re (im #) in)idelit2+ and ca*se (im t# /ec#me a vessel #)merc2+ instead #) #ne #) ,rat(% M#ses t(en exlained t(at t(e2 ,ere as )#ll#,s0 Healt(%9 L#n. li)e+ endin. in t(e c#nvicti#n t(at deat( is .ain%Even as #ne ,(# $n#,s #) a treas*re (id in a r*ined (#*se *lls d#,n t(e (#*se t# )ind t(attreas*re+ s# d#es t(e ,ise man+ )*ll #) 2ears and exerience+ *ll d#,n t(e (#*se #) t(e /#d2t# .ain t(e treas*re #) eternal li)e% T(e traditi#n 1I ,as a (idden treas*re+1 /ears #n t(ismatter%: A /etter $in.d#m t(an t(at #) E.2t+ #ne #) eace in lace #) #ne #) enmit2 andc#ntenti#n%< Peret*al 2#*t(%

P(ara#( t(en r#ceeded t# ta$e c#*nsel ,it( (is ,i)e+ Asi2a+ ,(et(er it ,#*ld /e advisa/le t#=*it (is in)idelit2 and /elieve in t(e r#mises #) M#ses% Asi2a+ /ein. a i#*s ,#man and ,ellinclined t# M#ses+ ,(#m s(e (ad n*rt*red in (is in)anc2+ *r.ed (im t# d# s#+ /*t P(ara#(said (e ,#*ld )irst c#ns*lt (is vaBir Haman% Asi2a (ad a /ad #ini#n #) Haman+ ,(#m s(e$ne, t# /e as /lind t# sirit*al tr*t(s as P(ara#( (imsel)+ and s(e did (er /est t# diss*adeP(ara#( )r#m c#ns*ltin. (im% T# ill*strate Hamans sirit*al /lindness+ s(e t#ld t(e st#r2 #) ar#2al )alc#n ,(# )ell int# t(e (ands #) an i.n#rant #ld ,#man% T(is #ld ,#man $ne, n#t(in.#) t(e virt*es #) a )alc#n+ and ,as disleased at t(e )alc#ns aearance+ and said t# it+ 17(at,as 2#*r m#t(er a/#*t t# leave 2#*r cla,s and /ea$ s# l#n.81 S(e t(en r#ceeded t# trimt(em s(#rt+ acc#rdin. t# (er )anc2+ and #) c#*rse s#iled t(e )alc#n )#r all *r#ses #))alc#nr2% P(ara#(+ (#,ever+ ,#*ld n#t /e diverted )r#m (is *r#se #) c#ns*ltin. Haman+and Asi2a ,as )ain t# c#ns#le (ersel) ,it( t(e re)lecti#n t(at li$e al,a2s (erds ,it( li$e+ ands# P(ara#( m*st needs c#ns#rt ,it( Haman+ ,(# ,as in s# man2 resects a d*licate #)(imsel)% T# ill*strate t(is s(e recalled t(e st#r2 #) a ,#man ,(#se in)ant (ad cra,led t# t(e

/rin$ #) a canal+ ,(ere it ersisted in remainin.+ at t(e imminent eril #) its li)e+ desite all(er calls and entreaties% In (er distress s(e as$ed aid #) Ali+ ,(# t#ld (er t# lace an#t(erin)ant #n t(e t# #) t(e /an$% S(e did s#+ and (er #,n in)ant+ seein. its la2)ell#,+ le)t t(e

/rin$ #) its #,n acc#rd and came t# 3#in its )ell#,% T(e sirit #) man is #) li$e .en*s ,it( t(e(#l2 r#(ets+ /*t mans animal l*st ,it( t(e dem#ns% And as t(in.s #) li$e nat*re attract #nean#t(er+ s# *nli$e t(in.s reel #ne an#t(er% T(*s it is said t(at ,(en (#l2 men ra2 t# /edelivered )r#m (ell+ (ell als# ra2s t(at t(e2 ma2 /e $et a,a2 )r#m it% P(ara#( t(en

r#ceeded t# c#ns*lt Haman+ and Haman+ #n (earin. t(at M#ses (ad r##sed t# P(ara#( t#(*m/le (imsel) and c#n)ess t(e s*reme l#rds(i #) Alla(+ ,as indi.nant and rent (is cl#t(es+sa2in.+ 1Is n#t t(e $in.d#m #) E.2t t(ine8 Art t(#* n#t mi.(tier t(an t(is desica/le )ell#,89 7(# is (e t# de.rade P(ara#( )r#m (is s*reme l#rds(i81 S# P(ara#( listened t# Hamanand re)*sed t# /e c#nverted t# t(e tr*e )ait(% T(en M#ses ,as m*c( disc#*ra.ed+ /*t (e ,asc#ns#led /2 a v#ice )r#m (eaven ass*rin. (im t(at (e ,as ,ell-/el#ved #) &#d+ /eca*se insite #) disa#intments and t(r#*.( .##d and evil (e cl*n. t# &#d%On t(e traditi#n+ 1I ,as a (idden treas*re and I desired t# /e $n#,n+ and I created t(e ,#rldin #rder t# /e $n#,n1%!estr#2 2#*r (#*se+ and ,it( t(e treas*re (idden in it :4#* ,ill /e a/le t# /*ild t(#*sands #) (#*ses%

T(e treas*re lies *nder it6 t(ere is n# (el )#r it6Hesitate n#t t# *ll it d#,n6 d# n#t tarr25



F#r ,it( t(e c#in #) t(at treas*reA t(#*sand (#*ses can /e /*ilt ,it(#*t la/#r%At last #) a s*ret2 t(at (#*se ,ill /e destr#2ed+And t(e divine treas*re ,ill /e seen /eneat( it%"*t t,ill n#t /el#n. t# 2#*+ /eca*se in tr*t( <

T(at riBe is t(e ,a.es )#r destr#2in. t(e (#*se%7(en #ne (as n#t d#ne t(e ,#r$ (e .ets n# ,a.es61Man .ets n#t(in. (e (as n#t ,#r$ed )#r%1 >T(en 2#* ,ill /ite 2#*r )in.er+ sa2in.+ 1Alas5T(at /ri.(t m##n ,as (idden *nder a cl#*d%I did n#t d# ,(at t(e2 t#ld me )#r m2 .##d6

N#, (#*se and treas*re are l#st and m2 (and is emt2%14#* (ave ta$en 2#*r (#*se #n lease #r (ired it6Tis n#t 2#*r #,n r#ert2 t# /*2 and sell%As t# t(e term #) t(e lease+ it is till 2#*r deat(6In t(at term 2#* (ave t# t*rn it t# *se%

I) /e)#re t(e end #) t(e term #) t(e lease4#* #mit t# derive r#)it )r#m t(e (#*se+T(en t(e #,ner *ts 2#* #*t #) it+And *lls it d#,n (imsel) t# )ind t(e .#ld-mine%7(ile 2#* are n#, smitin. 2#*r (ead in dee re.ret+And n#, tearin. 2#*r /eard t# t(in$ #) 2#*r )#ll2+Sa2in.+ 1Alas5 t(at (#*se /el#n.ed t# me6I ,as /lind and did n#t derive r#)it )r#m it%Alas5 t(e ,ind (as carried #)) m2 d,ellin.F#rever5 O miser2 t(at rests #n slaves5 ?In t(at (#*se #) mine I sa, /*t )#rms and ict*res6I ,as enc(anted ,it( t(at (#*se s# )leetin5I ,as i.n#rant #) t(e treas*re (idden /eneat( it+Ot(er,ise I ,#*ld (ave .rased an axe as a er)*me%A(5 i) I (ad administered t(e 3*stice #) t(e axe+I s(#*ld n#, (ave /een =*it #) s#rr#,%"*t I )ixed m2 .aBe #n #*t,ard )#rms+Li$e an in)ant I s#rted ,it( la2t(in.s%7ell said t(e )am#*s Ha$im Sanai+T(#* art a c(ild6 t(2 (#*se is )*ll #) ict*res%In (is divine #em (e .ives t(is advice+

S,ee a,a2 t(e d*st )r#m t(2 (#*se51T(e2 ,(# rec#.niBe t(e almi.(t2 #,er #) &#d d# n#t as$ ,(ere (eaven is #r ,(ere (ell is%1O P(ara#(+ i) 2#* are ,ise+ I s(#, 2#* merc26"*t i) 2#* are an ass+ I .ive 2#* t(e stic$ as an ass%S# I ,ill drive 2#* #*t #) 2#*r sta/le+Even as I ma$e 2#*r (ead and ears /leed ,it( m2 stic$%In t(is sta/le asses and men ali$eAre derived #) eace /2 2#*r #ressi#ns%See5 I (ave /r#*.(t a sta)) )#r t(e *r#se #) c#rrectin.Ever2 ass ,(# d#es n#t r#ve tracta/le%It t*rns int# a serent in ven.eance a.ainst 2#*+

"eca*se 2#* (ave /ec#me a serent in deed and c(aracter%4#* are an evil serent+ s,elled t# t(e siBe #) a (ill%



4et l##$ at t(e Serent c#nstellati#n in (eaven%T(is sta)) is a )#retaste t# 2#* #) (ell+Sa2in.+ H#+ ta$e re)*.e in t(e li.(t5Ot(er,ise 2#* ,ill )all int# m2 3a,s+And ,ill )ind n# escae )r#m m2 cl*tc(es5

T(is sta)) even n#, /ecame a serent+S# t(at 2#* need n#t as$+ 7(ere is &#ds (ell8&#d ma$es a (ell ,(eres#ver He ,ills6He ma$es t(e ver2 s$2 a snare and tra )#r /irds%He r#d*ces ains and ac(es in 2#*r teet(+S# t(at 2#* sa2+ 1Tis a (ell and serents /ite%Or a.ain He ma$es 2#*r sittle as (#ne2+S# t(at 2#* sa2+ Tis (eaven and ,ine #) Paradise%He ma$es s*.ar t# .r#, in 2#*r m#*t(+T(at 2#* ma2 $n#, t(e mi.(t #) t(e divine decrees%T(ere)#re+ /ite n#t t(e inn#cent ,it( 2#*r teet(6

"ear in mind t(e divine str#$e t(at tarries n#t%1&#d made t(e Nile /l##d t# t(e E.2tians+He reserved t(e Israelites )r#m t(e eril+T(at 2#* mi.(t $n#, (#, &#d discerns"et,een t(e ,ise and t(e )##lis( ,a2)arers%T(e Nile learned #) &#d discernment7(en it let t(e #nes t(r#*.( and en.*l(ed t(e #t(ers%&#ds merc2 made t(e Nile ,ise+His ,rat( made Cain )##lis(%O) His merc2 He created ,isd#m in inanimate t(in.s+And #) His ,rat( He derived t(e ,ise #) ,isd#m%O) His merc2 ,isd#m accr*ed t# inanimate t(in.s+As a c(astisement He t##$ ,isd#m )r#m t(e ,ise%Here at His c#mmand ,isd#m ,as s(ed d#,n li$e rain+7(ilst t(ere ,isd#m sa, His ,rat( and )led a,a2%Cl#*ds and s*n+ and m##n and l#)t2 stars+All c#me and .# in #/edience t# His #rdinance6

N# #ne #) t(em c#mes save at His a#inted time6It lin.ers n#t /e(ind n#r anticiates t(at time%7(ereas 2#* *nderst##d n#t t(is secret+ t(e r#(etsHave instilled t(is $n#,led.e int# st#ne and sta))6

S# t(at 2#* ma2 in)er t(at #t(er inanimate t(in.s7it(#*t d#*/t resem/le in t(is st#nes and staves%T(e #/edience #) st#ne and sta)) is s(#,n t# 2#*+And in)#rms 2#* #) t(at #) #t(er inanimate t(in.s%T(e2 cr2+ 17e are all a,are #) &#d and #/e2 Him67e are n#t destr*ctive /2 mere )#rt*it#*s c(ance%1T(*s 2#* $n#, t(e ,ater #) t(e Nile ,(en in )l##dMade distincti#n /et,een t(e E.2tians and t(e Israelites%4#* $n#, t(e #t(ers are ,ise as eart(+ ,(#+ ,(en cle)t+'ne, ar*n and s,all#,ed (im * in ven.eance%Or li$e t(e m##n+ ,(# (eard t(e c#mmand and (asted

T# sever itsel) int# t,# (alves in t(e s$2% GOr li$e t(e trees and st#nes+ ,(ic( in all laces



Fire is t(e test *ltimatel2+7(en t(e t,# rivals are cast int# t(e )*rnace%1Acc#rdin.l2 /#t( #) t(em entered t(e )*rnace+"#t( leat int# t(e )ier2 )lame6And t(e (il#s#(er ,as /*rnt t# as(es+

"*t t(e &#d-)earin. S*nni ,as made )airer t(an /e)#re%@NOTES0% T(is st#r2 is an exansi#n #) '#ran xliii% > and )#ll#,in. verses+ and #) '#ran xi%9% See '#ran xliii% >%:% C#mare t(e Hadis+ 1!ie /e)#re 2#* die+1 i%e%+ m#rti)2 2#*r carnal desires+ and 2#* ,ill)ind sirit*al treas*re%<% T(e T*r$is( c#mmentat#r translates r*( /2 Ha== 4#l*na+ 1)#r t(e sa$e #) tr*t(+1 1in t(e,a2 #) tr*t(%1 T(e L*c$n#, c#mmentat#r+ as *s*al+ s(ir$s t(e di))ic*lt2%>% '#ran liii% <%?% '#ran xxxvi+ 9D%G% '#ran liv% %

% &(aBBali divides t(e ancient &ree$ (il#s#(ers int# t(ree classes0 !a(ri2*n+ Ta/a2i*n+and Ila(i2*n% Sc(m#lders+ Ec#les P(il#s#(i=*es+ % 9D%D% '#ran xv% 9:%

STOR4 ;II%T(e C#*rtier ,(# =*arreled ,it( (is Friend )#r savin. (is Li)e%A $in. ,as enra.ed a.ainst #ne #) (is c#*rtiers+ and dre, (is s,#rd t# sla2 (im% T(e

/2standers ,ere all a)raid t# inter)ere+ ,it( t(e exceti#n #) #ne ,(# /#ldl2 t(re, (imsel) att(e $in.s )eet and /e..ed (im t# sare t(e #))ender% T(e $in. at #nce sta2ed (is (and+ andlaid d#,n (is s,#rd+ sa2in.+ 1As 2#* (ave interceded )#r (im+ I ,#*ld .ladl2 ard#n (im+even i) (e (ad acted as a ver2 dem#n% I cann#t re)*se 2#*r entreaties+ /eca*se t(e2 are t(esame as m2 #,n% In realit2+ it is n#t 2#* ,(# ma$e t(ese entreaties )#r (im+ /*t I ,(# ma$et(em t(r#*.( 2#*r m#*t(% I am t(e real act#r in t(is matter and 2#* are #nl2 m2 a.ent%Remem/er t(e text+ 4#* s(#t n#t ,(en 2#* s(#t6 2#* are+ as it ,ere+ t(e )#am+ and I t(emi.(t2 #cean /eneat( it% T(e merc2 2#* s(#, t# t(is #))ender is reall2 s(#,n /2 me+ t(e$in.%1 T(e #))ender ,as acc#rdin.l2 released and ,ent (is ,a26 /*t+ stran.e t# sa2+ (es(#,ed n# .ratit*de t# (is r#tect#r+ /*t+ #n t(e c#ntrar2+ #mitted t# .reet (im ,(en (e met(im+ and in #t(er ,a2s re)*sed t# rec#.niBe t(e )av#r (e (ad received )r#m (im% T(is

/e(avi#r excited remar$+ and e#le =*esti#ned (im as t# t(e ca*se #) (is in.ratit*de t# (is /ene)act#r% He relied+ 1I (ad #))ered * m2 li)e t# t(e $in. ,(en t(is man intervened% It ,as

a m#ment ,(en+ acc#rdin. t# t(e traditi#n+ I ,as ,it( &#d in s*c( a manner t(at neit(er r#(et n#r an.el )#*nd entrance al#n. ,it( me+ 9 and t(is man intr*ded /et,een *s% Idesired n# merc2 save t(e $in.s /l#,s6 I s#*.(t n# s(elter save t(e $in.% I) t(e $in. (ad c*t#)) m2 (ead (e ,#*ld (ave .iven me eternal li)e in ret*rn )#r it% M2 d*t2 is t# sacri)ice m2li)e6 it is t(e $in.s rer#.ative t# .ive li)e% T(e ni.(t ,(ic( is made dar$ as itc( /2 t(e $in.sc#rns t(e /ri.(tness #) t(e /ri.(test )estal da2% He ,(# /e(#lds t(e $in. is exalted a/#ve allt(#*.(ts #) merc2 and ven.eance% O) a man raised t# t(is exalted state n# descriti#n is

#ssi/le in t(is ,#rld+ )#r (e is (idden in &#d+ and ,#rds li$e merc2 and ven.eance #nl2exress mens artial and ,ea$ vie,s #) t(e matter% It is tr*e &#d ta*.(t Adam t(e names #)all t(in.s+ : /*t t(at means t(e real =*alities #) t(in.s+ and n#t s*c( names as #rdinar2 men*se+ clad in t(e dress #) (*man seec(% T(e ,#rds and exressi#ns ,e *se (ave merel2 a

relative tr*t(+ and d# n#t *n)#ld a/s#l*te tr*t(%1He ill*strates t(is /2 t(e rel2 made t# t(e an.el &a/riel /2 A/ra(am ,(en (e ,as cast int#



t(e )ire /2 Nimr#d% < &a/riel as$ed (im i) (e c#*ld assist (im+ and A/ra(am ans,ered+ 1N#5 I(ave n# need #) 2#*r (el%1 7(en #ne (as attained *ni#n ,it( &#d (e (as n# need #)intermediaries% Pr#(ets and a#stles are needed as lin$s t# c#nnect #rdinar2 men ,it( &#d+

/*t (e ,(# (ears t(e 1inner v#ice1 ,it(in (im (as n# need t# listen t# #*t,ard ,#rds+ even #)a#stles% Alt(#*.( t(at intercess#r is (imsel) d,ellin. in &#d+ 2et m2 state is (i.(er and m#re

l#vel2 t(an (is% T(#*.( (e is &#ds a.ent+ 2et I desire n#t (is intercessi#n t# save me )r#mevil sent me /2 &#d+ )#r evil at &#ds (and seems t# me .##d% 7(at seems merc2 and$indness t# t(e v*l.ar seems ,rat( and ven.eance t# &#d-int#xicated saints% &#ds severit2and c(astisements serve t# exalt (is saints+ t(#*.( t(e2 ma$e t(e v*l.ar m#re *n.#dl2 t(an

/e)#re+ even as t(e ,ater #) t(e Nile ,as *re ,ater t# t(e Israelites+ /*t /l##d t# t(eE.2tians%M#ses as$s t(e Almi.(t2+ 17(2 (ast T(#* made men t# destr#2 t(em81 >M#ses said+ 1O L#rd #) t(e da2 #) acc#*nt+T(#* ma$est )#rms6 ,(ere)#re+ t(en+ destr#2est T(#* t(em8T(#* ma$est c(armin. )#rms+ /#t( men and ,#men67(ere)#re+ t(en+ d#st T(#* la2 t(em ,aste81

&#d ans,ered+ 1I $n#, t(at t(is =*er2 #) t(inePr#ceeds n#t )r#m ne.ati#n #r vain c*ri#sit2%Ot(er,ise I s(#*ld c(astise and *nis( t(ee64ea+ I s(#*ld re/*$e t(ee )#r t(is =*esti#n%"*t t(#* see$est t# disc#ver in m2 acti#nsT(e r*lin. rincile and t(e eternal m2ster2+In #rder t# in)#rm t(e e#le t(ere#)+And t# ma$e rie ever2 ra, ers#n%4ea+ O messen.er+ t(#* =*esti#nest me t(at I ma2 revealM2 ,a2s t# t(e e#le+ t(#*.( t(#* $n#,est t(em%O M#ses+ .# and s#, seed in t(e .r#*ndIn #rder t# d# 3*stice t# t(is =*esti#n%17(en M#ses (ad s#,ed and (is seed (ad .r#,n *+He t##$ a sic$le and reaed t(e c#rn+And t(en a divine v#ice reac(ed (is ears017(2 (ast t(#* s#,n and n*rt*red t(e c#rn+And t(en c*t it d#,n directl2 it ,as rie81M#ses relied+ 1L#rd+ I c*t it and la2 it l#,"eca*se (ere I (ave .rain and stra,%&rain is #*t #) lace in t(e stra,-2ard+And stra, is *seless in t(e ,(eat-/arn%

Tis ,r#n. t# mix t(ese t,#+It is need)*l t# si)t t(em #ne )r#m t(e #t(er%1&#d said+ 1Fr#m ,(#m learnest t(#* t(is $n#,led.e7(ere/2 t(#* (ast c#nstr*cted a t(res(in.-)l##r81M#ses said+ 1O L#rd+ T(#* (ast .iven me discernment%1&#d said+ 1T(en (ave n#t I als# discernment8Am#n.st m2 creat*res t(ere are *re sirits+And als# dar$ and /e)#*led sirits%T(e #2ster-s(ells are n#t all #) t(e same val*e6S#me c#ntain earls+ and #t(ers /lac$ st#nes%It is need)*l t# discern t(e /ad )r#m t(e .##d+

J*st as m*c( as t# si)t ,(eat )r#m stra,%T(e e#le #) t(is ,#rld exist in #rder t# mani)est



And t# discl#se t(e (idden treas*re%Read+ I ,as a (idden treas*re+ and desired t# /e $n#,n6Hide n#t t(e (idden treas*re+ /*t discl#se it%4#*r tr*e treas*re is (idden *nder a )alse #ne+J*st as /*tter is (idden ,it(in t(e s*/stance #) mil$%

T(e )alse #ne is t(is transit#r2 /#d2 #) 2#*rs+T(e tr*e #ne 2#*r divine s#*l%L#n. time t(is mil$ is ex#sed t# vie,+And t(e s#*ls /*tter is (idden and #) n# acc#*nt%Stir * 2#*r mil$ assid*#*sl2 ,it( $n#,led.e+S# t(at ,(at is (idden in it ma2 /e discl#sed6"eca*se t(is m#rtal is t(e .*ide t# imm#rtalit2+As t(e cries #) revellers indicate t(e c*-/earer%1@NOTES0% '#ran viii% G%9% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% 9%

:% '#ran ii% 9D%<% See '#ran xxi% ?+ and t(e C#mmentat#rs t(ere#n%>% S# J#/ x% 0 1 T(2 (ands (ave made me+ 2et T(#* d#st destr#2 me%1

STOR4 ;III%T(e Prince ,(#+ a)ter (avin. /een /e.*iled /2a C#*rtesan+ ret*rned t# (is Tr*e L#ve%A certain $in. dreamed t(at (is dearl2 /el#ved s#n+ a 2#*t( #) .reat r#mise+ (ad c#me t# an*ntimel2 end% On a,a$in. (e ,as re3#iced t# )ind t(at (is s#n ,as still alive6 /*t (e re)lectedt(at an accident mi.(t carr2 (im #)) at an2 m#ment+ and t(ere)#re decided t# marr2 (im,it(#*t dela2+ in #rder t(at t(e s*ccessi#n mi.(t /e sec*red% Acc#rdin.l2 (e c(#se t(eda*.(ter #) a i#*s !arves( as a /ride )#r (is s#n+ and made rearati#ns )#r t(e ,eddin.%"*t (is ,i)e and t(e #t(er ladies #) (is (arem did n#t ar#ve #) t(e matc(+ c#nsiderin. it

/el#, t(e di.nit2 #) t(e rince t# marr2 t(e da*.(ter #) a /e..ar% T(e $in. re/*$ed t(em+sa2in. t(at a !arves( ,(# (ad ren#*nced ,#rldl2 ,ealt( )#r t(e sa$e #) &#d ,as n#t t# /ec#n)#*nded ,it( an #rdinar2 /e..ar+ and insisted #n t(e c#ns*mmati#n #) t(e marria.e% A)tert(e marria.e t(e rince re)*sed t# (ave an2t(in. t# d# ,it( (is /ride+ t(#*.( s(e ,as ver2 )airt# l##$ #n+ and (e carried #n an intri.*e ,it( an *.l2 #ld ,#man ,(# (ad /e,itc(ed (im /2s#rcer2% A)ter a 2ear+ (#,ever+ t(e $in. )#*nd s#me (2sicians ,(# s*cceeded in /rea$in.t(e sell+ and t(e rince ret*rned t# (is senses+ and (is e2es ,ere #ened t# t(e s*eri#r

attracti#ns #) (is ,i)e+ and (e ren#*nced (is *.l2 aram#*r and )ell in l#ve ,it( (is ,i)e% T(isis a ara/le+ t(e tr*e ,i)e /ein. t(e !eit2+ t(e #ld aram#*r t(e ,#rld+ and t(e (2sicians t(e r#(ets and saints% An#t(er ill*strati#n is a c(ild ,(# la2ed at /esie.in. a mimic )#rt ,it((is )ell#,s+ and s*cceeded in cat*rin. it and $eein. t(e #t(ers #*t% At t(is m#ment &#d1/est#,ed #n (im ,isd#m+ t(#*.( a c(ild+1 and it /ecame t# (im a da2 1,(en a man )lees)r#m (is /ret(ren+1 9 and (e rec#.niBed t(e emtiness #) t(is idle s#rt+ and en.a.ed in t(e

*rs*it #) (#liness and iet2% T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 an anecd#te #) a dev#tee ,(# (ad s#c#ncentrated (is t(#*.(ts #n t(in.s a/#ve t(at (e ,as *tterl2 careless #) all eart(l2 tr#*/les+and ,as c(eer)*l and re3#icin. even in t(e midst #) a severe )amine%T(e ,#rld is t(e #*t,ard )#rm #) 1Universal Reas#n1 M*(ammad+ and (e ,(# .rieves (imm*st exect tr#*/le in t(e ,#rld% :

T(e ,(#le ,#rld is t(e #*t,ard )#rm #) Universal Reas#n+F#r it is t(e )at(er #) all creat*res #) reas#n%



7(en a man acts /asel2 t#,ards Universal Reas#n+Its )#rm+ t(e ,#rld+ s(#,s its teet( at (im%"e l#2al t# t(is )at(er and ren#*nce dis#/edience+T(at t(is eart(2 (#*se ma2 )*rnis( 2#* .#lden carets%T(en t(e 3*d.ment-da2 ,ill /e t(e 1cas( #) 2#*r state+1

Eart( and (eavens ,ill /e trans)i.*red /e)#re 2#*% <I am ever in c#nc#rd ,it( t(is )at(er #) #*rs+And eart( ever aears t# me as a Paradise%Eac( m#ment a )Qes( )#rm+ a ne, /ea*t2+S# t(at ,eariness vanis(es at t(ese ever-)res( si.(ts%I see t(e ,#rld )illed ,it( /lessin.s+Fres( ,aters ever ,ellin. * )r#m ne, )#*ntains%T(e s#*nd #) t(#se ,aters reac(es m2 ears+M2 /rain and senses are int#xicated t(ere,it(%"ranc(es #) trees dancin. li$e )air damsels+Leaves clain. (ands li$e sin.ers%

T(ese .l#ries are a mirr#r s(inin. t(r#*.( a veil6I) t(e mirr#r ,ere *nveiled+ (#, ,#*ld it /e8I tell n#t #ne in a t(#*sand #) t(em+"eca*se ever2 ear is st#ed ,it( d#*/t%T# men #) ill*si#ns t(ese tales are mere .##d tidin.s+"*t men #) $n#,led.e deem t(em n#t tidin.s+ /*t read2 cas(%T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) EBra #r UBair and (is s#ns%> On (is ret*rn )r#m "a/2l#n+,(it(er (e (ad /een carried cative /2 Ne/*c(adneBBar+ EBra /e(eld t(e r*ins #) Jer*salem+and (e said+ 1H#, s(all &#d .ive li)e t# t(is cit2 a)ter it (at( /een dead81 And &#d ca*sed(im t# die )#r a (*ndred 2ears+ and t(en raised (im a.ain t# li)e+ and said t# (im+ 1H#, l#n.(ast t(#* ,aited81 He said+ 1I (ave ,aited a da2%1 &#d said+ 1Na2+ t(#* (ast ,aited a (*ndred2ears% L##$ at t(e dead /#nes #) t(ine ass6 ,e ,ill raise t(em and cl#t(e t(em ,it( )les(%1EBra ,as raised )r#m t(e dead as a 2#*n. man+ ,(ereas (is s#ns ,ere t(en+ #) c#*rse+ ver2#ld men% T(e2 met (im+ and as$ed i) (e (ad seen t(eir )at(er% He relied+ 1I (ave seen (im6 (eis c#min.%1 S#me #) t(em re3#iced+ c#nsiderin. t(is .##d ne,s6 /*t #t(ers+ ,(# (ad l#ved(im m#re dearl2+ $ne, (im and )ainted ,it( 3#2% 7(at ,as mere .##d tidin.s t# t(e men #)#ini#n ,as t(e 1read2 m#ne2 #) t(eir state1 t# men #) real $n#,led.e%@NOTES0% '#ran xix% :%9% '#ran lxxx% :<%:% 1A=l i '*ll+ Universal Reas#n+ #r t(e L#.#s+ ,as identi)ied ,it( t(e r#(et M*(ammad%1

<% '#ran xiv% <D%>% T(is st#r2 c#mes )r#m '#ran ii% 9?%

STOR4 IK%T(e M*le and t(e Camel%A m*le said t# a camel+ 1H#, is it t(at I am al,a2s st*m/lin. and )allin. d#,n+ ,(ilst 2#*never ma$e a )alse ste81 T(e camel relied+ 1M2 e2es are al,a2s directed *,ards+ and I seea l#n. ,a2 /e)#re me+ ,(ile 2#*r e2es l##$ d#,n+ and 2#* #nl2 see ,(at is immediatel2*nder 2#*r )eet%1 T(e m*le admitted t(e tr*t( #) t(e camels statement+ and /es#*.(t (im t#act as (is .*ide in )*t*re+ and t(e camel c#nsented t# d# s#% J*st s# artial reas#n cann#t see

/e2#nd t(e .rave+ /*t real reas#n l##$s #n,ard t# t(e da2 #) 3*d.ment+ and+ t(ere)#re+ isena/led t# steer a /etter c#*rse in t(is ,#rld% F#r t(is ca*se+ men (avin. #nl2 artial reas#n #r



mere #ini#n #) t(eir #,n #*.(t t# )#ll#, t(e .*idance #) t(e saints+ acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1O /elievers+ enter n#t *#n an2 a))air ere &#d and (is A#stle lead t(e ,a2%1 T(en )#ll#,s an#t(er anecd#te #) an E.2tian ,(# as$ed an Israelite t# dra, ,ater )#r (im)r#m t(e Nile+ /eca*se t(e ,ater #) t(e Nile t*rned t# /l##d ,(en dra,n /2 an E.2tian%A)ter,ards t(e E.2tian as$ed t(e Israelite t# ra2 )#r (im+ and t(e Israelite adm#nis(ed (im

t# ren#*nce (is e.#tism and c#nceit #) (is #,n existence+ ,(ic( /linded (is e2es t# divineverities% In ill*strati#n #) t(is (e tells t(e same st#r2 #) an ad*lter#*s ,#man+ ,(ic( is $n#,nas t(e 1Merc(ants Tale1 in C(a*cer% T(is ,#man+ desirin. t# carr2 #n an intri.*e ,it( (er

aram#*r+ clim/ed * a ear-tree t# .at(er t(e )r*it+ and ,(en s(e (ad reac(ed t(e t# s(el##$ed d#,n+ and retended t(at s(e sa, (er (*s/and misc#nd*ctin. (imsel) ,it( an#t(er,#man% T(e (*s/and ass*red (er t(ere ,as n# #ne /*t (imsel) t(ere+ and desired (er t# c#med#,n and see )#r (ersel)% S(e came d#,n and admitted t(ere ,as n# #ne t(ere% Her (*s/andt(en+ at (er re=*est+ ascended t(e tree+ and s(e at #nce called (er aram#*r+ and /e.an t#am*se (ersel) ,it( (im% Her (*s/and sa, (er )r#m (is #st in t(e tree+ and /e.an t# a/*se(er6 /*t s(e declared t(ere ,as n# man ,it( (er+ and t(at t(e ear-tree made (er (*s/and seed#*/le+ 3*st as it (ad made (er see d#*/le revi#*sl2%

T(e ev#l*ti#n #) man%First (e aeared in t(e class #) in#r.anic t(in.s+ 9

Next (e assed t(ere)r#m int# t(at #) lants%F#r 2ears (e lived as #ne #) t(e lants+Remem/erin. na*.(t #) (is in#r.anic state s# di))erent6And ,(en (e assed )r#m t(e ve.etive t# t(e animal stateHe (ad n# remem/rance #) (is state as a lant+Excet t(e inclinati#n (e )elt t# t(e ,#rld #) lants+Eseciall2 at t(e time #) srin. and s,eet )l#,ers%Li$e t(e inclinati#n #) in)ants t#,ards t(eir m#t(ers+7(ic( $n#, n#t t(e ca*se #) t(eir inclinati#n t# t(e /reast+Or t(e excessive inclinati#n #) 2#*n. discilesT#,ards t(eir n#/le and ill*stri#*s teac(ers%T(e disciles artial reas#n c#mes )r#m t(at Reas#n+T(e disciles s(ad#, is )r#m t(at /#*.(%7(en t(e s(ad#,s in t(e disciles cease+T(e2 $n#, t(e reas#n #) t(eir attac(ment t# t(e teac(ers%F#r+ O )#rt*nate #ne+ (#, can t(e s(ad#, m#ve+Unless t(e tree t(at casts t(e s(ad#, m#ve as ,ell8A.ain+ t(e .reat Creat#r+ as 2#* $n#,+!re, man #*t #) t(e animal int# t(e (*man state%

T(*s man assed )r#m #ne #rder #) nat*re t# an#t(er+Till (e /ecame ,ise and $n#,in. and str#n. as (e is n#,%O) (is )irst s#*ls (e (as n#, n# remem/rance+And (e ,ill /e a.ain c(an.ed )r#m (is resent s#*l%In #rder t# escae )r#m (is resent s#*l )*ll #) l*stsHe m*st /e(#ld t(#*sands #) reas#na/le s#*ls%T(#*.( man )ell aslee and )#r.#t (is revi#*s states+4et &#d ,ill n#t leave (im in t(is sel)-)#r.et)*lness6And t(en (e ,ill la*.( at (is #,n )#rmer stateSa2in.+ 1 7(at mattered m2 exeriences ,(en aslee87(en I (ad )#r.#tten m2 r#ser#*s c#nditi#n+

And $ne, n#t t(at t(e .rie) and ills I exerienced7ere t(e e))ect #) slee and ill*si#n and )anc28



In li$e manner t(is ,#rld+ ,(ic( is #nl2 a dream%Seems t# t(e sleeer as a t(in. end*rin. )#r ever "*t ,(en t(e m#rn #) t(e last da2 s(all da,n+T(e sleeer ,ill escae )r#m t(e cl#*d #) ill*si#n6La*.(ter ,ill #ver#,er (im at (is #,n )ancied .rieves

7(en (e /e(#lds (is a/idin. (#me and lace%7(atever 2#* see in t(is slee+ /#t( .##d and evil+7ill all /e ex#sed t# vie, #n t(e res*rrecti#n da2%7(atever 2#* (ave d#ne d*rin. 2#*r slee in t(e ,#rld7ill /e disla2ed t# 2#* clearl2 ,(en 2#* a,a$e%Ima.ine n#t t(at t(ese ill deeds #) 2#*rs exist n#tIn t(is slee #) 2#*rs+ and ,ill n#t /e revealed t# 2#*%"*t 2#*r resent la*.(ter ,ill t*rn t# ,eein. and ,#eOn t(e da2 #) revealin.+ O 2#* ,(# #ress catives54#*r resent ,ailin. and s#rr#, and .rieves+On t(e #t(er (and+ ,ill /e 3#2 ,(en 2#* a,a$e+

O 2#*+ ,(# (ave rent t(e .arments #) man2 J#se(s+4#* ,ill rise )r#m 2#*r (eav2 slee as a ,#l)%4#*r /ad =*alities ,ill rise in t(e s(ae #) ,#lvesAnd rend 2#* lim/ )r#m lim/ in ven.eance%"2 t(e la, #) retaliati#n /l##d slees n#t a)ter deat(6Sa2 n#t+ 1I s(all die and #/tain ard#n%1T(e retaliati#n #) t(is ,#rld is ill*sive+It is mere s#rt c#mared t# t(e retaliati#n t# c#me%T(ere)#re &#d calls t(e ,#rld 1a astime and a s#rt+1 :F#r *nis(ment in t(is ,#rld is s#rt c#mared t# t(at%Here *nis(ment is as t(e reressi#n #) =*arrels+T(ere it is as castrati#n #r circ*mcisi#n%

"*t t(is disc#*rse is endless+ O M#ses+&# and leave t(ese asses t# t(eir .raBin.5Let t(em )atten t(emselves ,it( t(e )##d t(e2 l#ve+F#r t(e2 are ver2 ,#lves and #/3ects #) m2 ,rat(%*l arnain at M#*nt a)% <*l arnain 3#*rne2ed t# M#*nt a)6He sa, it ,as )#rmed #) a /ri.(t emerald+

F#rmin. as it ,ere a rin. r#*nd t(e ,#rld+7(ereat all e#le are )illed ,it( ,#nder%He said+ 1T(#* mi.(t2 (ill+ ,(at are #t(er (ills8"e)#re t(ee t(e2 are mere la2t(in.s%1T(e M#*nt relied+ 1T(#se (ills are m2 veins+"*t t(e2 are n#t li$e me in /ea*t2 and im#rtance%A (idden vein )r#m me r*ns t# ever2 cit2+T(e =*arters #) t(e ,#rld are /#*nd t# m2 veins%7(en &#d desires an eart(=*a$e *nder an2 cit2+He /ids me s(a$e #ne #) m2 veins%T(en in an.er I s(a$e t(at vein

7(ic( is c#nnected ,it( t(at artic*lar cit2%7(en He sa2s+ En#*.(+ m2 vein remains still+



I remain still+ and t(en (aste t# er)#rm m2 ,#r$% N#, still li$e a laster+ and n#, #eratin.6 N#, still li$e t(#*.(t+ and t(en sea$in. m2 t(#*.(t%"*t t(e2 ,(# are v#id #) reas#n ima.ineT(at t(ese eart(=*a$es r#ceed )r#m eart(s va#rs%1

J*st s# an ant ,(# sa, a en ,ritin. #n aer+!elivered (imsel) t# an#t(er ant in t(is ,a2T(at en is ma$in. ver2 ,#nder)*l )i.*res+Li$e (2acint(s and lilies and r#ses%T(e #t(er said+ T(e )in.er is t(e real ,#r$er+T(e en is #nl2 t(e instr*ment #) its ,#r$in.%A t(ird ant said+ N#6 t(e acti#n r#ceeds )r#m t(e arm+T(e ,ea$ )in.er ,rites ,it( t(e arms mi.(t%S# it ,ent #n *,ards+ till at last

A rince #) t(e ants+ ,(# (ad s#me ,itSaid+ 4e re.ard #nl2 t(e #*t,ard )#rm #) t(is marvel+7(ic( )#rm /ec#mes senseless in slee and deat(%F#rm is #nl2 as a dress #r a sta)) in t(e (and+It is #nl2 )r#m reas#n and mind t(ese )i.*res r#ceed%"*t (e $ne, n#t t(at t(is reas#n and mind7#*ld /e /*t li)eless t(in.s ,it(#*t &#ds im*lsi#n%T(e an.el &a/riel aears t# t(e Pr#(et M*(ammad%M*sta)a said t# t(e an.el &a/riel+1O )riend+ s(#, me t(2 )#rm as it reall2 is6S(#, it t# me #enl2 and erceti/l2+T(at I ma2 /e(#ld t(ee ,it( m2 e2es%1&a/riel said+ 1T(#* canst n#t d# s#+ t(#* art t## ,ea$+T(2 senses are exceedin. ,ea$ and )rail%1M*(ammad said+ 1S(#, it+ t(at t(is /#d2 #) mine ma2 seeT# ,(at extent its senses are )rail and im#tent%Tr*e+ mans /#dil2 senses are )rail+"*t (e #ssesses ,it(in (im a mi.(t2 r#ert2% >T(is /#d2 resem/les )lint and steel+"*t li$e t(em it (as t(e #,er #) $indlin. )ire%Flint and steel are a/le t# .enerate )ire+

Fr#m t(em srin.s )ire ,(ic( can destr#2 its arents%1As (e c#ntin*ed im#rt*nin. (im+ &a/riel disla2edHis a,)*l )#rm+ ,(ereat t(e m#*ntains ,ere rent as*nder%It #cc*ied t(e s$2 )r#m east t# ,est%And M*sta)a s,##ned ,it( )ear%7(en &a/riel /e(eld (im s,##nin. ,it( )ear+He came and clased (im in (is arms%Address t# H*sam*-d-!in%O li.(t #) &#d+ H*sam*-d-!in+ admitT(is asss (ead int# t(at mel#n-.arden5F#r ,(en t(is ass is $illed in t(e sla*.(ter-(#*se

T(at $itc(en ,ill /est#, *#n (im a ne, existence%Fr#m me r#ceeds t(e )#rm+ )r#m t(ee t(e sirit6



Na2+ )#rm and sirit /#t( r#ceed )r#m t(ee5T(#* art as M*(ammad in (eaven+ O /rilliant S*n5"e als# as M*(ammad #n eart( )#rever and ever5S# t(at eart( and (eaven #n (i.( ma2 /e *nited7it( #ne (eart+ #ne ,#rs(i+ #ne asirati#n5

And sc(ism and #l2t(eism and d*alit2 disaear+And Unit2 a/ide in t(e Real Sirit*al "ein.57(en m2 sirit rec#.niBes t(2 sirit+7e remem/er #*r essential *ni#n and #ri.in%@NOTES0% '#ran xlix% %9% See t(e arallel assa.e in &*ls(an i RaB+ I% :G+ and t(e n#te% It is /ased #n t(eArist#telian d#ctrine #) t(e ascendin. .rades #) t(e s#*l+ #r vital rincile%:% '#ran xxix% ?<%<% *l arnain+ C(a*cers !*l$arn+ means 1He #) t(e t,# (#rns+1 and (ere den#tes Alexandert(e &reat%

>% See t(e arallel assa.e in &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <:+ and t(e n#te t(ere#n% T(is r#ert2 is t(em2stic 1inner li.(t1 #r sirit*al int*iti#n%


"##$ ;%

STOR4 I%T(e Pr#(et and (is In)idel &*est%

AFTER t(e *s*al address t# H*sam*-d-!in )#ll#,s a c#mment #n t(e recet addressed t#A/ra(am+ 1Ta$e )#*r /irds and dra, t(em t#,ards t(ee+ and c*t t(em in ieces%1 T(e /irdsare exlained t# /e t(e d*c$ #) .l*tt#n2+ t(e c#c$ #) c#nc*iscence+ t(e eac#c$ #) am/iti#nand #stentati#n+ and t(e cr#, #) /ad desires+ and t(is is made t(e text #) several st#ries%

"e.innin. ,it( .l*tt#n2+ t(e #et tells t(e )#ll#,in. st#r2 t# ill*strate t(e #ccasi#n #) t(ePr#(ets *tterin. t(e sa2in.+ In)idels eat ,it( seven /ellies+ /*t t(e )ait()*l ,it( #ne%1 Oneda2 s#me in)idels /e..ed )##d and l#d.in. #) t(e Pr#(et% T(e Pr#(et ,as m#ved /2 t(eirentreaties+ and desired eac( #) (is disciles t# ta$e #ne #) t(e in)idels t# (is (#*se and )eedand l#d.e (im+ remar$in. t(at it ,as t(eir d*t2 t# s(#, $indness t# stran.ers at (is c#mmand+as m*c( as t# d# /attle ,it( (is )#es% S# eac( discile selected #ne #) t(e in)idels and carried(im #)) t# (is (#*se6 /*t t(ere ,as #ne /i. and c#arse man+ a ver2 .iant O.+ ,(#m n# #ne,#*ld receive+ and t(e Pr#(et t##$ (im t# (is #,n (#*se% In (is (#*se t(e Pr#(et (ad sevens(e-.#ats t# s*l2 (is )amil2 ,it( mil$+ and t(e (*n.r2 in)idel dev#*red all t(e mil$ #) t(#seseven .#ats+ t# sa2 n#t(in. #) /read and #t(er viands% He le)t n#t a dr# )#r t(e Pr#(ets)amil2+ ,(# ,ere t(ere)#re m*c( ann#2ed ,it( (im+ and ,(en (e retired t# (is c(am/er #ne

#) t(e servant-maids l#c$ed (im in% !*rin. t(e ni.(t t(e in)idel )elt ver2 *n,ell inc#nse=*ence #) (avin. #vereaten (imsel)+ and tried t# .et #*t int# t(e #en air+ /*t ,as



*na/le t# d# s#+ #,in. t# t(e d##r /ein. l#c$ed% Finall2+ (e ,as ver2 sic$+ and de)iled (is /eddin.% In t(e m#rnin. (e ,as extremel2 as(amed+ and t(e m#ment t(e d##r ,as #ened (eran a,a2% T(e Pr#(et ,as a,are #) ,(at (ad (aened+ /*t let t(e man escae+ s# as n#t t#

*t (im t# s(ame% A)ter (e (ad .#ne t(e servants sa, t(e mess (e (ad made+ and in)#rmed t(ePr#(et #) it6 /*t t(e Pr#(et made li.(t #) it+ and said (e ,#*ld clean it * (imsel)% His

)riends ,ere s(#c$ed at t(e t(#*.(t #) t(e Pr#(et s#ilin. (is sacred (ands ,it( s*c( )ilt(+and tried t# revent (im+ /*t (e ersisted in d#in. it+ callin. t# mind t(e text+ 1As t(#* livest+O M*(ammad+ t(e2 ,ere /e,ildered /2 dr*n$enness+1 9 and /ein.+ in )act+ *r.ed t# it /2 adivine c#mmand% 7(ile (e ,as en.a.ed in t(e ,#r$ t(e in)idel came /ac$ t# l##$ )#r atalisman ,(ic( (e (ad le)t /e(ind (im in (is (*rr2 t# escae+ and seein. t(e Pr#(ets#cc*ati#n (e /*rst int# tears+ and /e,ailed (is #,n )ilt(2 c#nd*ct% T(e Pr#(et c#ns#led(im+ sa2in. t(at ,eein. and enitence ,#*ld *r.e t(e #))ence+ )#r &#d sa2s+ 1Little lett(em la*.(+ and m*c( let t(em ,ee61 : and a.ain+ 1Lend &#d a li/eral l#an61 < and a.ain+1&#d #nl2 desiret( t# *t a,a2 )ilt(iness )r#m 2#* as His (#*se(#ld+ and ,it( cleansin. t#cleanse 2#*%1 > Pr#(et t(en *r.ed (im t# /ear ,itness t(at &#d ,as t(e L#rd+ even as ,asd#ne /2 t(e s#ns #) Adam+ ? exlained (#, t(e #*t,ard acts #) ra2er and )astin. /ear

,itness #) t(e sirit*al li.(t ,it(in% A)ter /ein. n*rt*red #n t(is sirit*al )##d t(e in)idelc#n)essed t(e tr*t( #) Islam+ and ren#*nced (is in)idelit2 and .l*tt#n2% He ret*rned t(an$s t#t(e Pr#(et )#r /rin.in. (im t# t(e $n#,led.e #) t(e tr*e )ait( and re.eneratin. (im+ even asIsa (ad re.enerated LaBar*s% T(e Pr#(et ,as satis)ied #) (is sincerit2+ and as$ed (im t# s*,it( (im a.ain% At s*er (e dran$ #nl2 (al) t(e #rti#n #) mil$ 2ielded /2 #ne .#at+ andstead)astl2 re)*sed t# ta$e m#re+ sa2in. (e )elt er)ectl2 satis)ied ,it( t(e little (e (ad alread2ta$en% T(e #t(er .*ests marveled m*c( t# see (is .l*tt#n2 s# s##n c*red+ and ,ere led t#re)lect #n t(e virt*es #) t(e sirit*al )##d administered t# (im /2 t(e Pr#(et%O*t,ard acts /ear ,itness #) t(e state #) t(e (eart ,it(in%Pra2er and )astin. and il.rima.e and (#l2 ,ar "ear ,itness #) t(e )ait( #) t(e (eart%&ivin. alms and #))erin.s and =*ittin. avariceAls# /ear ,itness #) t(e secret t(#*.(ts%S#+ a ta/le sread )#r .*ests serves as a lain si.n+Sa2in.+ 1O .*est+ I am 2#*r sincere ,ell-,is(er%1S#+ #))erin.s and resents and #/lati#ns"ear ,itness+ sa2in.+ 1I am ,ell leased ,it( 2#*%1Eac( #) t(ese men lavis(es (is ,ealt( #r ains+7(at means it /*t t# sa2+ 1I (ave a virt*e ,it(in me+4ea+ a virt*e #) iet2 #r li/eralit2+7(ere#) m2 #/lati#ns and )astin. /ear ,itness18

Fastin. r#claims t(at (e a/stains )r#m la,)*l )##d+And t(at t(ere)#re (e d#*/tless av#ids *nla,)*l )##d%And (is alms sa2+ 1He .ives a,a2 (is #,n .##ds6It is t(ere)#re lain t(at (e d#es n#t r#/ #t(ers%1I) (e acts t(*s )r#m )ra*d+ (is t,# ,itnessesFastin. and alms are re3ected in &#ds c#*rt6I) t(e (*nter scatters .rain

N#t #*t #) merc2+ /*t t# catc( .ame6I) t(e cat $ees )ast+ and remains stillIn )astin. #nl2 t# entra *n,ar2 /irds6Ma$in. (*ndreds #) e#le s*sici#*s+

And .ivin. a /ad name t# men ,(# )ast and are li/eral64et t(e .race #) &#d+ desite t(is )ra*d+



Ma2 *ltimatel2 *r.e (im )r#m all t(is (2#cris2%Merc2 ma2 revail #ver ven.eance+ and .ive t(e (2#criteS*c( li.(t as is n#t #ssessed /2 t(e )*ll m##n%&#d ma2 *r.e (is dealin.s )r#m t(at (2#cris2+And in merc2 ,as( (im clean #) t(at de)ilement%

In #rder t(at t(e ard#nin. .race #) &#d ma2 /e seen+&#d ard#ns all sins t(at need ard#n%7(ere)#re &#d rains d#,n ,ater )r#m t(e si.n Pisces+T# *ri)2 t(e im*re )r#m t(eir im*rities% GT(*s acts and ,#rds are ,itnesses #) t(e mind ,it(in+Fr#m t(ese t,# ded*ce in)erences as t# t(e t(#*.(ts%7(en 2#*r visi#n cann#t enetrate ,it(in+Insect t(e ,ater v#ided /2 t(e sic$ man%Acts and ,#rds resem/le t(e sic$ mans ,ater+7(ic( serves as evidence t# t(e (2sician #) t(e /#d2%"*t t(e (2sician #) t(e sirit enetrates t(e s#*l+

And t(ence ascertains t(e mans )ait(%S*c( an #ne needs n#t t(e evidence #) )air acts and ,#rds1"e,are #) s*c(+ t(e2 s2 #*t t(e (eart%1Re=*ire t(is evidence #) act and ,#rd #nl2 )r#m #ne7(# is n#t 3#ined t# t(e divine Ocean li$e a stream%"*t t(e li.(t #) t(e traveler arrived at t(e .#al+;eril2 t(at li.(t )ills deserts and ,astes%T(at ,itness #) (is is exemt )r#m /earin. ,itness+And )r#m all tr#*/le and ris$ and .##d ,#r$s%Since t(e /rilliance #) t(at 3e,el /eams )#rt(+It is exemted )r#m t(ese #/li.ati#ns%7(ere)#re re=*ire n#t )r#m (im act and ,#rd evidence+"eca*se /#t( ,#rlds t(r#*.( (im /l##m li$e r#ses%7(at is t(is evidence /*t mani)estati#n #) (idden t(in.s+7(et(er it /e evidence in ,#rd+ #r deed+ #r #t(er,ise8Accidents serve #nl2 t# mani)est t(e secret essence6T(e essential =*alit2 a/ides+ and accidents ass a,a2%T(is mar$ #) .#ld end*res n#t t(e t#*c(st#ne+"*t #nl2 t(e .#ld itsel)+ .en*ine and *nd#*/ted%T(ese ra2ers and (#l2 ,ar and )astin.7ill n#t end*re+ #nl2 t(e n#/le s#*l end*res%

T(e s#*l ex(i/its acts and ,#rds #) t(is s#rt+T(en it r*/s its s*/stance #n t(e t#*c(st#ne #) &#ds c#mmand+Sa2in.+ 1M2 )ait( is tr*e+ /e(#ld m2 ,itnesses51"*t ,itnesses are #en t# s*sici#n%'n#, t(at ,itnesses m*st /e *ri)ied+And t(eir *ri)icati#n is sincerit2+ #n t(at 2#* ma2 deend%T(e ,itness #) ,#rd c#nsists in sea$in. t(e tr*t(+T(e ,itness #) acts in $eein. #nes r#mises%I) t(e ,itness #) ,#rd lie+ its evidence is re3ected+And i) t(e ,itness #) act la2 )alse+ it is re3ected%4#*r ,#rds and acts m*st /e ,it(#*t sel)-c#ntradicti#n

In #rder t# /e acceted ,it(#*t =*esti#n%14#*r aims are di))erent+1 and 2#* c#ntradict 2#*rselves+



4#* se, /2 da2+ and tear t# ieces /2 ni.(t%H#, can &#d listen t# s*c( c#ntradict#r2 ,itness+Unless He /e leased t# decide #n it in merc28Act and ,#rd mani)est t(e secret t(#*.(ts and mind+"#t( #) t(em ex#se t# vie, t(e veiled secret%

7(en 2#*r ,itnesses are *ri)ied t(e2 are acceted+Ot(er,ise t(e2 are arrested and $et in d*rance%T(e2 enter int# c#n)lict ,it( 2#*+ O sti))-nec$ed #ne61Stand al##) and ,ait )#r t(em+ )#r t(e2 t## ,ait%1 DPra2ers )#r sirit*al enli.(tenment%O &#d+ ,(# (ast n# eer+ /est#, T(2 )av#r *#n me6Since T(#* (ast ,it( t(is disc#*rse *t a rin. in m2 ear+Ta$e me /2 t(e ear+ and dra, me int# t(at (#l2 assem/l27(ere T(2 saints in ecstas2 drin$ #) T(2 *re ,ine5

N#, t(at T(#* (ast ca*sed me t# smell its er)*me+7it((#ld n#t )r#m me t(at m*s$2 ,ine+ O L#rd #) )ait(

O) T(2 /#*nt2 all arta$e+ /#t( men and ,#men+T(#* art *n.r*d.in. in /#*nties+ O Hearer #) ra2er%Pra2ers are .ranted /2 T(ee /e)#re t(e2 are *ttered+T(#* #enest t(e d##r t# admit (earts ever2 m#ment5H#, man2 letters T(#* ,ritest ,it( T(2 Almi.(t2 en5T(r#*.( marvelin. t(ereat st#nes /ec#me as ,ax%T(#* ,ritest t(e N*n #) t(e /r#,+ t(e Sad #) t(e e2e+And t(e Jim #) t(e ear+ t# amaBe reas#n and sense%T(ese letters exercise and erlex reas#n67rite #n+ O s$il)*l Fair-,riter5Imrintin. ever2 m#ment #n N#t-/ein. t(e )air )#rmsO) t(e ,#rld #) ideals+ t# c#n)#*nd all t(#*.(t5 4ea+ c#2in. t(ere#n t(e )air letters #) t(e a.e #) ideals+T# ,it+ e2e and /r#, and m#*stac(e and m#le5F#r me+ I ,ill /e a l#ver #) N#t-/ein.+ n#t #) existence+"eca*se t(e /el#ved #) N#t-/ein. is m#re /lessed% &#d made reas#n a reader #) all t(ese letters+T# s*..est t# it re)lecti#ns #n t(at #*t#*rin. #) .race% 9Reas#n+ li$e &a/riel+ learns da2 /2 da2Its dail2 #rti#n )r#m t(e 1Indeli/le Ta/let%1 :"e(#ld t(e letters ,ritten ,it(#*t (ands #n N#t-/ein.5

"e(#ld t(e erlexit2 #) man$ind at t(#se letters5Ever2 #ne is /e,ildered /2 t(ese t(#*.(ts+And di.s )#r (idden treas*re in (#e t# )ind it%T(is /e,ilderment #) man$ind as t# t(eir tr*e aims is c#mared t# t(e /e,ilderment #) menin t(e dar$ l##$in. in all directi#ns )#r t(e i/la+ and recalls t(e text+ 1O t(e miser2 t(at rests*#n m2 servants%1 <T(en )#ll#, re)lecti#ns #n t(e sacri)ice /2 A/ra(am #) t(e eac#c$ #) am/iti#n and#stentati#n% Next c#mes a disc#*rse #n t(e t(esis t(at all men can rec#.niBe t(e mercies #)&#d and t(e ,rat( #) &#d6 /*t &#ds mercies are #)ten (idden in His c(astisements+ and viceversa+ and it is #nl2 men #) dee sirit*al discernment ,(# can rec#.niBe acts #) merc2 andacts #) ,rat( c#ncealed in t(eir ##sites% T(e #/3ect #) t(is c#ncealment is t# tr2 and test

mens dis#siti#ns6 acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1T# r#ve ,(ic( #) 2#* ,ill /e m#st ri.(te#*s indeed%1 >



STOR4 III%T(e Sa.e and t(e Peac#c$%A sa.e ,ent #*t t# till (is )ield+ and sa, a eac#c$ /*sil2 en.a.ed in destr#2in. (is #,n

l*ma.e ,it( (is /ea$% At seein. t(is insane sel)-destr*cti#n t(e sa.e c#*ld n#t re)rain

(imsel)+ /*t cried #*t t# t(e eac#c$ t# )#r/ear )r#m m*tilatin. (imsel) and s#ilin. (is /ea*t2 in s# ,ant#n a manner% T(e eac#c$ t(en exlained t# (im t(at t(e /ri.(t l*ma.e,(ic( (e admired s# m*c( ,as a )r*it)*l s#*rce #) dan.er t# its *n)#rt*nate #,ner+ as it led t#(is /ein. c#nstantl2 *rs*ed /2 (*nters+ ,(#m (e (ad n# stren.t( t# c#ntend a.ainst6 and (e(ad acc#rdin.l2 decided #n riddin. (imsel) #) it ,it( (is #,n /ea$+ and ma$in. (imsel) s#*.l2 t(at n# (*nter ,#*ld in )*t*re care t# m#lest (im% T(e #et r#ceeds t# #int #*t t(at,#rldl2 cleverness and acc#mlis(ments and ,ealt( endan.er mans sirit*al li)e+ li$e t(e

eac#c$s l*ma.e6 /*t+ nevert(eless+ t(e2 are a#inted )#r #*r r#/ati#n+ and ,it(#*t s*c(trials t(ere can /e n# virt*e%1T(ere is n# m#n$er2 in Islam%1Tear n#t t(2 l*ma.e #)) it cann#t /e relaced6

!is)i.*re n#t t(2 )ace in ,ant#nness+ O )air #ne5T(at )ace ,(ic( is /ri.(t as t(e )#ren##n s*n+T# dis)i.*re it ,ere a .riev#*s sin%T,ere a.anism t# mar s*c( a )ace as t(ine5T(e m##n itsel) ,#*ld ,ee t# l#se si.(t #) it5'n#,est t(#* n#t t(e /ea*t2 #) t(ine #,n )ace8*it t(is temer t(at leads t(ee t# ,ar ,it( t(2sel)5It is t(e cla,s #) t(ine #,n )##lis( t(#*.(tsT(at in site ,#*nd t(e )ace #) t(2 =*iet s#*l%'n#, s*c( t(#*.(ts t# /e cla,s )ra*.(t ,it( #is#n+7(ic( sc#re dee ,#*nds #n t(e )ace #) t(2 s#*l%Rend n#t t(2 l*ma.e #))+ /*t avert t(2 (eart )r#m itF#r (#stilit2 /et,een t(em is t(e la, #) t(is (#l2 ,ar%7ere t(ere n# (#stilit2+ t(at ,ar ,#*ld /e im#ssi/le%lladst t(#* n# l*st+ #/edience t# t(e la, c#*ld n#t /e% 9Hadst t(#* n# c#nc*iscence t(ere c#*ld /e n# a/stinence%7(ere n# anta.#nist+ ,(at need is t(ere #) armies8A(5 ma$e n#t t(2sel) an e*n*c(+ : n#t a m#n$+"eca*se c(astit2 is m#rt.a.ed t# l*st%7it(#*t l*st denial #) l*st is im#ssi/le

N# man can disla2 /raver2 a.ainst t(e dead%

&#d sa2s+ 1Exend61 < ,(ere)#re earn m#ne2%Since exendit*re is im#ssi/le ,it(#*t revi#*s .ain8Alt(#*.( t(e assa.e c#ntains #nl2 t(e ,#rd 1Exend+1Read 1Ac=*ire )irst+ and t(en exend%1In li$e manner+ ,(en t(e 'in. #) $in.s sa2s 1A/stain+1 >It imlies an #/3ect #) desire ,(ere)r#m t# a/stain%A.ain+ 1Eat 2e+1 is said rec#.nisin. t(e snares #) l*st+And a)ter,ards+ 1 Exceed n#t+1 ? t# en3#in temerance%7(en t(ere is n# s*/3ect+T(e existence #) a redicate is n#t #ssi/le% G7(en t(#* end*rest n#t t(e ains #) a/stinence

And )*l)illest n#t t(e terms+ t(#* .ainest n# re,ard%H#, eas2 t(#se terms5 (#, a/*ndant t(at re,ard5



A re,ard t(at enc(ants t(e (eart and c(arms t(e s#*l5T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 t(e adm#niti#n t(at t(e #nl2 ,a2 t# /e sa)e )r#m #nes internal enemies ist# anni(ilate sel)+ a+nd t# /e a/s#r/ed in t(e eternit2 #) &#d+ as t(e li.(t #) t(e stars is l#st int(e li.(t #) t(e n##nda2 s*n% Ever2t(in. /*t &#d is at #nce re2ed #n /2 #t(ers+ and itsel)

re2s #n #t(ers+ li$e t(e )#,l ,(ic(+ ,(en catc(in. a ,#rm+ ,as itsel) ca*.(t /2 a cat% Men

are s# intent #n t(eir #,n l#, #/3ects #) *rs*it t(at t(e2 see n#t t(eir )#es ,(# are tr2in. t#ma$e t(em t(eir re2% T(*s it is said+ 1"e)#re t(em (ave ,e set a /arrier+ and /e(ind t(em a /arrier+ s# t(at t(e2 s(all n#t see%1 Pers#ns ,(# l*st a)ter t(e vile leas*res #) t(is ,#rld+and desire l#n. li)e+ n#t t# serve &#d+ /*t t# satis)2 t(eir #,n carnal l*sts+ resem/le t(e cr#,slain /2 A/ra(am+ /eca*se (e #nl2 lived )#r t(e sa$e #) carri#n6 #r I/lis+ ,(# ra2ed t# /eresited till t(e da2 #) 3*d.ment+ n#t )#r t(e *r#se #) re)#rmin. (imsel) /*t #nl2 t# d#misc(ie) t# man$ind% DPra2ers t# &#d t# c(an.e #*r /ase inclinati#ns and .ive *s (i.(er asirati#ns%O T(#* t(at c(an.est eart( int# .#ld+And #*t #) #t(er eart( madest t(e )at(er #) man$ind+T(2 /*siness is c(an.in. t(in.s and /est#,in. )av#rs+

M2 /*siness is mista$es and )#r.et)*lness and err#r%C(an.e m2 mista$es and )#r.et)*lness t# $n#,led.e6I am alt#.et(er vile+ ma$e me temerate and mee$%O T(#* t(at c#nvertest salt eart( int# /read+And /read a.ain int# t(e li)e #) men6T(#* ,(# madest t(e errin. s#*l a .*ide t# men+And (im t(at erred )r#m t(e ,a2 a r#(et6 T(#* ma$est s#me eart(-/#rn men as (eaven+And m*itiliest (eaven-/#rn saints #n eart(5"*t ,(#s# see$s (is ,ater #) li)e in ,#rldl2 3#2s+T# (im c#mes deat( =*ic$er t(an t# t(e rest%T(e e2es #) t(e (eart ,(ic( /e(#ld t(e (eavensSee t(at t(e Almi.(t2 Alc(emist is ever ,#r$in. (ere%Man$ind are ever /ein. c(an.ed+ and &#ds elixir J#ins t(e /#d2s .arment ,it(#*t aid #) needle%On t(e da2 t(at 2#* entered *#n existence+4#* ,ere )irst )ire+ #r eart(+ #r air%I) 2#* (ad c#ntin*ed in t(at+ 2#*r #ri.inal state+H#, c#*ld 2#* (ave arrived at t(is di.nit2 #) (*manit28"*t t(r#*.( c(an.e 2#*r )irst existence remained n#tIn lien t(ere#) &#d .ave 2#* a /etter existence

In li$e manner He ,ill .ive 2#* t(#*sands #) existences+One a)ter an#t(er+ t(e s*cceedin. #nes /etter t(an t(e )#rmer%Re.ard 2#*r #ri.inal state+ n#t t(e mean states+F#r t(ese mean states rem#ve 2#* )r#m 2#*r #ri.in%As t(ese mean states increase+ *ni#n recedes6As t(e2 decrease+ t(e *ncti#n #) *ni#n increases%Fr#m $n#,in. means and ca*ses (#l2 /e,ilderment )ails64ea+ t(e /e,ilderment t(at leads 2#* t# &#ds resence%4#* (ave #/tained t(ese existences a)ter anni(ilati#ns67(ere)#re+ t(en+ d# 2#* s(rin$ )r#m anni(ilati#n87(at (arm (ave t(ese anni(ilati#ns d#ne 2#*

T(at 2#* clin. s# t# resent existence+ O simlet#n8Since t(e latter #) 2#*r states ,ere /etter t(an t(e )#rmer+



See$ anni(ilati#n and ad#re c(an.e #) state%4#* (ave alread2 seen (*ndreds #) res*rrecti#nsOcc*r ever2 m#ment )r#m 2#*r #ri.in till n#,6One )r#m t(e in#r.anic state t# t(e ve.etive state+Fr#m t(e ve.etive state t# t(e animal state #) trial6

T(ence a.ain t# rati#nalit2 and .##d discernment6A.ain 2#* ,ill rise )r#m t(is ,#rld #) sense and )#rm%A(5 O cr#,+ .ive * t(is li)e and live ane,5In vie, #) &#ds c(an.es cast a,a2 2#*r li)e5C(##se t(e ne,+ .ive * t(e #ld+F#r eac( sin.le resent 2ear is /etter t(an t(ree ast%T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 a c#mmentar2 #n t(e sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et+ 1Pit2 t(e i#*s man ,(# )allsint# sin+ and t(e ric( man ,(# )alls int# #vert2+ and t(e ,ise man ,(# )alls int# t(ec#man2 #) )##ls%1 T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) a 2#*n. deer ,(# ,as laced in t(easses sta/le+ and 3eered at and maltreated /2 t(em% T(is s*..ests%@NOTES0

% A Hadis%9% C% "% "*tler+ 1On a state #) r#/ati#n as iml2in. trial and dan.er1 Anal#.2+ C(a% iv%Pt% %:% Pr#/a/l2 re)errin. t# Ori.in%<% '#ran ii% 9?<%>% '#ran iii% 9%?% '#ran vi% <90 1Eat #) t(eir )r*it+ /*t /e n#t r#di.al+ and exceed n#t%1G% Or+ 1I) t(ere /e n# s*#rter+ t(ere can /e n#t(in. s*#rted%1% '#ran xxxvi% %D% '#ran vii% :%% '#ran xciii% G%

STOR4 I;%M*(ammad '(,araBm S(a( and t(e Ra)iBis #) Sa/Ba,ar%M*(ammad S(a( ,as t(e last rince /*t #ne #) t(e '(,araBm d2nast2 #) "al$(+ t# ,(ic()amil2 /#t( t(e #ets m#t(er and .randm#t(er /el#n.ed% He ,as t(e rei.nin. rince in A!%9D+ t(e 2ear in ,(ic( t(e #ets )at(er )led )r#m "al$(+ and ,as de)eated /2 C(in.iB '(ana 2ear #r t,# later% In #ne #) (is camai.ns M*(ammad S(a( cat*red t(e cit2 #) Sa/Ba,ar+in '(#rasan+ ,(ic( cit2 as in(a/ited /2 Ra)iBis #r ran$ S(ias+ nat*rall2 m#st #/n#xi#*s t# aS*nni rince claimin. descent )r#m t(e )irst '(a(i) A/* "a$r% A)ter t(e cit2 ,as ta$en t(e

in(a/itants came #*t+ and r#ceeded ,it( all (*milit2 t# /e. t(eir lives+ #))erin. t# a2 an2am#*nt #) rans#m and tri/*te t(at (e mi.(t im#se *#n t(em% "*t t(e rince relied t(at (e,#*ld sare t(eir lives #nl2 #n #ne c#nditi#n+ viB%+ t(at t(e2 r#d*ced )r#m Sa/Ba,ar a man

/earin. t(e name A/* "a$r% T(e2 reresented t# (im t(at it ,#*ld /e im#ssi/le t# )ind in t(e,(#le cit2 a sin.le man /earin. a name s# (ate)*l t# t(e S(ias6 /*t t(e rince ,as inex#ra/le+and re)*sed t# alter t(e c#nditi#ns% S# t(e2 ,ent and searc(ed all t(e nei.(/#*r(##d+ and atlast )#*nd a traveler l2in. at t(e r#adside at t(e #int #) deat(+ ,(# /#re t(e name #) A/*"a$r% As (e ,as *na/le t# ,al$+ t(e2 laced (im #n a /ier and carried (im int# t(e $in.s

resence% T(e $in. rer#ac(ed t(em )#r t(eir c#ntemt and ne.lect #) t(is i#*s S*nni+ t(e#nl2 tr*e (eart am#n.st t(em+ and reminded t(em #) t(e sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et+ 1&#d re.ardsn#t 2#*r #*t,ard s(#, and 2#*r ,ealt(+ /*t 2#*r (earts and 2#*r deeds%1 In t(is ara/le+ sa2s

t(e #et+ Sa/Ba,ar is t(e ,#rld+ t(e ##r S*nni t(e man #) &#d+ desised and re3ected #) men+and t(e $in. is &#d Almi.(t2+ ,(# see$s a tr*e (eart am#n.st evil men%



Satans snares )#r man$ind%T(*s sa$e c*rsed I/lis t# t(e Almi.(t2+1I ,ant a mi.(t2 tra t# catc( (*man .ame ,it(al%1&#d .ave (im .#ld and silver and tr##s #) (#rsesSa2in.+ 14#* can catc( m2 creat*res ,it( t(ese%1

I/lis said+ 1"rav#51 /*t at t(e same time (*n. (is li+And )r#,ned s#*rl2 li$e a /itter #ran.e%T(en &#d #))ered .#ld and 3e,els )r#m reci#*s minesT# t(at la..ard in t(e )ait(+Sa2in.+ 1Ta$e t(ese #t(er tras+ O c*rsed #ne%1"*t I/lis said+ 1&ive me m#re+ O /lessed !e)ender%1&#d .ave (im s*cc*lent and s,eet and c#stl2 ,ines+And als# st#re #) sil$en .arments%"*t I/lis said+ 1 O L#rd+ I ,ant m#re aids t(an t(ese+In #rder t# /ind men in m2 t,isted r#eS# )irml2 t(at T(2 ad#rers+ ,(# are valiant men

Ma2 n#t+ man-li$e+ /rea$ m2 /#nds as*nder%17(en at last &#d s(#,ed (im t(e /ea*t2 #) ,#men+7(ic( /ereaves men #) reas#n and sel)-c#ntr#l+T(en I/lis claed (is (ands and /e.an t# dance+Sa2in.+ 1&ive me t(ese6 I s(all =*ic$l2 revail ,it( t(ese51T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 c#mments #n t(e text+ 1O) .##dliest )a/ric ,e created man+ and t(en

/r#*.(t (im d#,n t# t(e l#,est #) t(e l#,+ savin. t(#se ,(# /elieve and d# t(e t(in.s t(atare ri.(t61 and #n t(e verses+1I) t(#* .#est t(e r#ad+ t(e2 ,ill s(#, t(ee t(e r#ad6I) t(#* /ec#mest na*.(t+ t(e2 ,ill t*rn t(ee t# /ein.%1@NOTES0% '#ran xcv% <%

STOR4 ;%T(e Man ,(# claimed t# /e a Pr#(et%A man cried #*t t# t(e e#le+ 1I am a r#(et6 2ea+ t(e m#st excellent #) t(e r#(ets%1 T(e

e#le seiBed (im /2 t(e c#llar+ sa2in.+ 1H#, are 2#* an2 m#re a r#(et t(an ,e are81 Herelied+ 14e came t# eart( )r#m t(e sirit-,#rld as sleein. c(ildren+ seein. n#t(in. #) t(e,a26 /*t I came (it(er ,it( m2 e2es #en+ and mar$ed all t(e sta.es #) t(e ,a2 li$e a .*ide%1On t(is t(e2 led (im /e)#re t(e $in.+ and /e..ed t(e $in. t# *nis( (im% T(e $in.+ seein. t(at

(e ,as ver2 in)irm+ t##$ it2 #n (im+ and led (im aart and as$ed (im ,(ere (is (#me ,as%T(e man relied+ 1O $in.+ m2 (#me is in t(e (#*se #) eace (eaven+ and I am c#me t(enceint# t(is (#*se #) rer#ac(%1 T(e $in. t(en as$ed (im ,(at (e (ad /een eatin. t# ma$e (imrave as (e did+ and (e said i) (e lived #n mere eart(l2 /read (e s(#*ld n#t (ave claimed t# /ea r#(et% His reac(in. ,as entirel2 t(r#,n a,a2 #n ,#rldl2 men+ ,(# #nl2 desire t# (earne,s #) .#ld #r ,#men+ and are ann#2ed ,it( all ,(# sea$ t# t(em #) t(e eternal li)e t#c#me% T(e2 cleave t# t(e resent li)e s# )ast t(at t(e2 (ate t(#se ,(# tell t(em #) an#t(er%T(e2 sa2+ 14e are tellin. *s #ld )a/les and ravin. idl261 and ,(en t(e2 see i#*s men

r#serin. t(e2 env2 t(em+ and+ li$e Satan+ /ec#me m#re ##sed t# t(em% &#d said+ 17(att(in$est t(#* #) (im ,(# (#ldet( /ac$ a servant #) &#d ,(en (e ra2et(8 1 9T(e $in. t(en said t# (im+ 17(at is t(is insirati#n #) 2#*rs+ and ,(at r#)it d# 2#* derive

)r#m it81 T(e man ans,ered+ 17(at r#)it is t(ere t(at I d# n#t derive )r#m it8 I .rant I amn#t ric( in ,#rldl2 ,ealt(+ 2et t(e insirati#n &#d teac(es me is s*rel2 as reci#*s as t(at



,(ic( He ta*.(t t(e /ees% : &#d ta*.(t t(em t# ma$e ,ax and (#ne2+ and He teac(es men#/ler t(in.s t(an t(ese% 7(#s# (as (is )ace reddened ,it( celestial ,ine is a r#(et #) li$edis#siti#n ,it( M*(ammad+ and ,(#s# is *na))ected /2 t(at sirit*al drin$ is t# /eacc#*nted an enem2 t# &#d and man%1T(e Pr#(ets ra2er )#r t(e envi#*s e#le%

O T(#* t(at .ivest aliment and #,er and sta/ilit2+Set )ree t(e e#le )r#m t(eir insta/ilit2%T# t(e s#*l t(at is /ent d#*/le /2 env2&ive *ri.(tness in t(e at( #) d*t2+&ive t(em sel)-c#ntr#l+ 1,ei.( d#,n t(eir scales+1 <Release t(em )r#m t(e arts #) deceivers%Redeem t(em )r#m env2in.+ O .raci#*s One+T(at t(r#*.( env2 t(e2 /e n#t st#ned li$e I/lis% >Even in t(eir )leetin. r#serit2+ see (#, t(e e#le"*rn * ,ealt( and men t(r#*.( env25See t(e $in.s ,(# lead )#rt( t(eir armies

T# sla2 t(eir #,n e#le )r#m env25L#vers #) s,eet(earts (ave c#nceived 3eal#*s2+And attemted #ne an#t(ers lives+Read 1 7ais and Ramin1 and 1'(#sra* and S(irin1T# see ,(at t(ese )##ls (ave d#ne t# #ne an#t(er%L#vers and /el#ved (ave /#t( eris(ed6And n#t t(emselves #nl2+ /*t t(eir l#ve as ,ell%Tis &#d al#ne ,(# a.itates t(ese n#nentitiesMa$in. #ne n#nentit2 )all in l#ve ,it( an#t(er%In t(e (eart t(at is n# (eart env2 c#mes t# a (ead+T(*s "ein. tr#*/les n#nentit2%T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 an anecd#te #) a l#ver ,(# rec#*nted t# (is mistress all t(e services (e(ad d#ne+ and all t(e t#ils (e (ad *nder.#ne )#r (er sa$e+ and in=*ired i) t(ere ,as an2t(in.else (e c#*ld d# t# testi)2 t(e sincerit2 #) (is l#ve% His mistress relied+ 1All t(ese t(in.s 2#*(ave d#ne are /*t t(e /ranc(es #) l#ve6 2#* (ave n#t 2et attained t# t(e r##t+ ,(ic( is t# .ive* li)e itsel) )#r t(e sa$e #) 2#*r /el#ved%1 T(e l#ver acc#rdin.l2 .ave * (is li)e+ anden3#2ed eternal )r*iti#n #) (is l#ve+ acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1O t(#* s#*l ,(ic( art at rest+ ret*rnt# t(2 L#rd+ leased+ and leasin. Him%1 ?T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 a statement #) t(e d#ctrine #) t(e 3*rist A/* (ani)a+ t# ,(#se sc(##l t(e

#et /el#n.ed+ t(at ,eein.+ even al#*d+ d*rin. ra2er d#es n#t render t(e ra2ers v#id+ r#vided t(at t(e ,eein. /e ca*sed /2 t(#*.(ts #) t(e ,#rld t# c#me+ and n#t /2 t(#*.(ts #)

t(is resent ,#rld% G And+ aarentl2 in all*si#n t# t(e name A/* Hani)a+ t(e #et recalls t(etext+ 1T(e2 )#ll#,ed t(e )ait( #) A/ra(am+ t(e #rt(#d#x1 Hani)*n% @NOTES0% '#ran iii% 99%9% '#ran xcvi% D%:% '#ran xvi% G%<% '#ran ci% >%>% '#ran xv% G% T(e sin #) I/lis ,as (is env2 #) Adam%?% '#ran lxxxix% 9GG% Mis($at *l Masa/i(+ i% % 9D+ n#te%% '#ran iv% 9<%



STOR4 ;I%T(e !iscile ,(# /lindl2 imitated (is S(ai$(%An i.n#rant 2#*t( entered an assem/l2 #) i#*s ers#ns ,(# ,ere /ein. addressed /2 a (#l2S(ai$(% He sa, t(e S(ai$( ,eein. c#i#*sl2+ and in mere /lind and senseless imitati#n (e

c#ied t(e S(ai$(s /e(avi#r+ and ,et as c#i#*sl2 (imsel)+ t(#*.( (e *nderst##d n#t a ,#rd#) t(e disc#*rse% In )act+ (e /e(aved 3*st li$e a dea) man ,(# sees t(#se ar#*nd (im la*.(in.+and la*.(s (imsel) #*t #) c#mliment t# t(em+ t(#*.( (e $n#,s n#t t(e s*/3ect #) t(eirmerriment+ and is #/li.ed t# (ave it exlained t# (im /e)#re (e can la*.( a.ain ,it( real

erceti#n #) t(e 3#$e% A)ter (e (ad ,et in t(is i.n#rant ,a2 )#r s#me time (e made d*e#/eisance t# t(e S(ai$(+ and t##$ (is deart*re% "*t #ne #) t(e S(ai$(s tr*e disciles+ /ein.

3eal#*s )#r t(e (#n#r #) (is master+ )#ll#,ed (im+ and t(*s addressed (im+ 1I ad3*re 2#* /2Alla( t(at 2#* .# n#t and sa2+ I sa, t(e S(ai$( ,eein.+ and I t## ,et li$e (im% 4#*ri.n#rant and mere imitative ,eein. is t#tall2 *nli$e t(e ,eein. #) t(at (#l2 saint% S*c(,eein. as (is is #nl2 #ssi/le t# #ne ,(# (as+ li$e (im+ ,a.ed t(e sirit*al ,ar )#r t(irt22ears% His ,eein. is n#t ca*sed /2 ,#rldl2 .rieves+ /*t /2 t(e dee c#ncerns #) t(e sirit%

4#* cann#t erceive /2 reas#n #r sense t(e sirit*al m2steries t(at are #en and lain t# (isenli.(tened visi#n+ an2 m#re t(an t(e dar$ness can /e(#ld t(e li.(t% His /reat(in.s are ast(#se #) Isa+ and n#t li$e mere (*man si.(s raised /2 ,#rldl2 s#rr#,s% His tears and (issmiles and (is seec(es are n#t (is #,n+ /*t r#ceed )r#m Alla(% F##ls li$e 2#* are i.n#rant#) t(e m#tive and desi.n #) saints acti#ns+ and t(ere)#re #nl2 (arm t(emselves i) t(e2 tr2 t#imitate t(em+ ,it(#*t *nderstandin. t(eir meanin.%1 T# ill*strate t(is a c*ri#*s st#r2 is t#ld #)a )##lis( lad2 ,(# c#ied a tric$ #) (er clever slave-.irl+ ,it(#*t *nderstandin. t(e m#d*s#erandi+ and /2 s# d#in. ca*sed (er #,n deat(% In li$e manner arr#ts are ta*.(t t# sea$,it(#*t *nderstandin. t(e ,#rds% T(e met(#d is t# lace a mirr#r /et,een t(e arr#t and t(etrainer% T(e trainer+ (idden /2 t(e mirr#r+ *tters t(e ,#rds+ and t(e arr#t+ seein. (is #,nre)lecti#n in t(e mirr#r+ )ancies an#t(er arr#t is sea$in.+ and imitates all t(at is said /2 t(etrainer /e(ind t(e mirr#r% S# &#d *ses r#(ets and saints as mirr#rs ,(ere/2 t# instr*ct men+

/ein. Himsel) all t(e time (idden /e(ind t(ese mirr#rs+ viB%+ t(e /#dies #) t(ese saints and r#(ets6 and men+ ,(en t(e2 (ear t(e ,#rds r#ceedin. )r#m t(ese mirr#rs+ are *tterl2i.n#rant t(at t(e2 are reall2 /ein. s#$en /2 1Universal Reas#n1 #r t(e 17#rd #) &#d1

/e(ind t(e mirr#rs #) t(e saints%T(e ,#rt(lessness #) mere /lind imitati#n ta=lid #) reli.i#*s exercises%7(en a )riend tells a 3#$e t# (is )riend+T(e dea) man ,(# listens la*.(s t,ice #ver6T(e )irst time )r#m imitati#n and )##lis(ness+"eca*se (e sees all t(e art2 la*.(in.6

4et+ t(#*.( (e la*.(s li$e t(e #t(ers+He is t(en i.n#rant #) t(e s*/3ect #) t(eir la*.(ter6T(en (e in=*ires ,(at t(e la*.(ter ,as a/#*t+And+ #n (earin. it+ r#ceeds t# la*.( a sec#nd time%7(ere)#re t(e /lind imitat#r is li$e a dea) man+In re.ard t# t(e 3#2 (e )ei.ns t# )eel%T(e li.(t is t(e S(ai$(s+ t(e )#*ntain t(e S(ai$(s+And t(e #*t#*rin. #) 3#2 is als# t(e S(ai$(s+ n#t (is%Tis li$e ,ater in a vessel+ #r li.(t t(r#*.( a .lass6I) t(e2 t(in$ t(e2 c#me )r#m t(emselves+ t(e2 are ,r#n.%7(en t(e vessel leaves t(e )#*ntain+ it sees its err#r6

It sees t(e ,ater in it c#mes )r#m t(e )#*ntain%T(e .lass als# learns+ ,(en t(e m##n sets+



T(at its li.(t r#ceeded )r#m t(e s(inin. #) t(e m##n%7(en (is e2es are #ened /2 t(e c#mmand+ 1Arise51 T(en t(at discile smiles a sec#nd time+ li$e t(e da,n%He la*.(s als# at (is #,n revi#*s la*.(ter+7(ic( #vert##$ (im #*t #) mere /lind imitati#n%

7(en (e ret*rns )r#m (is l#n. and distant ,anderin.sHe sa2s+ 1L#5 t(is ,as t(e tr*t(+ t(is t(e secret57it( ,(at /lindness and misc#nceti#n did I retend%T# exerience 3#2 in t(at distant valle287(at a del*si#n I ,as *nder5 ,(at a mista$e5M2 )ee/le ,it c#n3*red * vain ima.inati#ns%1H#, can an in)ant #n t(e r#ad $n#, t(e t(#*.(ts #) men8H#, )ar its )ancies are rem#ved )r#m tr*e $n#,led.e5T(e t(#*.(ts #) in)ants r*n #n t(e n*rse and mil$+Or #n raisins #r n*ts+ #r #n cr2in. and ,ailin.%T(e /lind imitat#r is li$e a )ee/le in)ant+

Even t(#*.( (e #ssesses )ine ar.*ments and r##)s%His re#cc*ati#n ,it( #/sc*re ar.*ments and r##)s!ra.s (im a,a2 )r#m insi.(t int# tr*t(%His st#c$ #) l#re+ ,(ic( is t(e salve #) (is e2es+"ears (im #)) and l*n.es (im in di))ic*lt =*esti#ns%A(5 man #) imitati#n+ c#me #*t #) "#$(ara5 9And (*m/le 2#*rsel) in #rder t# /e exalted%T(en 2#* ,ill+ /e(#ld an#t(er "#$(ara ,it(in 2#*+7(ere#) t(e (er#es i.n#re t(ese =*esti#ns #) la,%T(#*.( a )##tman ma2 /e s,i)t #) )##t #n land+4et #n t(e sea (e is as #ne ,it( r*t*red tend#ns%T(at )##tman is #nl2 1carried /2 land+1 :"*t (e ,(# is 1carried /2 sea1 is t(e tr*l2 learned #ne%T(e 'in. #) $in.s s(#,ers secial )av#rs *#n (im6'n#, t(is+ O man led.ed t# vain ill*si#ns5T(e mere le.al t(e#l#.ian is im#tent t# /e(#ld t(e li.(t #) t(e Sirit%7(en t(e da2 da,ns )r#m (eaven ni.(t )lees a,a267(at+ t(en+ can its dar$ness $n#, #) t(e nat*re #) li.(t8T(e .nat sc*ds a,a2 /e)#re t(e /last #) t(e ,inds67(at+ t(en+ $n#,s t(e .nat #) t(e sav#r #) t(e ,inds87(en t(e Eternal aears t(e transit#r2 is ann*lled6

7(at+ t(en+ $n#,s (e transit#r2 #) t(e Eternal87(en He sets )##t #n t(e transit#r2 He /e,ilders it67(en it is /ec#me na*.(t He s(eds (is li.(t *#n it+ <I) 2#* ,is(+ 2#* can add*ce (*ndreds #) recedents+"*t I ta$e n# (eed #) t(em+ O man ##r in sirit5T(e letters Lam+ Mim+ and Ha+ Mim re)ixed t# s#me S*rasResem/le t(e sta)) #) M#ses+ ,(en )*ll2 *nderst##d% >Ordinar2 letters resem/le t(ese t# #*t,ard vie,+"*t are )ar /eneat( t(em in si.ni)icati#n%I) an #rdinar2 man ta$e a sta)) and tr2 it+7ill it r#ve li$e t(e sta)) #) M#ses in t(e test8

T(is /reat( #) Isa is n#t li$e ever2 #rdinar2 /reat(+7(ic( r#ceeds )r#m mere (*man 3#2 #r s#rr#,%



T(ese Ali)+ Mim+ Ha and Mim+ O )at(er+Pr#ceed )r#m t(e L#rd #) man$ind%I) 2#* (ave sense+ re.ard n#t in t(e same ,a2 as t(eseEver2 #rdinar2 Ali) and Lam ,(ic( resem/les t(ese6Alt(#*.( t(ese sacred letters c#nsist #) c#mm#n #nes+

And resem/le c#mm#n #nes in t(eir c#m#siti#n%M*(ammad (imsel) ,as )#rmed #) )les( and s$in+Alt(#*.( n# man is #) t(e same .en*s as (e%He (ad )les( and s$in and /#nes+Alt(#*.( n# man resem/les (im in c#m#siti#n6"eca*se in (is c#m#siti#n ,ere c#ntained divine #,ers+7(ere/2 all (*man )les( ,as c#n)#*nded%In li$e manner t(e c#m#siti#n #) t(e letters Ha+ MimIs )ar exalted a/#ve #rdinar2 c#m#*nds #) letters6"eca*se )r#m t(ese m2steri#*s c#m#siti#ns c#mes li)e+Even as *tter c#n)*si#n )#ll#,s t(e last tr*m%

T(at sta)) /ec#mes a serent and divides t(e Nile+Li$e t(e sta)) #) Ha+ Mim+ /2 t(e .race #) &#d%Its #*t,ard )#rm resem/les t(e #*t,ard )#rms #) #t(ers+4et t(e dis$ #) a ca$e di))ers m*c( )r#m t(e m##ns dis$%T(e saints ,eein. and la*.(ter and seec(Are n#t (is #,n+ /*t r#ceed )r#m &#d%7(ereas )##ls l##$ #nl2 t# #*t,ard aearances+T(ese m2steries are t#tall2 (idden )r#m t(em6O) necessit2 t(e real meanin. is veiled )r#m t(em+F#r t(e m2ster2 is l#st in t(e intervenin. medi*m%T(en )#ll#,s an anecd#te #) a man ,(# (eard ,(els /ar$in. in t(eir m#t(ers ,#m/% Av#ice came )r#m (eaven and exlained t(at t(ese ,(els ,ere li$e t(e men ,(# (ave n#temer.ed int# t(e li.(t #) tr*t(+ /*t are still veiled in sirit*al dar$ness+ and+ t(#*.( t(e2 ma$e

retensi#ns t# sirit*al si.(t+ t(eir disc#*rses are *seless+ /#t( t# r#c*re sirit*al )##d )#rt(emselves+ and t# ,arn t(eir (earers #) sirit*al dan.ers%

Next c#mes an anecd#te #) a i#*s man #) ar,an+ ,(# made a #int #) .ivin. t# t(e ##r)#*r times t(e le.al am#*nt #) alms d*e )r#m (is .r#,in. cr#s% T(*s+ instead #) a2in. #ne-tent( #n eac( cr#+ ,(ic( is t(e le.al am#*nt en3#ined /2 t(e Pr#(et+ ? (e ,as ,#nt t# a2#ne-tent( #) t(e .reen ears #) c#rn+ an#t(er tent( #) t(e rie ,(eat+ a t(ird tent( #) t(et(res(ed .rain+ and a )#*rt( #) t(e /read made t(ere)r#m+ and s# #n ,it( .raes and #t(er

r#d*ce #) (i .arden% In rec#.niti#n #) (is iet2 &#d /lessed (is .arden and made it /ear )r*it

a/*ndantl2% "*t (is s#ns+ ,(# ,ere /lind t# sirit*al matters+ sa, #nl2 (is lavis( exendit*re*#n t(e ##r+ and c#*ld n#t see t(e divine /lessin. *#n t(e .arden+ called d#,n /2 (isli/eralit2+ and re/*$ed (im )#r (is extrava.ance% T(ere is n# limit t# t(e divine /#*nt2+

/eca*se &#ds a/ilit2 t# /est#, /#*nties+ *nli$e (*man a/ilit2+ is *n/#*nded and in)inite%@NOTES0% '#ran lxxiv% 9% !a,n smiles )irst as 1)alse da,n+1 and t(e sec#nd time as 1tr*e da,n%19% All*din. t# "#$(ari+ t(e a*t(#r #) t(e 1Sa(i( "#$(ari+1 t(e )irst and m#st esteemedc#llecti#n #) traditi#ns%:% '#ran xvii% G9% T(e man #) 1external $n#,led.e1 is 1carried #nl2 /2 land+1 /*t t(e m2sticis led #ver sea as ,ell%<% 7(en reas#n is anni(ilated+ t(e 1Tr*t(1 is re)lected in t(e res*ltin. ca*t m#rt**m #r N#t-

/ein.+ as in a mirr#r &*ls(an i RaB+ I% 9>%>% T(ese letters ,ere s*#sed t# (ave m2steri#*s meanin.s% See R#d,ell+ '#ran+ % G+ n#te%



?% Mis$at *l Masa/i(+ i% <G%

STOR4 ;II%

H#, Adam ,as created #*t #) a (and)*l #) eart( /r#*.(t /2 an An.el%7(en t(e Almi.(t2 determined t# create man$ind t# /e r#ved /2 .##d and evil+ He de*tedt(e an.el &a/riel t# /rin. a (and)*l #) eart( )#r t(e *r#se #) )#rmin. Adams /#d2% &a/rielacc#rdin.l2 .irded (is l#ins and r#ceeded t# t(e Eart( t# exec*te t(e divine c#mmands% "*tt(e Eart(+ /ein. are(ensive t(at t(e man s# created ,#*ld re/el a.ainst &#d and dra,d#,n &#ds c*rse *#n (er+ rem#nstrated ,it( &a/riel+ and /es#*.(t (im t# )#r/ear% S(ereresented t(at &a/riel ,#*ld at t(e last da2 /e re-eminent #ver all t(e ei.(t an.els ,(#,#*ld t(en s*#rt t(e t(r#ne+ and t(at it t(ere)#re ,as #nl2 ri.(t t(at (e s(#*ld re)ermerc2 t# 3*d.ment% At last &a/riel .ranted (er ra2er+ and ret*rned t# (eaven ,it(#*t ta$in.t(e (and)*l #) eart(% T(en &#d de*ted Mic(ael #n t(e same errand+ and t(e Eart( madesimilar exc*ses t# (im+ and (e als# listened t# (er cr2in.+ and ret*rned t# (eaven ,it(#*t

ta$in. a (and)*l% He exc*sed (imsel) t# t(e Almi.(t2 /2 citin. t(e examle #) t(e e#le t#,(#m t(e r#(et J#na( ,as sent+ ,(# ,ere delivered )r#m t(e t(reatened enalt2 inc#nse=*ence #) t(eir lamentati#n )#r t(eir sins6 9 and t(e text+ 1I) He lease+ He ,ill deliver2#* )r#m t(at ,(ic( 2e s(all cr2 t# Him t# avert%1 : T(en &#d sent t(e an.el Isra)il #n t(esame errand+ and (e als# ,as diverted )r#m t(e exec*ti#n #) it /2 a divine intimati#n% At last&#d sent IBrail+ t(e an.el #) deat(+ ,(#+ /ein. #) sterner dis#siti#n t(an t(e #t(ers+res#l*tel2 s(*t (is ears t# t(e Eart(s entreaties+ and /r#*.(t /ac$ t(e re=*ired (and)*l #)eart(% T(e Eart( ressed (im ,it( t(e ar.*ment t(at &#ds c#mmand t# /ear a,a2 a (and)*l#) (er s*/stance a.ainst (er ,ill did n#t #verride t(e #t(er divine c#mmand t# ta$e it2 #ns*liants6 /*t IBrail ,#*ld n#t listen t# (er+ remar$in. t(at+ acc#rdin. t# t(e can#ns #)t(e#l#.ical interretati#n+ it ,as n#t all#,a/le t# (ave rec#*rse t# anal#.ical reas#nin. t#evade a lain and cate.#rical in3*ncti#n% He added+ t(at in exec*tin. t(is in3*ncti#n+ ain)*lt(#*.( it mi.(t /e+ (e ,as t# /e re.arded #nl2 as a sear in t(e (and #) t(e Almi.(t2% T(em#ral is+ t(at ,(en an2 #) &#ds creat*res d# *s a (arm+ ,e #*.(t t# re.ard t(em #nl2 asinstr*ments #) &#d+ ,(# is t(e Onl2 Real A.ent%&#d t(e Onl2 Real A.ent%!# n#t+ li$e )##ls+ crave merc2 )r#m t(e sear+"*t )r#m t(e 'in. in ,(#se (and t(e sear is (eld%7(ere)#re d# 2#* cr2 t# sear and s,#rd+Seein. t(e2 are catives in t(e (and #) t(at N#/le One8He is as ABar+ ma$er #) id#ls6 I am #nl2 t(e id#l6

7(atever instr*ment He ma$es me+ t(at I am%I) He ma$es #) me a c*+ a c* am I6I) He ma$es #) me a da..er+ a da..er am I%I) He ma$es me a )#*ntain+ I #*r )#rt( ,ater6I) He ma$es me )ire+ I .ive )#rt( (eat%I) He ma$es me rain+ I r#d*ce ric( cr#s6I) He ma$es me a dart+ I ierce /#dies%I) He ma$es me a sna$e+ I dart )#rt( #is#n6I) He ma$es me a )riend+ I serve m2 )riends%I am as t(e en in t(e )in.ers #) t(e ,riter+I am n#t in a #siti#n t# #/e2 #r n#t at ,ill%

On t(e ret*rn #) IBrail t# (eaven ,it( t(e (and)*l #) eart(+ &#d said (e ,#*ld ma$e (im t(ean.el #) deat(% IBrail reresented t(at t(is ,#*ld ma$e (im ver2 (ate)*l t# men6 /*t &#d said



7(# /e)#re ,ere *nseen+ s(all aear li$e atr#ls+T(e2 ,ill (*rr2 (im #))+ ric$in. (im ,it( t(eir sears+And sa2in.+ 1O d#.+ /e.#ne t# t(2 $ennel51T(en t(e ris#ner ,ill cr2+ 1O L#rd+ I am a (*ndred+4ea+ a (*ndred times as ,ic$ed as T(#* sa2est%

"*t in merc2 T(#* veilest m2 sins+Ot(er,ise m2 vileness ,ere $n#,n t# T(2 all-seein. e2e%"*t+ indeendentl2 #) m2 #,n ,#r$s and ,ar)are+Indeendentl2 #) m2 )ait( #r *n)ait(+ .##d #r evil+Indeendentl2 #) m2 ##r dev#ti#n t# T(ee+And #) m2 t(#*.(ts and t(e t(#*.(ts #) (*ndreds li$e me+I )ix m2 (#es #n T(2 merc2 al#ne%7(et(er T(#* ad3*d.e me *ri.(t #r re/elli#*s+I s*e )#r )ree ard#n )r#m T(2 *n/#*.(t 3*stice%O L#rd+ ,(# art .raci#*s ,it(#*t t(#*.(t #) c#nse=*ence+I set m2 )ace t#,ards t(at )ree .race #) T(ine6

I (ave n# re.ard t# m2 #,n acts%I set m2 )ace t#,ards t(is (#e+Seein. t(at T(#* .a2est me m2 /ein. )irst #) all6T(#* .a2est me t(e .arment #) /ein. *nas$ed+7(ere)#re I )irml2 tr*st in T(2 )ree .race%7(en (e t(*s en*merates (is sins and )a*lts+&#d at last ,ill .rant (im ard#n as a )ree .i)t+Sa2in.+ 1O an.els+ /rin. (im /ac$ t# me+Since t(e e2es #) (is (eart ,ere set #n (#e+7it(#*t care )#r c#nse=*ences I set (im )ree+And dra, t(e en t(r#*.( t(e rec#rd #) (is sins51@NOTES0% '#ran lxix% G%9% '#ran x% D%:% '#ran vi <%<% '#ran lvi% <%>% '#ran xxv% G% T(e 1)inal restit*ti#n1 #) all /2 )ree .race%?% C% t(e Hadis0 1Insirati#n is a li.(t t(at s(ines in t(e (eart+ and s(#,s t(e nat*re #) allt(in.s as t(e2 reall2 are%1G% See '#ran lxix% %% See t(e arallel assa.e in &*is(an i RaB+ % ?D%

STOR4 ;III%Ma(m*d and A2aB% Ma(m*d+ t(e cele/rated $in. #) &(aBni+ (ad a )av#rite named A2aB+ ,(# ,as .reatl2 envied

/2 t(e #t(er c#*rtiers% One da2 t(e2 came t# t(e $in. and in)#rmed (im t(at A2aB ,as in t(e(a/it #) retirin. t# a secret c(am/er+ and l#c$in. (imsel) in+ and t(at t(e2 s*sected (e (adt(ere c#ncealed c#in st#len )r#m t(e treas*r2+ #r else ,ine and )#r/idden drin$% T(e )act ,as+t(at A2aB (ad laced in t(at c(am/er (is #ld s(#es and t(e ra..ed dress ,(ic( (e *sed t#,ear /e)#re t(e $in. (ad r#m#ted (im t# (#n#r+ and *sed t# retire t(ere ever2 da2 and ,eart(em )#r a time+ in #rder t# remind (imsel) #) (is l#,l2 #ri.in+ and t# revent (imsel) )r#m

/ein. *))ed * ,it( ride% T(is (e did in acc#rdance ,it( t(e text+ 1Let man re)lect #*t #),(at (e ,as created%1 9 T(e int#xicati#n #) t(e resent li)e *))s * man2 ,it( )alse ride+



even as I/lis+ ,(# re)*sed t# ,#rs(i Adam+ sa2in.+ 17(# is Adam+ t(at (e s(#*ld /e l#rd#ver me81 T(is (e said /eca*se (e ,as #ne #) t(e Jinn+ ,(# are all created #) )ire% : Adam+ #nt(e #t(er (and+ c#n)essed (is #,n vileness+ sa2in.+ 1T(#* (ast )#rmed me #*t #) cla2%1 T(e$in. ,as ,ell ass*red #) t(e )idelit2 #) A2aB6 /*t in #rder t# c#n)*te t(#se ,(# s*sected(im+ (e #rdered t(em t# .# /2 ni.(t and /rea$ #en t(at c(am/er and /rin. a,a2 all t(e

treas*re and #t(er t(in.s (idden in it% It is a c(aracteristic #) evild#ers t# t(in$ evil #) t(esaints+ /eca*se t(e2 3*d.e #) t(eir c#nd*ct /2 t(e li.(t #) t(eir #,n evil nat*res+ as t(ecr##$ed )##t ma$es a cr##$ed )##trint+ and as t(e sider sees t(in.s dist#rted t(r#*.( t(e,e/ (e (as s*n (imsel) T(e (*.s c#nd*ct in t(is did n#t /et#$en an2 dimin*ti#n #) (is l#ve)#r A2aB+ /eca*se l#ver and /el#ved are al,a2s as #n# s#*l+ t(#*.( t(e2 ma2 /e ##sed t##*t,ard vie,% Acc#rdin.l2 t(e c#*rtiers r#ceeded t# t(e c(am/er #) A2aB at ni.(t+ and

/r#$e #en t(e d##r+ and searc(ed t(e )l##r and t(e ,alls+ /*t )#*nd #nl2 t(e #ld s(#es andt(e ra..ed dress% T(e2 t(en ret*rned t# t(e $in. disc#m)ited and s(ame)aced+ even as t(e,ic$ed ,(# (ave slandered t(e saints ,ill /e #n t(e da2 #) 3*d.ment+ acc#rdin. t# t(e text+1On t(e res*rrecti#n da2 t(#* s(alt see t(#se ,(# (ave lied #) &#d ,it( t(eir )aces /lac$%1 <T(en t(e2 /es#*.(t t(e $in. t# ard#n t(eir #))ence+ /*t (e re)*sed+ sa2in. t(at t(eir #))ence

(ad /een c#mmitted a.ainst A2aB+ and t(at (e ,#*ld leave it t# A2aB t# decide ,(et(er t(e2s(#*ld /e *nis(ed #r ard#ned% I) A2aB s(#,ed merc2 it ,#*ld /e ,ell6 and i) (e *nis(ed it,#*ld /e ,ell als#+ )#r 1t(e la, #) retaliati#n is t(e sec*rit2 )#r li)e%1 > Onl2 (e en3#ined (imt# r#n#*nce (is sentence ,it(#*t dela2+ /eca*se 17aitin. is *nis(ment%1A descriti#n #) .en*ine *ni#n ,it( &#d%A l#ved #ne said t# (er l#ver t# tr2 (im+Earl2 #ne m#rnin.+ 1O s*c( an #ne+ s#n #) s*c( an #ne+I marvel ,(et(er 2#* (#ld me m#re dear+Or 2#*rsel)6 tell me tr*l2+ O ardent s*it#r51He ans,ered+ 1I am s# entirel2 a/s#r/ed in 2#*+T(at I am )*ll #) 2#* )r#m (ead t# )##t%O) m2 #,n existence n#t(in. /*t t(e name remainsIn m2 /ein. is n#t(in. /esides 2#*+ O O/3ect #) desire5T(ere)#re am I t(*s l#st in 2#*+J*st as vine.ar is a/s#r/ed in (#ne26Or as a st#ne+ ,(ic( is c(an.ed int# a *re r*/2+Is )illed ,it( t(e /ri.(t li.(t #) t(e s*n%In t(at st#ne its #,n r#erties a/ide n#tIt is )illed ,it( t(e s*ns r#erties alt#.et(er6S# t(at+ i) a)ter,ards it (#lds itsel) dear Tis t(e same as (#ldin. t(e s*n dear+ O /el#ved5

And i) it (#ld t(e s*n dear in its (eart+Tis clearl2 t(e same as (#ldin. itsel) dear%7(et(er t(at *re r*/2 (#ld itsel) dear+Or (#ld t(e s*n dear+T(ere is n# di))erence /et,een t(e t,# reterences6On eit(er (and is na*.(t /*t t(e li.(t #) da,n%"*t till t(at st#ne /ec#mes a r*/2 it (ates itsel) F#r till it /ec#mes #ne I+ it is t,# searate Is+F#r tis t(en dar$ened and *r/lind+And dar$ness is t(e essential enem2 #) li.(t%I) it t(en (#ld itsel) dear+ it is an in)idel6

"eca*se t(at sel) is an ##nent #) t(e mi.(t2 S*n%7(ere)#re tis *nla,)*l )#r t(e st#ne t(en t# sa2 I+



"eca*se it is entirel2 in dar$ness and n#t(in.ness%1P(ara#( said+ 1I am t(e Tr*t(+1 and ,as laid l#,%Mans*r Halla3 said+ 1I am t(e Tr*t(+1 and escaed )ree% ?P(ara#(s 1I1 ,as )#ll#,ed /2 t(e c*rse #) &#d6Mans*rs 1I1 ,as )#ll#,ed /2 t(e merc2 #) &#d+ O /el#ved5

"eca*se P(ara#( ,as a st#ne+ Mans*r a r*/26P(ara#( an enem2 #) li.(t+ Mans*r a )riend%O rattler+ Mans*rs 1I am He1 ,as a dee m2stic sa2in.+Exressin. *ni#n ,it( t(e li.(t+ n#t mere incarnati#n% G@NOTES0% All t(e latter art #) t(is st#r2 is a ara/le #) t(e last 3*d.ement%9% '#ran lxxxvi% >%:% '#ran xviii% <+ and lv% <%<% '#ran xxxix% ?%>% '#ran ii% G%?% See &*is(an i RaB+ Ans,er vii% % <>% Mans*r Halla3 ,##lcarder+ t(e cele/rated S*)i ,(#

,as *t t# deat( at "a.(dad in :D A%H%G% See &*is(an i RaB+ i% <><+ and n#te% T(e d#ctrine #) t(e descent #) t(e !eit2 int# manHal*l+ #r incarnati#n+ is re3ected /#t( /2 R*mi and S(a/istari in )av#r #) t(e d#ctrine #)intimate *ni#n Itti(ad #r 7a(dat%

STOR4 IK%T(e sincere reentance #) Nas*(%A2aB+ in ,ei.(in. t(e r#s and c#ns in re.ard t# ard#nin. t(e c#*rtiers+ remar$s t(at

r#)essi#ns #) )ait( and enitence ,(en c#ntradicted /2 acts are ,#rt(less+ acc#rdin. t# t(etext+ 1I) 2e as$ t(em ,(# (at( created t(e (eavens and t(e eart(+ t(e2 ,ill sa2 &#d6 2et t(e2devise lies%1 And in ill*strati#n #) t(is (e tells a st#r2 #) a )ait(less (*s/and ,(# retired t# asecret c(am/er #stensi/l2 t# sa2 (is ra2ers+ /*t reall2 t# carr2 #n an intri.*e ,it( a slave-.irl+ and t(e )alsit2 #) ,(#se retences ,as dem#nstrated /2 #c*lar r##) #) (is c#nditi#n% Inli$e manner+ #n t(e da2 #) res*rrecti#n mans (ands and e2es and )eet ,ill /ear ,itnessa.ainst (im #) t(e evil acti#ns d#ne /2 (im+ t(*s c#n)*tin. (is retences t# iet2% T(e test #) asincere reentance is a/(#rrence #) ast sins and *tter a/and#nment #) all leas*re in t(em+t(e #ld l#ve )#r sin /ein. s*erseded /2 t(e ne, l#ve )#r (#liness% S*c( a reentance ,as t(at#) Nas*(% Nas*( in (is 2#*t( dis.*ised (imsel) in )emale attire and #/tained eml#2ment asattendant at t(e ,#mens /at(s+ ,(ere (e *sed t# carr2 #n s(ame)*l intri.*es ,it( s#me #) t(e,#men ,(# )re=*ented t(e /at(% At last+ (#,ever+ (is e2es ,ere #ened t# t(e ,ic$edness #)

(is c#nd*ct+ and /e ,ent t# a (#l2 man and /es#*.(t (im t# ra2 )#r (im% T(e (#l2 man+imitatin. t(e l#n.-s*))erin. #) t(e 1;eiler #) sins1 did n#t s# m*c( as name (is sin+ /*t ra2ed+ sa2in.+ 1&#d .ive t(ee reentance #) t(e sin t(#* $n#,est51 T(e ra2er #) t(at (#l2man ,as acceted+ /eca*se t(e ra2ers #) s*c( an #ne are t(e same as &#ds #,n ,ill+acc#rdin. t# t(e traditi#n+ 1M2 servant dra,s ni.( t# me /2 i#*s ,#r$s till I l#ve (im6 and,(en I l#ve (im I am (is ear+ (is e2e+ (is t#n.*e+ (is )##t+ (is (and6 and /2 me (e (ears+ sees+tal$s+ ,al$s+ and )eels% 1Nas*( t(en ret*rned t# t(e /at( a tr*l2 reentant man6 /*t s##na)ter,ards #ne #) t(e ,#men )re=*entin. t(e /at( l#st a val*a/le 3e,el+ and t(e $in. .ave#rder t(at all ers#ns c#nnected ,it( t(e /at( s(#*ld /e stried and searc(ed% 7(en t(e#))icers came t# t(e /at( t# exec*te t(is #rder Nas*( ,as #ver,(elmed ,it( )ear+ )#r (e $ne,t(at i) (is sex ,ere disc#vered (e ,#*ld certainl2 /e *t t# deat(% In (is )ear (e called *#n

&#d )#r deliverance+ and s,##ned ,it( )ear and /ecame /eside (imsel)+ s# t(at (is nat*ralsel) ,as anni(ilated+ and (e /ecame a ne, creat*re+ even as a c#rse risin. )r#m t(e .rave%



7(en (e came t# (imsel) (e )#*nd t(at t(e l#st 3e,el (ad /een )#*nd+ and t(#se ,(# (ads*sected (im came and /e..ed (is ard#n% S(#rtl2 a)ter,ards t(e $in.s da*.(ter sent )#r(im t# c#me and ,as( (er (ead6 /*t+ in site #) (er imerative c#mmands+ (e re)*sed t# lace(imsel) a.ain in t(e ,a2 #) temtati#n+ lest (e mi.(t )all a.ain+ and &#d mi.(t 1ma$e eas2 t#(im t(e at( t# destr*cti#n%1 9

Mans mem/ers ,ill /ear ,itness a.ainst (im #n t(e da2 #) 3*d.ement+ and c#n)*te (is claimst# iet2%On t(e res*rrecti#n da2 all secrets ,ill /e discl#sed64ea+ ever2 .*ilt2 #ne ,ill /e c#nvicted /2 (imsel)%Hand and )##t ,ill /ear testim#n2 #enl2"e)#re t(e Almi.(t2 c#ncernin. t(eir #,ners sins%Hand ,ill sa2+ 1I st#le s*c( and s*c( t(in.s61Li ,ill sa2+ 1I as$ed )#r s*c( and s*c( t(in.s%1F##t ,ill sa2+ 1I ,ent a)ter m2 #,n desires61Arm ,ill sa2+ 1I em/raced t(e (arl#t%1E2e ,ill sa2+ 1I l##$ed a)ter )#r/idden t(in.s61

Ear ,ill sa2+ 1I listened t# evil tal$%1T(*s t(e man ,ill /e s(#,n t# /e a liar )r#m (ead t# )##t+Since (is #,n mem/ers ,ill r#ve (im t# /e a liar%@NOTES0% '#ran xxix% ?%9% '#ran xcii% %

STOR4 K%T(e Li#n+ t(e F#x+ and t(e Ass%As an instance #) )alse and insincere reentance+ a st#r2 is next t#ld+ ,(ic( is als# )#*nd int(e )i)t( c(ater #) t(e An,ar i S*(aili% A li#n (ad /een ,#*nded in )i.(t ,it( a maleele(ant+ and ,as *na/le t# (*nt .ame )#r (imsel)% In t(is strait (e called a )#x ,(# ,as ,#ntt# attend *#n (im+ and t# live #n t(e meat t(at ,as le)t )r#m (is reasts+ 3*st as discilesattendin. #n a saint s*/sist #n t(e (eavenl2 )##d dr#in. )r#m (is lis% He called t(is )#x+and /ade (im .# and entice s#me animal t# c#me near (is lair+ s# t(at (e mi.(t $ill it andma$e a meal #) it% T(e )#x ,ent and searc(ed t(e nei.(/#r(##d+ and at last )#*nd a lean and(*n.r2 ass ,(# ,as .raBin. in a st#n2 lace ,(ere t(ere ,as little #r n# .rass% T(e )#x+ a)terma$in. d*e sal*tati#ns+ c#nd#led ,it( t(e ass #n (is *n)#rt*nate c#nditi#n6 /*t t(e ass reliedt(at it ,as (is divinel2 a#inted l#t+ and t(at it ,#*ld /e imi#*s t# c#mlain #) t(edisensati#ns #) Pr#vidence% He als# instanced t(e case #) t(e ass #) a ,ater-carrier+ ,(ic(+

a)ter (avin. starved and ,#r$ed (ard in its masters service+ /2 c(ance )#*nd admittance t#t(e $in.s sta/les+ ,(ere it ,as str*c$ /2 t(e slee$ aearance #) t(e (#rses% "*t #ne da2 t(e(#rses ,ere ta$en #*t t# /attle+ and ret*rned in a m#st misera/le li.(t+ s#me .riev#*sl2,#*nded+ and #t(ers d2in.% A)ter seein. t(is si.(t it determined t(at its #,n (ard li)e ,as

re)era/le+ and ret*rned t# its master% T(e )#x relied t(at t(e ass ,as ,r#n. in carr2in. assive resi.nati#n t# s*c( an extent as t# re)*se t# tr2 t# /etter (is c#nditi#n ,(en t(e##rt*nit2 #) d#in. s# resented itsel)+ /eca*se &#d sa2s+ 1&# in =*est #) t(e /#*nties #)&#d%1 He added+ i) t(e ass ,#*ld c#me ,it( (im+ (e ,#*ld ta$e (im t# a deli.(t)*lmead#,+ ,(ere (e ,#*ld never lac$ lent2 #) .rass all t(e 2ear r#*nd% T(e ass re3#ined t(att(e c#mmand t# strive )#r s*stenance ,as #nl2 iss*ed #n acc#*nt #) t(e ,ea$ness #) mans)ait(% T(e )#x relied t(at t(is exalted )ait( ,as #nl2 v#*c(sa)ed t# a )e, .reat saints+ /eca*se

t(e Pr#(et descri/es c#ntentment as a treas*re+ and treas*re is n#t )#*nd /2 ever2#ne% T(eass re3#ined t(at t(e )#x ,as ervertin. t(e Scrit*re+ as n# i#*s man ,(# tr*sted in &#d



,as ever )#rsa$en% In ill*strati#n #) t(is (e t#ld an anecd#te #) a dev#tee ,(# determined t# *t t(e matter t# t(e test+ and ,ent #*t int# t(e desert+ tr*stin. #nl2 t# &#d t# s*l2 (is,ants+ and res#lved t# see$ n# aid #) man+ and n#t t# exert (imsel) in an2 ,a2 t# .ain )##d%He la2 d#,n #n a st#ne and ,ent t# slee6 and &#d sent a caravan #) travelers t(at ,a2+ ,(#)#*nd (im+ and )#rced (im t# ta$e )##d in site #) (imsel)% T(e )#x a.ain ressed t(e ass t#

tr2 t# /etter (is c#nditi#n+ sa2in. t(at &#d (ad .iven men (ands t# *se and n#t t# d# an2t(in.,it(% T(e ass ans,ered t(at (e $ne, #) n# #cc*ati#n and exerti#n /etter t(an tr*st in &#d+ as,#rldl2 #cc*ati#ns #)ten lead t# r*in+ acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1T(r#, n#t 2#*rselves ,it( 2#*r#,n (ands int# r*in%1 9 "*t t(#*.( t(e ass reeated all t(ese excellent recets+ 2et it ,as#nl2 s# m*c( cant #n (is art+ /eca*se (e ,as n#t )irml2 r##ted in% t(e )ait(% He (ad all t(etime a carnal (an$erin. a)ter t(e leasant .raBin.-.r#*nd t(e )#x t#ld (im #)+ and t(e#/3ecti#ns (e made ,ere #nl2 a arr#t-li$e reetiti#n #) recets (eard+ /*t n#t t(#r#*.(l2*nderst##d and ta$en t# (eart% T# ill*strate t(e ,#rt(less nat*re #) mere imitated reli.i#n and

r#)essi#n div#rced )r#m ractice+ a st#r2 is t#ld #) an in)am#*s )ell#, ,(# *sed t# carr2 ada..er t# r#tect as (e said+ (is (#n#r+ t(#*.( (is ever2 acti#n s(#,ed t(at (e (ad neit(er(#n#r t# r#tect n#r manliness t# r#tect it% T(e ass+ t(#*.( li$e A/ra(am+ (e (ad /r#$en (is

id#ls+ (ad n#t a s*))icientl2 r##ted )ait( t# lea+ li$e A/ra(am+ int# t(e )ire+ and t(*s r#ve (is)ait(% Here t(e #et a#l#.iBes )#r t(e trivial ill*strati#ns (e *ses /2 citin. t(e text+ 1;eril2&#d is n#t as(amed t# set )#rt( as ,ell t(e instance #) a .nat as #) an2 n#/ler #/3ect1 :%Finall2 t(e ass 2ielded t# t(e )#xs enticement+ and acc#manied (im t# t(e li#ns lair% T(eli#n+ /ein. )amis(ed ,it( (*n.er+ sran. *#n (im t(e m#ment (e aeared% "ein.+ (#,ever+,ea$ ,it( sic$ness and )astin.+ (e missed (is aim+ and t(e ass escaed ,it( a sli.(t ,#*nd%T(en t(e )#x /lamed t(e li#n )#r (is reciitati#n+ and t(e li#n+ a)ter exc*sin. (imsel) as /est(e c#*ld+ ers*aded t(e )#x t# tr2 t# all*re t(e ass a sec#nd time int# (is lair% T(e )#xc#nsented t# tr2+ #/servin. t(at exerience ,#*ld r#/a/l2 (ave /een t(r#,n a,a2 #n an ass+and (is v#,s #) reentance )#r.#tten% T(#se ,(# lase )r#m reentance+ in )#r.et)*lness #)t(eir )#rmer exerience+ ma2 /e c#mared t# t(e Je,s c(an.ed int# aes and s,ine /2 Isa% <T(e )#x ,as received /2 t(e ass ,it( man2 rer#ac(es )#r (avin. deceived (im6 /*t (e at lastmana.ed t# ers*ade t(e ass t(at ,(at (e (ad seen ,as n#t a real li#n+ /*t #nl2 a (armlesstalisman6 and t(e sill2 ass all#,ed (imsel) t# /e a.ain del*ded+ and )#r.#t (is v#,s #)reentance+ and a.ain )#ll#,ed t(e )#x t# t(e li#ns lair+ ,(ere (e seedil2 met (is d##m%%Men ,(# ma$e r#)essi#ns #) (#liness merel2 )r#m /lind imitati#n #) #t(ers are detected andc#n)*ted /2 t(e ##siti#n /et,een t(eir ,#rds and t(eir deeds%A man as$ed a camel+ sa2in.+ 1H#5 ,(ence c#mest t(#*+T(#* /east #) a*sici#*s )##tste81He relied+ 1 Fr#m t(e (#t /at( #) t(2 street%1

T(e man said+ 1 T(at is r#ved )alse /2 t(2 dirt2 le.s51S#+ ,(en st*//#rn P(ara#( sa, M#ses sta)) a serent+And /e..ed )#r a dela2 t# )etc( ma.icians > and relented+7ise men said+ 1He #*.(t t# (ave /ec#me (ars(er+I) He reall2 /e+ as He sa2s+ t(e L#rd S*reme% ?7(at c#*ld miracles s*c( as t(ese #) serents+Or even dra.#ns+ matter t# t(e ma3est2 #) His divinit28I) He /e reall2 L#rd S*reme+ seated #n His t(r#ne+7(at need (as He t# ,(eedle a ,#rm li$e M#ses81O /a//ler+ ,(ile t(2 s#*l is dr*n$ ,it( mere date ,ine+T(2 sirit (at( n#t tasted t(e .en*ine .raes%

F#r t(e t#$en #) t(2 (avin. seen t(at divine li.(tIs t(is+ t# ,it(dra, t(2sel) )r#m t(e (#*se #) ride%



7(en a )#,l )lies t# t(e salt ,ater+It (as never /e(eld t(e /lessin. #) s,eet ,ater6"*t its )ait( is mere imitati#n #) #t(er )#,l+And its s#*l (as never seen t(e )ace #) real )ait(%7(ere)#re t(e /lind imitat#r enc#*nters .reat erils+

Perils #) t(e r#ad+ #) r#//ers+ #) c*rsed Satans%"*t ,(en (e (as seen t(e li.(t #) &#d+ (e is sa)eFr#m t(e a.itati#n #) d#*/t+ and is )irm in t(e )ait(%Till t(e )#am (as landed #n t(e s(#re and dr2 land+7(ic( is its (#me+ it is ever t#ssed t# and )r#%Tis at (#me #n t(e land+ /*t a stran.er #n t(e ,ater%7(ile it remains a stran.er+ it m*st /e t#ssed a/#*t%7(en its e2es are #ened+ and it sees t(e visi#n #) land+Satan (as n# l#n.er an2 d#minati#n #ver it%Alt(#*.( t(e ass reeated verities t# t(e )#x+He s#$e t(em idl2 and in t(e ,a2 #) cant%

He raised t(e ,ater+ /*t ,as n#t ea.er t# drin$6He rent (is .arments and (is (air+ /*t ,as n# real l#ver%T(e exc*se #) a (2#crite is re3ected+ n#t ar#ved+"eca*se it c#mes #nl2 )r#m t(e lis+ n#t )r#m t(e (eart%He (as t(e scent #) t(e ale+ /*t n#t a iece #) it+And t(e scent #nl2 )#r t(e *r#se #) misleadin. #t(ers%T(*s a ,#mans #nset in t(e midst #) a /attle arra2+S(e $ees in line+ and )#rms art #) t(e /attle arra2+4et+ t(#*.( s(e l##$s a ver2 li#n as s(e stands in line+Her (and /e.ins t# trem/le as s##n as s(e ta$es a s,#rd%7#e t# (im ,(#se reas#n is li$e a ,#man7(ile (is l*st is li$e a res#l*te man5O) a certaint2 (is reas#n ,ill /e ,#rsted in t(e )i.(t+And (is imitati#n #) a man ,ill #nl2 lead (im t# r*in%Ha2 is (e ,(#se reas#n is masc*line+And (is *.l2 l*st )eminine and *nder s*/3ecti#n5T(#*.( t(e mere imitat#r =*#tes a (*ndred r##)s+T(e2 are all /ased #n #ini#n+ n#t #n c#nvicti#n%He is #nl2 scented ,it( m*s$+ (e is n#t (imsel) m*s$6He smells #) m*s$+ /*t is reall2 na*.(t /*t d*n.%F#r (is d*n. t# /ec#me m*s$+ O discile+

He m*st .raBe 2ear a)ter 2ear in t(e divine ast*re%F#r (e ,(#+ li$e t(e m*s$-deer+ )eeds #n sa))r#n #) '(#tenM*st n#t eat .rass and #ats li$e asses%T(at man #) cant (as at (is t#n.*es endA (*ndred r##)s and recets+ /*t t(ere is n# li)e in (im%7(en t(e reac(er (as (imsel) n# li.(t #r li)e+H#, can (is ,#rds 2ield leaves and )r*it8He im*dentl2 reac(es t# #t(ers t# ,al$ ari.(t+7(ile (imsel) He is *nstead2 as a reed s(a$en /2 ,ind%T(*s+ t(#*.( (is reac(in. is ver2 el#=*ent+It (ides ,it(in it *nsteadiness in t(e )ait(%

In #rder t# .ain tr*e ,isd#m man m*st s(a$e #)) ,#rldl2 ill*si#ns%T(e )#x said+ 1In m2 *re ,ine t(ere are n# dre.s6



T(ese vain s*sici#ns are n#t /ec#min.%All t(is is #nl2 /aseless s*sici#n+ O simle #ne+Else 2#* ,#*ld $n#, I am n#t l#ttin. a.ainst 2#*%4#* re*diate me #n acc#*nt #) 2#*r #,n /ad )ancies67(2 d# 2#* t(*s s*sect 2#*r tr*e )riends8

T(in$ ,ell #) t(e "r#t(ers #) *rit2+ GEven t(#*.( t(e2 s(#, (ars(ness t#,ard 2#*6F#r ,(en evil s*sici#n ta$es (#ld #) 2#*+It severs 2#* )r#m (*ndreds #) )riends%I) a tender )riend treats 2#* r#*.(l2 t# tr2 2#*+Tis c#ntrar2 t# reas#n t# distr*st (im%T(#*.( I /ear a /ad name+ m2 nat*re is n#t malev#lent67(at 2#* sa, ,as n#t dan.er#*s+ it ,as #nl2 a talisman%"*t even i) t(ere ,ere dan.er in t(at #/3ect #) s*sici#n+Friends al,a2s ard#n an #))ence%1T(is ,#rld #) ill*si#ns+ )ancies+ desires+ and )ears+

Is a mi.(t2 #/stacle in t(e travelers at(%T(*s+ ,(en t(ese )#rms #) del*sive ima.inati#nsMisled A/ra(am+ ,(# ,as a ver2 m#*ntain #) ,isd#m+He said #) t(e star+ 1 T(is is m2 L#rd+1 Havin. )allen int# t(e midst #) t(e ,#rld #) ill*si#n%He t(*s interreted t(e meanin. #) s*n and stars+4ea+ (e+ t(at .reat man ,(# t(readed 3e,els #) interretati#n+Seein. t(en t(at t(is ,#rld #) e2e-)ascinatin. ill*si#nSed*ced )r#m t(e ri.(t at( s*c( a m#*ntain as A/ra(am+S# t(at (e said #) t(e star+ 1T(is is m2 L#rd+17(at ,ill n#t its ill*si#ns e))ect #n a st*id ass8H*man reas#n is dr#,ned+ li$e t(e (i.( m#*ntains+in t(e )l##d #) ill*si#n and vain ima.inati#ns%T(e ver2 m#*ntains are #ver,(elmed /2 t(is )l##d+7(ere is sa)et2 t# /e )#*nd save in N#a(s ar$8"2 ill*si#ns t(at l*nder t(e r#ad #) )ait(T(e )ait()*l (ave /een slit int# sevent2-t,# sects%"*t t(e man #) c#nvicti#n escaes ill*si#n6He d#es n#t mista$e (is e2elas( )#r t(e ne, m##n%He ,(# is div#rced )r#m Omars li.(tIs deceived /2 (is #,n cr##$ed e2elas(% D

T(#*sands #) s(is+ in all t(eir ma3est2 and #m+Have .#ne t# ieces in t(is sea #) ill*si#n%T(en )#ll#,s an anecd#te #) S(ai$( M*(ammad #) &(aBni+ ,(# ,as named 1Sar i RaBi+1

/eca*se (e *sed t# ta$e #nl2 a vine-lea) t# /rea$ (is )ast% He d,elt a l#n. time in t(e desert+and ,as t(ere mirac*l#*sl2 reserved )r#m deat(+ and directed /2 divine intimati#n t#

r#ceed t# &(aBni+ and /e. m#ne2 #) t(e ric( and distri/*te it t# t(e ##r% A)ter (e (ad d#net(is s#me time a sec#nd intimati#n came t# (im t# /e. n# l#n.er+ as t(e m#ne2 )#r (isc(arities ,#*ld /e s*lied t# (im mirac*l#*sl2% He at last attained t# s*c( a de.ree #)sirit*al insi.(t t(at (e $ne, t(e ,ants #) t(#se ,(# came t# (im )#r aid /e)#re t(e2 *tteredt(em% He said t(e reas#n #) t(is reternat*ral discernment ,as+ t(at (e (ad *ri)ied (is (eart#) all /*t t(e l#ve #) &#d+ and t(*s+ ,(enever t(#*.(ts #) an2t(in. /esides &#d #cc*rred t#

(is mind+ (e $ne, t(e2 did n#t aertain t# (im+ /*t m*st (ave /een in s#me ,a2 s*..estedt# (im /2 t(e ers#n as$in. aid #) (im%



T(en )#ll#, s#me re)lecti#ns #n t(e #,er #) )astin. and a/stinence t# s*/d*e t(e carnal l*sts,(ic( lead man t# destr*cti#n6 and t,# s(#rt anecd#tes t# ill*strate t(e t(esis t(at &#d never)ails t# r#vide s*stenance )#r t(#se ,(# ta$e n# t(#*.(t )#r t(e m#rr#,+ /*t lace a/s#l*tetr*st in Him%T(e )ate #) t(e ass t(en s*..ests t# t(e #et an#t(er train #) re)lecti#ns% A)ter t(e li#n (ad

slain t(e ass+ (e ,ent t# t(e river t# =*enc( (is t(irst+ tellin. t(e )#x t# ,atc( t(e dead /#d2till (e ret*rned6 /*t t(e m#ment t(e li#ns /ac$ ,as t*rned t(e )#x ate * t(e (eart and liver+,(ic( are t(e daintiest arts% 7(en t(e li#n ret*rned and in=*ired )#r t(em+ t(e )#x ass*red(im t(at t(e ass (ad #ssessed neit(er a (eart n#r a liver+ )#r i) (e (ad (e ,#*ld never (aves(#,n (imsel) s# st*id% Men ,it(#*t *nderstandin. are n#t reall2 men at all+ /*t #nl2sim*lacra #r )#rms #) men% F#r lac$ #) *nderstandin. man2 ,ill cr2 in t(e ,#rld t# c#me+1Had ,e /*t (ear$ened #r *nderst##d+ ,e (ad n#t /een am#n. t(e d,ellers in t(e )lame1 T(en )#ll#,s a st#r2 #) a m#n$ !i#.enes ,(# t##$ a lantern and searc(ed all t(r#*.( a

/aBaar cr#,ded ,it( men t# )ind+ as (e said+ a man%T(e m#n$s searc( )#r a man%T(e m#n$ said+ 1I am searc(in. ever2,(ere )#r a man

7(# lives /2 t(e li)e #) t(e /reat( #) &#d%1T(e #t(er said+ 1Here are men6 t(e /aBaar is )*ll6T(ese are s*rel2 men+ O enli.(tened sa.e51T(e m#n$ said+ 1I see$ a man ,(# ,al$s strai.(tAs ,ell in t(e r#ad #) an.er as in t(at #) l*st%7(ere is #ne ,(# s(#,s (imsel) a man in an.er and l*st8In searc( #) s*c( a #ne I r*n )r#m street t# street%I) t(ere /e #ne ,(# is a tr*e man in t(ese t,# states+I ,ill 2ield * m2 li)e )#r (im t(is da251T(e #t(er+ ,(# ,as a )atalist+ said+ 17(at 2#* see$ is rare%"*t 2#* are i.n#rant #) t(e )#rce #) t(e divine decree64#* see t(e /ranc(es+ /*t i.n#re t(e r##t%7e men are /*t /ranc(es+ &#ds eternal decree t(e r##t%T(at decree t*rns )r#m its c#*rse t(e rev#lvin. s$2+And ma$es )##lis( (*ndreds #) lanets li$e Merc*r2%It red*ces t# (ellessness t(e ,#rld #) devices6It t*rns steel and st#ne t# ,ater%O 2#* ,(# attri/*te sta/ilit2 t# t(ese stes #n t(e r#ad+4#* are #ne #) t(e ra, #nes6 2ea+ ra,+ ra,57(en 2#* (ave seen t(e millst#ne t*rnin. r#*nd+T(en+ rit(ee+ .# and see t(e stream t(at t*rns it%

7(en 2#* (ave seen t(e d*st risin. * int# t(e air+&# and mar$ t(e air in t(e midst #) t(e d*st%4#* see t(e $ettles #) t(#*.(t /#ilin. #ver+L##$ ,it( intelli.ence at t(e )ire /eneat( t(em%&#d said t# J#/+ O*t #) m2 clemenc2I (ave .iven a .rain #) atience t# ever2 (air #) t(ine%L##$ n#t+ t(en+ s# m*c( at 2#*r #,n atience6A)ter seein. atience+ l##$ t# t(e &iver #) atience%H#, l#n. ,ill 2#* c#n)ine 2#*r vie, t# t(e ,ater,(eel8Li)t * 2#*r (ead and vie, als# t(e ,ater%1@NOTES0

% '#ran lxii% %9% '#ran ii% D%



:% '#ran ii% 9<%<% '#ran v% ?>%>% '#ran xx% 9>%?% '#ran xxviii% :%G% A s#ciet2 at "asra+ ,(# ,r#te+ a/#*t D A!%+ an enc2c#edia #) (il#s#(2 trans% /2

!ieterici%% '#ran vi% G?%D% All*din. t# t(e )irst anecd#te in "##$ II%% '#ran lxxvii% %

STOR4 KI%T(e M#salman ,(# tried t# c#nvert a Ma.ian%A M#salman ressed a Ma.ian t# em/race t(e tr*e )ait(% T(e Ma.ian relied+ 1I) &#d ,ills it+n# d#*/t I s(all d# s#%1 T(e M#salman relied+ 1&#d certainl2 ,ills it+ t(at 2#*r s#*l ma2

/e saved )r#m (ell6 /*t 2#*r #,n evil l*sts and t(e !evil (#ld 2#* /ac$%1 T(e Ma.ian

ret#rted+ *sin. t(e ar.*ments #) t(e Ja/ri2an #r 1C#m*lsi#nists+1 t(at #n eart( &#d is s#les#verei.n+ and t(at Satan and l*st exist and act #nl2 in )*rt(erance #) &#ds ,ill% T# (#ld t(at&#d is *llin. men #ne ,a2 and Satan an#t(er is t# der#.ate )r#m &#ds s#verei.nt2% Mancann#t (el m#vin. in t(e directi#n (e is m#st str#n.l2 imelled t# .#6 i) (e is imelled,r#n.l2 (e is n# m#re t# /lame t(an a /*ildin. desi.ned )#r a m#s=*e /*t de.raded int# a)ire-temle+ #r a iece #) cl#t( desi.ned )#r a c#at /*t altered int# a air #) tr#*sers% T(e tr*t(is+ t(at ,(atever #cc*rs is acc#rdin. t# &#ds ,ill+ and Satan (imsel) is #nl2 #ne #) Hisa.ents% Satan resem/les t(e T*r$#mans d#. ,(# sits at t(e d##r #) t(e tent+ and is1 ve(ementa.ainst aliens+ /*t )*ll #) tenderness t# )riends%1 9 T(e M#salman t(en relied ,it( t(ear.*ments #) t(e adarians and M*taBilites+ t# r#ve t(e )reed#m #) t(e ,ill and c#nse=*entres#nsi/ilit2 #) man )#r (is acti#ns% He *r.ed t(at mans )ree a.enc2 and c#nse=*entres#nsi/ilit2 are rec#.niBed in c#mm#n arlance+ as ,(en ,e #rder a man t# act in a certain,a2+-t(at &#d exressl2 ass*mes man t# /e a )ree a.ent /2 addressin. c#mmands and

r#(i/iti#ns t# (im+ and /2 seciall2 exemtin. s#me+ s*c( as t(e /lind+ : )r#m res#nsi/ilit2)#r certain acts+ t(at #*r internal c#nsci#*sness ass*res *s #) #*r #,er #) c(#ice+ 3*st as#*t,ard sense ass*res *s #) r#erties in material #/3ects+ and t(at it is 3*st as s#(istical t#dis/elieve t(e declarati#ns #) t(e interi#r c#nsci#*sness+ as t(#se #) t(e #*t,ard senses as t#t(e realit2 #) t(e material ,#rld% He t(en t#ld an anecd#te #) a man ca*.(t r#//in. a .ardenand de)endin. (imsel) ,it( t(e )atalist lea #) irres#nsi/ilit2+ t# ,(#m t(e #,ner #) t(e.arden relied /2 administerin. a ver2 severe /eatin.+ and ass*rin. (im t(at t(is /eatin. ,asals# redestined+ and t(at (e t(ere)#re c#*ld n#t (el administerin. it% He c#ncl*ded (is

ar.*ment /2 reeatin. t(at t(e traditi#ns+ 17(atever &#d ,ills is+1 and 1T(e en is dr2+ andalters n#t its ,ritin.+1 are n#t inc#nsistent ,it( t(e existence #) )ree,ill in man% T(e2 are n#tintended t# red*ce .##d acti#n and evil t# t(e same level+ /*t .##d acti#ns ,ill al,a2s entail.##d c#nse=*ences+ and /ad acti#ns t(e reverse% A dev#tee admired t(e slendid aarel #)t(e slaves #) t(e C(ie) #) Herat+ and cried t# Heaven+ 1A(5 learn )r#m t(is C(ie) (#, t# treat)ait()*l slaves51 S(#rtl2 a)ter t(e C(ie) ,as de#sed+ and (is slaves ,ere *t t# t(e t#rt*re t#ma$e t(em reveal ,(ere t(e C(ie) (ad (idden (is treas*re+ /*t n#t #ne ,#*ld /etra2 t(esecret% T(en a v#ice )r#m (eaven came t# t(e dev#tee+ sa2in.+ 1Learn )r#m t(em (#, t# /e a)ait()*l slave+ and t(en l##$ )#r rec#mense%1 T(e Ma.ian+ *nc#nvinced /2 t(e ar.*ments #)t(e M#salman+ a.ain lied (im ,it( 1C#m*lsi#nist1 ar.*ments+ and t(e disc*ssi#n ,as

r#tracted+ ,it( t(e *s*al res*lt #) leavin. /#t( t(e dis*tants #) t(e same #ini#n as ,(en

t(e2 /e.an% T(e #et remar$s t(at t(e c#ntest #) t(e 1C#m*lsi#nists1 and t(e adv#cates #)mans )ree a.enc2 ,ill end*re till t(e da2 #) 3*d.ment6 )#r n#t(in. can res#lve t(ese



di))ic*lties < /*t t(e tr*e l#ve ,(ic( is 1a .i)t imarted /2 &#d t# ,(#m He ,ill%1 >L#ve *ts reas#n t# silence%L#ve is a er)ect m*BBle #) evil s*..esti#ns67it(#*t l#ve ,(# ever s*cceeded in st#in. t(em8"e a l#ver+ and see$ t(at )air "ea*t2+

H*nt )#r t(at 7ater)#,l in ever2 stream5H#, can 2#* .et ,ater )r#m t(at ,(ic( c*ts it #))8H#, .ain *nderstandin. )r#m ,(at destr#2s *nderstandin.8Aart )r#m rinciles #) reas#n are #t(er rincilesO) li.(t and .reat rice t# /e .ained /2 l#ve #) &#d%"esides t(is reas#n #) 2#*rs &#d (as #t(er reas#ns7(ic( ,ill r#c*re )#r 2#* (eavenl2 n#*ris(ment%"2 2#*r carnal reas#n 2#* ma2 r#c*re eart(l2 )##d+"2 &#d-.iven reas#n 2#* ma2 m#*nt t(e (eavens%7(en+ t# ,in end*rin. l#ve #) &#d+ 2#* sacri)ice reas#n+&#d .ives 2#* 1a ten)#ld rec#mense61 ? 2ea+ seven (*ndred )#ld%

7(en t(#se E.2tian ,#men sacri)iced t(eir reas#n+ GT(e2 enetrated t(e mansi#n #) J#se(s l#ve6T(e C*-/earer #) li)e /#re a,a2 t(eir reas#n+T(e2 ,ere )illed ,it( ,isd#m #) t(e ,#rld ,it(#*t end%J#se(s /ea*t2 ,as #nl2 an #))s(##t #) &#ds /ea*t26"e l#st+ t(en+ in &#ds /ea*t2 m#re t(an t(#se ,#men%L#ve #) &#d c*ts s(#rt reas#nin.+ O /el#ved+F#r it is a resent re)*.e )r#m erlexities%T(r#*.( l#ve /e,ilderment /e)alls t(e #,er #) seec(+It n# l#n.er dares t# *tter ,(at asses6F#r i) it sets )#rt( an ans,er+ it )ears .reatl2T(at its secret treas*re ma2 escae its lis%T(ere)#re it cl#ses lis )r#m sa2in. .##d #r /ad+S# t(at its treas*re ma2 n#t escae it%In li$e manner t(e Pr#(ets c#mani#ns tell *s17(en t(e Pr#(et *sed t# tell *s dee sa2in.s+T(at c(#sen #ne+ ,(ile scatterin. earls #) seec(+7#*ld /id *s reserve er)ect =*iet and silence%1S#+ ,(en t(e mi.(t2 (#enix (#vers #ver 2#*r (ead+ Ca*sin. 2#*r s#*l t# trem/le at t(e m#ti#n #) its ,in.s+4#* vent*re n#t t# stir )r#m 2#*r lace+

Lest t(at /ird #) .##d )#rt*ne s(#*ld ta$e ,in.%4#* (#ld 2#*r /reat( and reress 2#*r c#*.(s+S# as n#t t# scare t(at (#enix int# )l2in. a,a2%And i) #ne sa2 a ,#rd t# 2#*+ ,(et(er .##d #r /ad+4#* lace )in.er #n li+ as m*c( as t# sa2+ 1"e silent%1T(at (#enix is /e,ilderment+ D it ma$es 2#* silent6T(e $ettle is silent+ t(#*.( it is /#ilin. all t(e ,(ile%@NOTES0% N#te t(e tr*e /eliever is (ere reresented as *sin. t(e ar.*ments #) t(e adarians #rM*taBilites )#r )ree ,ill+ as a.ainst t(e Ja/ri2an #r )atalist ar.*ment *t int# t(e m#*t( #) t(eMa.ian%

9% '#ran xlviii% 9D%:% '#ran xxiv% ?%



<% T(e Pr#(et said+ 1Sit n#t ,it( a dis*ter a/#*t )ate+ n#r c#nverse ,it( (im%1>% '#ran iii% ??%?% '#ran vi% ?%G% 1And ,(en t(e2 sa, (im t(e2 ,ere amaBed at (im+ and c*t t(eir (ands1 '#ran xii% :%% It is s*#sed t# /rin. .##d )#rt*ne%

D% "e,ilderment is t(e 1tr*l2 m2stical dar$ness #) i.n#rance1 ,(ic( )alls *#n t(e m2stic,(en t(e li.(t #) a/s#l*te "ein. dra,s near t# (im+ and 1/linds (im ,it( excess #) li.(t%1 See&*ls(an i RaB+ % ::+ and n#tes%

STOR4 KII%T(e !ev#tee ,(# /r#$e t(e n#/les ,ine-3ar%A certain n#/le+ ,(# lived *nder t(e C(ristian disensati#n ,(en ,ine ,as all#,ed+ sent (isservant t# a m#naster2 t# )etc( s#me ,ine% T(e servant ,ent and /#*.(t t(e ,ine+ and ,asret*rnin. ,it( it+ ,(en (e assed t(e (#*se #) a ver2 a*stere and test2 dev#tee% T(is dev#teecalled #*t t# (im+ 17(at (ave 2#* .#t t(ere81 T(e servant said+ 17ine+ /el#n.in. t# s*c( a

n#/le%1 T(e dev#tee said+ 17(at5 d#es a )#ll#,er #) &#d ind*l.e in ,ine8 F#ll#,ers #) &#ds(#*ld (ave na*.(t t# d# ,it( leas*re and drin$in.6 )#r ,ine is a ver2 Satan+ and stealsmens ,its% 4#*r ,its are n#t t## /ri.(t alread2+ s# 2#* (ave n# need t# render t(em stilld*ller /2 drin$%1 In ill*strati#n #) t(is+ (e t#ld t(e st#r2 #) #ne ia2i !ala=+ a ver2 tall man+,(# (ad a d,ar)is( /r#t(er% T(is /r#t(er #ne da2 received (im ver2 *n.raci#*sl2+ #nl2 (al)risin. )r#m (is seat in ans,er t# (is sal*tati#n+ and ia2i !ala= said t# (im+ 14#* seem t#t(in$ 2#*rsel) s# tall t(at it is necessar2 t# cli #)) s#me,(at #) 2#*r (ei.(t%1 Finall2 t(edev#tee /r#$e t(e ,ine-3ar ,it( a st#ne+ and t(e servant ,ent and t#ld (is master% T(e n#/le,as ver2 ,rat()*l at t(e res*mti#n #) t(e dev#tee in ta$in. *#n (imsel) t# r#(i/it ,ine+as c#ndemned /2 t(e la, #) nat*re+ ,(en it (ad n#t /een r#(i/ited /2 t(e &#sel+ and (et##$ a t(ic$ stic$ and ,ent t# t(e dev#tees (#*se t# c(astise (im% T(e dev#tee (eard #) (isar#ac( and (id (imsel) *nder s#me ,##l+ ,(ic( /el#n.ed t# t(e r#ema$ers #) t(e villa.e+He said t# (imsel)+ 1T# tell an an.r2 man #) (is )a*lts #ne needs t# (ave a )ace as (ard as amirr#r+ ,(ic( re)lects (is *.liness ,it(#*t )ear #r )av#r%1 J*st s# t(e Prince #) Tirmid ,as#nce la2in. c(ess ,it( a c#*rtier+ and /ein. c(ec$mated+ .#t int# a ra.e and t(re, t(ec(ess/#ard at (is c#*rtiers (ead% S# /e)#re la2in. t(e next .ame t(e c#*rtier r#tected (is(ead /2 ,rain.s #) )elt% T(en t(e nei.(/#rs #) t(e dev#tee+ (earin. t(e n#ise+ came #*t andinterceded )#r (im ,it( t(e n#/le+ tellin. (im t(at t(e dev#tee ,as (al)-,itted+ and c#*ld n#t

/e (eld res#nsi/le )#r (is acti#ns6 and m#re#ver+ t(at as (e ,as a )av#rite #) &#d+ it ,as*seless t# attemt t# sla2 (im /e)#re (is time+ )#r t(e Pr#(et and #t(er saints (ad /eenmirac*l#*sl2 reserved in circ*mstances )atal t# #rdinar2 ers#ns% T(e n#/le re)*sed t# /e

aci)ied6 /*t t(e nei.(/#rs red#*/led t(eir entreaties+ *r.in. t(at (e (ad s# m*c( leas*re in(is s#verei.nt2 t(at (e c#*ld ,ell disense ,it( t(e leas*re #) ,ine% T(e n#/le stren*#*sl2denied t(is+ sa2in. t(at n# #t(er leas*re #) s#verei.nt2+ #r ,(at n#t+ c#*ld c#mensate (im)#r t(e l#ss #) ,ine+ ,(ic( made (im s,a2 )r#m side t# side li$e t(e 3essamine% T(e r#(etst(emselves (ad re3ected all #t(er leas*res )#r t(at #) sirit*al int#xicati#n+ and (e ,(# (as#nce em/raced a livin. mistress ,ill never *t * ,it( a dead #ne% T(e m#ral is+ t(at sirit*al

leas*res+ t2i)ied /2 ,ine+ are n#t t# /e /artered a,a2 )#r eart(l2 leas*res% T(e Pr#(etsaid+ 1T(e ,#rld is carri#n+ and t(e2 ,(# see$ it are d#.s61 and t(e '#ran sa2s+ 1T(e resentli)e is n# #t(er t(an a astime and a s#rt6 /*t t(e )*t*re mansi#n is li)e indeed%1 9!escriti#n #) a dev#tee ,(# tr*sted t# t(e li.(t #) nat*re%His /rain is dried *6 and as )#r (is reas#n+

It is n#, less t(an t(at #) a c(ild%A.e and a/stinence (ave added in)irmit2 t# in)irmit2+



And (is a/stinence (as 2ielded (im n# re3#icin.%He (as end*red t#ils+ /*t .ained n# re,ard )r#m (is Friend6He (as d#ne t(e ,#r$+ /*t (as n#t /een aid%Eit(er (is ,#r$ (as lac$ed val*e+Or t(e time #) rec#mense is n#t decreed as 2et%

Eit(er (is ,#r$s are as t(e ,#r$s #) t(e Je,s+ :Or (is re,ard is (eld /ac$ till t(e a#inted time%T(is .rie) and s#rr#, are en#*.( )#r (im+T(at in t(is valle2 #) ain (e is *tterl2 )riendless%7it( sad e2es (e sits in (is c#rner+7it( )r#,nin. )ace and d#,ncast l##$s%T(ere is n# #c*list ,(# cares t# #en (is e2es+ <

N#r (as (e reas#n en#*.( t# disc#ver t(e e2e-salve%He strives earnestl2 ,it( )irm res#lve and in (#e+His ,#r$ is d#ne #n t(e c(ance #) /ein. ri.(t%T(e visi#n #) 1T(e Friend1 is )ar )r#m (is c#*rse+

F#r (e l#ses t(e $ernel in (is l#ve )#r t(e s(ell%@NOTES0% Hal)-,itted ers#ns are s*#sed t# /e divinel2 r#tected%9% '#ran xxix% ?<%:% 1"*t as t# t(e in)idels+ t(eir ,#r$s are li$e t(e mira.e in t(e desert1 '#ran xxiv% :D%<% I%e%+ (e (as n# direct#r M*rs(id i $amil t# instr*ct (im in t(e ri.(t c#*rse%

STOR4 ;III%c#ntin*ed%Ma(m*d and A2aB%T(e #et n#, ret*rns t# t(e st#r2 #) Ma(m*d and A2aB+ ,(ic( is c#ntin*ed at intervals tillt(e end #) t(e /##$% T(e $in. in=*ired #) A2aB ,(at made (im c#ntin*all2 visit (is #ld s(#esand .arments+ as Ma3n*n *sed t# visit (is Laila+ #r as a C(ristian re.*larl2 visits (is riest t##/tain a/s#l*ti#n )#r (is sins% 7(2 s(#*ld (e call t# t(ese dead t(in.s+ li$e a )#nd m#t(ercallin. t# (er dead in)ant+ ,ere it n#t t(at )ait( and l#ve made t(em+ as it ,ere+ livin. /ein.st# (im8 T(e e2e sees ,(at it /rin.s ,it( it t# see6 it can see n#t(in. /*t ,(at it (as .ained t(e)ac*lt2 #) seein.% T(*s t(e )ace #) Laila+ ,(ic( seemed s# l#vel2 t# t(e e2es #) Ma3n*n+ madeclairv#2ant /2 l#ve+ seemed t# stran.ers t# (ave n# claims t# /ea*t2% T(e eart(l2 )#rms ,(ic((ere s*rr#*nd *s are+ as it ,ere+ vessels )ra*.(t ,it( sirit*al ,ine+ #nl2 visi/le t# t(#se ,(#(ave learnt t# discern t(e dee t(in.s #) t(e Sirit%

L#ve and )ait( are a mi.(t2 sell%O A2aB+ ,(at is t(is l#ve #) 2#*rs )#r 2#*r #ld s(#es+7(ic( resem/les t(e l#ve #) a l#ver )#r (is mistress84#* (ave made t(ese #ld s(#es 2#*r #/3ect #) dev#ti#n+J*st as Ma3n*n made an id#l #) (is Laila54#* (ave /#*nd t(e a))ecti#n #) 2#*r s#*l t# t(em+And (*n. t(em * in 2#*r secret c(am/er%H#, l#n. ,ill 2#* sa2 #ris#ns t# t(is #ld air #) s(#es8And /reat(e 2#*r #)t-t#ld secrets int# inanimate ears8Li$e t(e Ara/ l#ver t# t(e (#*se #) (is dead mistress+4#* address t# t(em l#n. inv#cati#ns #) l#ve%

O) ,(at .reat Asa) ,ere 2#*r s(#es t(e (#*se8Is 2#*r #ld .arment+ t(in$ 2#*+ t(e c#at #) 4*s*)8



Li$e a C(ristian ,(# c#n)esses t# a riestHis ast 2ears sins #) )#rnicati#n+ )ra*d+ and deceit6In #rder t(at t(e riest ma2 a/s#lve (im #) t(#se sins6He t(in$s t(e riests a/s#l*ti#n t(e same as &#ds5T(at riest is *na/le t# c#ndemn #r t# a/s#lve6

"*t )ait( and l#ve are a mi.(t2 enc(antment5&#ds dealin.s visi/le t# t(e sirit*al%T(e ,ine is )r#m t(at ,#rld+ t(e vessels )r#m t(is6T(e vessels are seen+ /*t t(e ,ine is (idden5Hidden indeed )r#m t(e si.(t #) t(e carnal+"*t #en and mani)est t# t(e sirit*al5O &#d+ #*r e2es are /linded5O ard#n *s+ #*r sins are a (eav2 /*rden5T(#* art (idden )r#m *s+ t(#*.( t(e (eavens are )illed7it( T(2 li.(t+ ,(ic( is /ri.(ter t(an s*n and m##n5T(#* art (idden+ 2et revealest #*r (idden secrets5

T(#* art t(e s#*rce t(at ca*ses #*r rivers t# )l#,%T(#* art (idden in T(2 essence+ /*t seen /2 T(2 /#*nties%T(#* art li$e t(e ,ater+ and ,e li$e t(e millst#ne%T(#* art li$e t(e ,ind+ and ,e li$e t(e d*st6T(e ,ind is *nseen+ /*t t(e d*st is seen /2 all%T(#* art t(e srin.+ and ,e t(e s,eet .reen .arden6Srin. is n#t seen+ t(#*.( its .i)ts are seen%T(#* art as t(e s#*l+ ,e as (and and )##t6S#*l instr*cts (and and )##t t# (#ld and ta$e%T(#* art as reas#n+ ,e li$e t(e t#n.*e6Tis reas#n t(at teac(es t(e t#n.*e t# sea$%T(#* art as 3#2+ and ,e are la*.(in.6T(e la*.(ter is t(e c#nse=*ence #) t(e 3#2%O*r ever2 m#ti#n ever2 m#ment testi)ies+F#r it r#ves t(e resence #) t(e Everlastin. &#d%S# t(e rev#l*ti#n #) t(e millst#ne+ s# vi#lent+Testi)ies t# t(e existence #) a stream #) ,ater%O T(#* ,(# art a/#ve #*r c#nceti#ns and descriti#ns+!*st /e #n #*r (eads+ and *#n #*r similit*des #) T(ee54et T(2 slaves never cease devisin. ima.es #) T(ee6T(e2 cr2 t# T(ee al,a2s+ 1M2 li)e is T(2 )##tst##l51

Li$e t(at s(e(erd ,(# cried+1 O L#rd5 C#me ni.( t# t(2 )ait()*l s(e(erd+T(at (e ma2 cleanse t(2 .arment #) vermin+And mend t(2 s(#es+ and $iss t(e (em #) t(2 r#/e51

N# #ne e=*aled t(at s(e(erd in l#ve and dev#ti#n+T(#*.( (is manner #) exressin. it ,as m#st )a*lt2%His l#ve itc(ed its tent #n t(e (eavens+He (imsel) ,as as t(e d#. at t(e tent-d##r%7(en t(e sea #) l#ve t# &#d /#iled *+It t#*c(ed (is (eart+ /*t it t#*c(es 2#*r ears #nl2%T(e t(esis t(at silence ma2 indicate em#ti#ns t## dee )#r exressi#n+ ,(ile el#=*ent

exressi#ns ma2 indicate t(at t(e ears #nl2+ and n#t t(e (eart+ (ave /een t#*c(ed+ is nextill*strated /2 a l*dicr#*s anecd#te #) a d,ar) ,(# dis.*ised (imsel) as a ,#man+ and



resented (imsel) at a serm#n addressed t# ,#men% T(is d,ar) la2ed a tric$ #n a ,#mansittin. next (im+ ,(ic( made (er cr2 #*t+ and t(e reac(er )ancied t(at (is serm#n (adt#*c(ed (er (eart6 /*t t(e d,ar) said t(at i) (er (eart (ad /een t#*c(ed s(e ,#*ld n#t (ave

/etra2ed (er )eelin.s /2 */lis(in. t(em t# t(e ,(#le c#n.re.ati#n%T(e $in. t(en a.ain ressed A2aB t# exlain t(e m2ster2 #) (is re.ard )#r t(e #ld s(#es and

ra.s+ in #rder t# adm#nis( t(e c#*rtiers+ )#r (e said t(at t(e /ea*t2 #) tr*e (#liness is s*c( t(atit attracts even in)idels% T# ill*strate t(is (e t#ld an anecd#te #) a M#salman ,(# tried t#c#nvert a &*e/er in t(e time #) "a2aBid% T(e &*e/er said t(at (e admired and envied t(e )ait(#) "a2aBid+ t(#*.( (e (ad n# #,er t# imitate it6 /*t as )#r t(e )ait( #) t(e missi#nar2 ,(#,as tr2in. t# c#nvert (im+ it #nl2 insired (im ,it( aversi#n+ /eca*se it ,as lainl2 insincereand (2#critical% And (e t#ld an anecd#te #) a (ars(-v#iced M*aBBin ,(# ,ent int# a(eat(en c#*ntr2 and t(ere *ttered t(e call t# ra2er% It (aened t(at t(ere ,as a .irl in t(at

lace ,(# (ad l#n. /een inclined t# em/race Islam+ m*c( t# t(e .rie) #) (er arents6 /*t,(en s(e (eard t(is (ars( call s(e ,as at #nce c*red #) (er ,is( t# )#rsa$e (er #,n reli.i#n%Her )at(er ,as s# deli.(ted at t(is t(at (e ran #*t and l#aded t(e M*aBBin ,it( .i)ts% T(e&*e/er said t(e missi#nar2 (ad c*red (im #) t(e ,is( t# em/race Islam+ 3*st as t(e .irl ,as

c*red /2 t(e M*aBBins (ars( v#ice% "*t (e said (e still retained (is reverence )#r t(e )ait( #)"a2aBid+ t(#*.( (e )ailed t# *nderstand (#, s# m*c( sirit*alit2 as ,as seen in "a2aBidc#*ld /e c#ntained in an eart(l2 /#d2% He .ave a c*ri#*s ill*strati#n #) (is meanin.% A man

/r#*.(t (#me a iece #) meat ,ei.(in. #ver (al) a man+ t# r#vide a meal )#r a .*est6 /*t (is,i)e+ ,(# ,as ver2 .reed2+ ate it all * secretl2% 7(en t(e man missed (is meat (e as$ed (is,i)e )#r it+ and s(e said t(e cat (ad eaten it% T(e man t##$ t(e cat and ,ei.(ed (er+ and )#*nds(e ,ei.(ed #nl2 (al) a man% T(en (e said t# (is ,i)e+ 1I) t(is (al)-man is all cat+ ,(ere is t(emeat8 and i) it is meat+ ,(ere is t(e cat81 T(e &*e/er said t(is ,as exactl2 t(e di))ic*lt2 (e)elt a/#*t t(e sirit and t(e /#d2 #) "a2aBid% He c#ncl*ded /2 sa2in.+ in t(e ,#rds #) t(eHadis+ 1T(e tr*e /eliever is attac(ed t# #t(ers+ and #t(ers are attac(ed t# (im+ /*t t(e(2#crite insires a))ecti#n in n# #ne%Ma(m*d and A2aB% c#ntin*ed%Ma(m*d a.ain resses A2aB t# reveal (is secrets+ remar$in. t(at even i) t(e2 s*..est sadt(#*.(ts+ t(e2 ,ill /ene)it t(e (earers% T(e ,ise man is as a .*est-(#*se+ and (e admits all t(et(#*.(ts t(at #cc*r t# (im+ ,(et(er #) 3#2 #r #) s#rr#,+ ,it( t(e same ,elc#me+ $n#,in.t(at+ li$e A/ra(am+ (e ma2 entertain an.els *na,ares% T(is is ill*strated /2 t(e st#r2 #) a,#man ,(# dr#ve a,a2 a val*ed .*est /2 a et*lant remar$+ ,(ic( (e ,as n#t intended t#(ear+ and a)ter,ards reented (er disc#*rtes2 s# deel2 t(at s(e *t #n m#*rnin. and t*rned(er (#*se int# an inn% Let .rie) as ,ell as 3#2 l#d.e in t(e (eart+ )#r .rie) is sent )#r #*r

/ene)it as ,ell as 3#2% End*re ,#e atientl2+ li$e J#se( and J#/+ and re.ard it as a /lessin.+sa2in. ,it( S#l#m#n+ 1Stir me *+ O L#rd+ t# /e t(an$)*l )#r T(2 )av#r ,(ic( T(#* (ast

s(#,ed *#n me51 9 Ma(m*d t(en raises A2aB )#r /ein. a tr*e man ,(# can c#ntr#l /#t(l*st and an.er% T(#se ,(# are carried a,a2 /2 an.er #r l*st+ li$e t(e .irl #) ,(#m ananecd#te is t#ld+ d# n#t deserve t(e name #) men% 7(en an.er #r l*st ta$es (#ld #) a manreas#n dearts )r#m (im% T(en c#mes an anecd#te #) a c#,ardl2 S*)i ,(# /#asted #) (is

/raver2+ /*t (ad n#t c#*ra.e en#*.( even t# sla2 a cative in)idel% ;eril2+ t(e 1.reater,ar)are+1 viB%+ t(at a.ainst #nes #,n l*sts and assi#ns+ demands as m*c( c#*ra.e as t(e1lesser ,ar)are1 a.ainst t(e in)idels% T(is is ill*strated /2 a st#r2 #) a saint named I2aBi+ ,(#+a)ter (avin. /een a .reat ,arri#r a.ainst t(e in)idels+ ren#*nced t(e ,#rld and alied (imsel)t# ,a.e t(e 1.reater ,ar)are1 a.ainst (is #,n l*sts% One da2+ ,(ile sittin. in (is cell+ (e (eardt(e n#ise #) t(e arm2 .#in. #*t t# )i.(t+ and (is carnal assi#n *r.ed (im t# .# and 3#in in t(e)i.(t+ /*t (e t(*s re/*$ed it0

I2aBis re/*$e t# (is assi#n+ ,(is( l*sted t# 3#in in t(e 1lesser ,ar)are1%I said+ 1O )#*l and )ait(less assi#n+



7(ence (ave 2#* derived t(is inclinati#n t# ,ar8Tell me tr*l2+ O assi#n+ is t(is 2#*r tric$er28Or else is it st*//#rnness s(*nnin. #/edience t# &#d8I) 2#* sa2 n#t tr*l2 I ,ill attac$ 2#*+And ,ill a))lict 2#* m#re severel2 ,it( disciline%1

Passi#n t(en (eaved a cr2 )r#m its /reast+And ,it(#*t m#*t( vented t(e )#ll#,in. c#mlaints01In t(is cell 2#* sla2 me ever2 da264#* sla2 m2 li)e li$e t(e li)e #) a &*e/er%

N#t a s#*l is a,are #) m2 c#nditi#n64#* dra. me al#n. ,it(#*t )##d #r slee%In t(e )i.(t ,it( #ne ,#*nd I s(all =*it t(e /#d2+And t(e e#le ,ill admire m2 val#r and sel)-dev#ti#n%1I said+ 1O /ad assi#n+ 2#* live as an in)idel+And as an in)idel 2#* ,ill die6 s(ame /e *#n 2#*5In /#t( ,#rlds 2#* are na*.(t /*t a (2#crite6

In t(e t,# ,#rlds #nl2 an *nr#)ita/le servant%I (ave v#,ed t# &#d never t# =*it t(is cell7(ile li)e remains in t(is /#d26"eca*se ,(atever t(e /#d2 d#es in t(is rivac2Is n#t d#ne t# ma$e a )air s(#, /e)#re men%Its m#vements and its rest in t(e rivac2 #) t(is cellAre n#t intended )#r t(e si.(t #) an2 /esides &#d%T(is is t(e .reater ,ar)are+ t(at t(e lesser6"#t( t(ese ,ar)ares (ave t(eir R*stams and Haidars%T(e2 are n#t t# /e )#*.(t /2 #ne ,(#se reas#n and senseFlee a,a2 as s##n as a m#*se ,a.s its tail%S*c( ers#ns m*st s(*n t(e arra2 #) /attle+And $ee al##) )r#m it even as ,#men d#%1T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 an anecd#te #) an#t(er /rave ,arri#r ,(# 1,as am#n. t(e )ait()*l+ andmade .##d ,(at (e (ad r#mised t# &#d%1 : T(en c#mes a l#n. st#r2 #) a rince #) E.2t,(# sa, t(e #rtrait #) a damsel /el#n.in. t# t(e C(ie) #) Ma*sil+ and c#nceived an ardent

assi#n )#r (er+ and sent an arm2 t# ta$e (er /2 )#rce% T(e arm2 s*cceeded in cat*rin. (er+and set #*t #n t(e ret*rn marc(6 /*t #n t(e ,a2 t(e catain #) t(e arm2 )ell in l#ve ,it( t(edamsel+ and s(e ret*rned (is a))ecti#n% 7(en t(e2 reac(ed E.2t s(e ,as made #ver t# t(e

rince+ /*t at #nce t##$ a disli$e t# (im+ as (e ,as n#t nearl2 s# manl2 as (er /el#ved catain%T(e rince disc#vered (er secret+ and t(#*.( (e mi.(t 3*stl2 (ave resented t(e treac(er2 #)

t(e catain+ (e re)rained+ and s(#,ed tr*e manliness in t(e 1.reater ,ar)are1 /2 ard#nin. (is)a*lt and *nitin. (im ,it( t(e damsel t# ,(#m (e ,as s# m*c( attac(ed%Ideas .ained )r#m (earin. a t(in. lead t# seein. it%A ers#n *t t(is =*esti#n t# a (il#s#(er+1O sa.e+ ,(at is tr*e and ,(at is )alse81T(e sa.e t#*c(ed (is ear and said+ 1T(is is )alse+"*t t(e e2e is tr*e and its re#rt is certain%1T(e ear is )alse in relati#n t# t(e e2e+And m#st asserti#ns are related t# t(e ear% <I) a /at t*rn a,a2 its e2es )r#m t(e s*n+Still it is n#t veiled )r#m s#me idea #) t(e s*n6

Its ver2 dread #) t(e s*n )rames an idea #) t(e s*n+And t(at idea scares it a,a2 t# t(e dar$ness%



T(at idea #) li.(t terri)ies it+And ma$es it clin. t# t(e m*r$2 ni.(t%J*st s# tis 2#*r idea #) 2#*r terri/le )#e7(ic( ma$es 2#* clin. t# 2#*r )riends and allies%O M#ses+ t(2 revelati#ns s(ed .l#r2 #n t(e m#*nt+

"*t t(at )ri.(tened #ne end*red n#t t(2 realities% >"e n#t t## r#*d+ /*t $n#, t(at 2#* m*st )irst end*reT(e idea #) t(e Tr*t(+ and t(ence c#me t# t(e realit2%

N# #ne is )ri.(tened /2 t(e mere idea #) )i.(tin.+F#r 1n# c#*ra.e is needed /e)#re )i.(tin. /e.ins%1 ?In t(e mere idea #) )i.(tin. a c#,ard can ima.ineHimsel) as attac$in. and retreatin. li$e R*stam%T(e ict*res #) R*stam #n t(e ,all #) a /at(Are similar t# a c#,ards ideas #) )i.(tin.%"*t ,(en t(ese ideas are tested /2 act*al si.(t+7(at #) t(e c#,ard t(en8 His /raver2 is .#ne5

Strive+ t(en+ )r#m mere (earin. t# ress #n t# seein.6 G7(at ear (as t#ld 2#* )alsel2 e2e ,ill tell tr*l2%T(en ear t## ,ill ac=*ire t(e r#erties #) an e2e64#*r ears+ n#, ,#rt(less as ,##l+ ,ill /ec#me .ems64ea+ 2#*r ,(#le /#d2 ,ill /ec#me a mirr#r+It ,ill /e as an e2e #r a /ri.(t .em in 2#*r /#s#m%First t(e (earin. #) t(e ear ena/les 2#* t# )#rm ideas+T(en t(ese ideas .*ide 2#* t# t(e "el#ved%Strive+ t(en+ t# increase t(e n*m/er #) t(ese ideas+T(at t(e2 ma2 .*ide 2#*+ li$e Ma3n*n+ t# t(e "el#ved%C#ncernin. t(e *n/elievers ,(# sa2+ 1T(ere is #nl2 t(is #*r resent li)e6 ,e live and ,e die+and na*.(t /*t time destr#2et( *s%1 T# ret*rn6 t(at rince la2ed t(e )##l+And t##$ deli.(t in t(e s#ciet2 #) t(e damsel%O rince+ s*#se 2#*r d#mini#n extend )r#m east t# ,est+4et+ as it end*res n#t+ esteem it transit#r2 as li.(tnin.4ea+ O sleein. (eart+ $n#, t(e $in.d#m t(at end*res n#tF#rever and ever is #nl2 a mere dream%I marvel (#, l#n. 2#* ,ill ind*l.e in vain ill*si#n+7(ic( (as seiBed 2#* /2 t(e t(r#at li$e a (eadsman%'n#, t(at even in t(is ,#rld t(ere is a lace #) re)*.e6 D

Hear$en n#t t# t(e *n/eliever ,(# denies it%His ar.*ment is t(is0 (e sa2s a.ain and a.ain+1I) t(ere ,ere a*.(t /e2#nd t(is li)e ,e s(#*ld see it%1"*t i) t(e c(ild sees n#t t(e state #) reas#n+!#es t(e man #) reas#n t(ere)#re )#rsa$e reas#n8And i) t(e man #) reas#n sees n#t t(e state #) l#ve+Is t(e /lessed m##n #) l#ve t(ere/2 eclised8T(e /ea*t2 #) J#se( ,as n#t visi/le t# (is /ret(ren67as it t(ere)#re (idden )r#m t(e e2es #) Jac#/8T(e e2es #) M#ses re.arded (is sta)) as a stic$+"*t t(e divine e2e sa, it t# /e a deadl2 serent%

T(e e2e #) t(e (ead ,as at iss*e ,it( t(e divine e2e+"*t t(e latter revailed and .ave c#nvincin. r##)%



T# t(e e2es #) M#ses (is (and l##$ed a mere (and+"*t t# t(e divine e2e it aeared a )las(in. li.(t%T(is s*/3ect in its entiret2 is endless+"*t t# t(e *n/eliever it is a mere )anci)*l idea%T(e #nl2 realities t# (im are l*st and .l*tt#n26

Sea$ n#t t(en t# (im #) t(e m2steries #) t(e "el#ved%T# *s /elievers l*st and .l*tt#n2 are #nl2 ideas+T(ere)#re ,e /e(#ld al,a2s t(e /ea*t2 #) t(e "el#ved%T# all men ,(#se creed is l*st and .l*tt#n2+Alies t(e text+ 1T# 2#* /e 2#*r creed+ t# me mine%1 In t(e )ace #) ne.ati#ns li$e t(ese c*t s(#rt seec(+1O A(mad+ sa2 little t# an #ld Fire-,#rs(ier5117e distri/*te am#n. t(em+1 t# s#me carnal l*sts+ and t# #t(ers an.elic =*alities%I) t(e rince lac$ed t(e animal manliness #) asses+4et (e #ssessed t(e tr*e manliness #) t(e r#(ets%He ren#*nced l*st and an.er and c#nc*iscence+

And s(#,ed (imsel) a man #) t(e linea.e #) t(e r#(ets%&rant t(at (e lac$ed t(e virilit2 #) asses+4et &#d esteemed (im a l#rd #) l#rds%Let me /e dead+ s# l#n. as &#d re.ards me ,it( )av#r5I am /etter #)) t(an t(e livin. ,(# are re3ected #) &#d6T(e )#rmer is t(e $ernel #) manliness+ t(e latter #nl2 t(e rind6T(e )#rmer is /#rne t# Paradise+ t(e latter t# (ell%T(e Pr#(et sa2s+ 1Paradise is annexed t# tri/*lati#n+"*t (ell-)ire )#ll#,s ind*l.ence in l*st%1 9O A2aB+ ,(# sla2est dem#ns li$e a male li#n+Manliness #) asses is na*.(t+ manliness #) mind m*c(%7(at s#rt #) man d#st t(#* t(in$ (im ,(# s#rts as a /#2+"*t ,(# (as n# c#mre(ensi#n #) t(ese c(ie) matters8# t(#* ,(# (ast seen t(e deli.(t #) m2 c#nnnandments+And ris$ed t(2 li)e t# er)#rm t(em )ait()*ll2+Hear a tale #) t(e s,eetness #) m2 c#mmandments+T(at t(e meanin. #) t(is s,eetness ma2 /e made lain%T(e st#r2 ,(ic( )#ll#,s is #ne in ,(ic( A2aB is (imsel) t(e c(ie) act#r+ and (ence it ma2

er(as /e in)erred t(at t(is art #) t(e #em (ad n#t received its )inal revisi#n ,(en t(e #etdied% T(e $in. s(#,ed t# all (is c#*rtiers in t*rn a val*a/le 3e,el+ and as$ed t(em its val*e%Eac( declared it t# /e riceless% He t(ere*#n #rdered eac( #) t(em t# /rea$ it t# ieces+ /*t

t(e2 re)*sed+ #ne a)ter t(e #t(er6 #n ,(ic( (e raised t(em (i.(l2 and .ave t(em resents%Finall2 t(e 3e,el came int# t(e (ands #) A2aB+ and (e+ n#t /ein. a mere imitat#r li$e t(e rest+n#r /ein. temted /2 t(e re,ards .iven t# t(e rest+ decided t(at t(e $in.s c#mmand #*.(t t#

/e #/e2ed at all c#sts+ and t(ere)#re /r#$e t(e 3e,el t# ieces% "lind imitati#n #) c*rrent)as(i#ns and r*lin. 1*/lic #ini#n1 is t(e ,a2 #) t(e ,#rld+ /*t its ,#rt(lessness is at #ncemani)ested ,(en it is *t t# t(e test% Tr*e )ait( is a reas#na/le )ait(+ n#t #ne ad#ted and (eldin mec(anical and arr#t-li$e )as(i#n% T(e $in. t(en c#mmanded t(at t(#se c#*rtiers ,(#se)ait( (ad /een s(#,n t# /e mere 1ta=lid1 #r imitati#n+ and n#t vital and intelli.ent+ s(#*ld /e

*t t# deat(6 /*t A2aB interceded )#r t(em+ sa2in.+ 1O L#rd+ *nis( t(em n#t i) t(e2 )#r.et #r)all int# sin61: alt(#*.( t(eir lea t(at t(e2 sinned t(r#*.( )#r.et)*lness is #) n# m#re,ei.(t t(an t(e lea #) (avin. sinned t(r#*.( dr*n$enness+ seein. t(at /#t( )#r.et)*lness and

dr*n$enness are ,ill)*ll2 inc*rred% T(#se ,(# die in amit2 ,it( &#d (ave n# ca*se t# )eardeat(+ 1It cann#t (arm t(em+ )#r t# t(eir L#rd ,ill t(e2 ret*rn61< /*t t(#se ,(# die at enmit2



,it( &#d are in a ver2 di))erent #siti#n+ and (ave t(ere)#re a ver2 str#n. claim )#r merc2%T(e E.2tian ma.icians+ ,(en t(reatened /2 P(ara#( ,it( deat( )#r /elievin. in M#ses+rec#.niBed t(e tr*t( t(at deat( in s*c( a ca*se ,#*ld *nite t(em ,it( &#d+ and t(at extincti#n#) t(e (en#menal sel)+ #n ,(ic( P(ara#( rided (imsel)+ ,#*ld /rin. t(em t# t(e real Sel))r#m ,(#m t(e2 (ad /een estran.ed /2 li)e #n eart(% Li$e Ha/i/+ t(e carenter #) Anti#c(+

,(# ,as mart2red )#r ta$in. t(e art #) Isas t,# a#stles in t(at cit2+ t(e2 said+ 1O t(at m2 e#le $ne, (#, .raci#*s &#d (at( /een t# me+ and t(at He (at( made me #ne #) His(#n#red #nes51 > A man can #nl2 sa2 1I1 ,it( tr*t( ,(en (e (as m#rti)ied sel) and *nlearntt# sa2 1I1 in t(e sense in ,(ic( P(ara#( said it% Fa$(r*-d-!in RaBi ? disc#*rsed learnedl2#n t(is #int+ sa2in. m*c( #) 1incarnati#n1 and 1*ni#n1 as t(e m#des in ,(ic( t(e real 1I1 #)t(e !eit2 ind,ells in t(e (*man s#*l6 /*t as (e lac$ed t(e tr*e m2stic *ncti#n+ (is ,#rds #nl2serve t# dar$en c#*nsel% G "*t (ere A2aB /rea$s #))6 sa2in.+ 17(# am I t(at I s(#*ld sa2 t#t(e Almi.(t2+ &rant ard#n t# t(ese #))enders81 T(e Omniscient &#d needs n#t t# /ein)#rmed #) t(eir case+ )#r He $n#,s all6 n#r t# /e reminded #) it+ )#r He )#r.ets n#t(in.6 n#rt# /e *r.ed t# act merci)*ll2+ )#r He created men 1)#r t(eir #,n /ene)it+ and n#t t# derive

/ene)it )r#m t(em%1 S*c( intercessi#n+ t(ere)#re+ imlies i.n#rance #) &#d+ and 1s*c( #nl2 #)

His servants as are #ssessed #) $n#,led.e #) &#d tr*l2 )ear &#d%1 &#d is at #nce centerand circ*m)erence #) t(e *niverse+ and t(e #nl2 tr*e ,isd#m c#nsists in a/s#l*te sel)-s*rrender t# His ,ill+ and t(is s*rrender #) sel) ,ill /rin. ,it( it its #,n exceedin. .reatre,ard%@NOTES0% All*din. t# St#r2 vii% "##$ II%9% '#ran xxvii% D%:% '#ran xxxiii% 9:%<% i%e%+ are /ased #n (earsa2%>% 17(en &#d mani)ested Himsel) t# t(e m#*nt He t*rned it t# d*st+ and M#ses )ell in as,##n1 '#ran vii% :D% As t(e /at cann#t end*re t(e si.(t #) t(e s*n+ men cann#t at #nceend*re t(e )*ll /laBe #) t(e /eati)ic visi#n%?% A r#ver/ ,(ic( is n#t .iven /2 Fre2ta.%G% Ideas and t2es lead men #n t# act*al si.(t ,(en t(e2 are str#n. en#*.( t# /ear it% J#/ xlii%>%% '#ran xlv% 9:%D% Place #) re)*.e+ i%e%+ (eavenl2 visi#ns6 a )#retaste #) t(e ,#rld t# c#me &*ls(an i RaB+ I%?GD%% '#ran cix% ?%% '#ran xliii% :%9% C% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ v#l ii% % ?>%

:% '#ran ii% 9?%<% '#ran xxvi% >%>% '#ran xxxvi% 9>%?% A .reat t(e#l#.ian #) '(#rasan ,(# lived )r#m A%!% > t# 9% !e Slanes I/n'(alli$an+ ii% ?>9%G% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% <>:+ n#te%% '#ran xxxv% 9>%

THE SPIRITUAL COUPLETS

OFMAULANA JALALU-!-!lN MUHAMMA! RUMI



"##$ ;I%

PROLO&UE%

O LIFE #) t(e (eart+ H*sam*-d-!in+M2 Beal /*rnt ,it(in me t# ,rite t(is sixt( art5T(e Masnavi /ecame a standard t(r#*.( t(2 in)l*ence+T(2 s,#rd H*sam (as made it an exemlar t# t(e ,#rldO sirit*al #ne+ I n#, #))er it t# t(ee+T(is sixt( art #) t(e entire Masnavi%Enli.(ten t(e ,#rlds six sides ,it( its six arts+T(at it ma2 ill*minate (im ,(# is n#t ill*minated5L#ve (as na*.(t t# d# ,it( )ive senses #r six sides+

Its #nl2 aim is t# /e attracted t# t(e "el#ved5"*t (al2 leave ma2 /e .iven me (erea)ter T# tell t(#se m2steries s# )ar as t(e2 can /e t#ld+In a disc#*rse m#re cl#sel2 ar#ximatin. t# t(e )actsT(an t(ese )aint indicati#ns #) t(#se a/str*se matters%M2steries are n#t c#mm*nica/le+ save t# t(#se ,(# $n#,6M2ster2 in t(e ear #) in)idels is n# m2ster2%

Nevert(eless+ t(is is a call t# 2#* )r#m &#d6It matters n#t t# Him ,(et(er 2e accet #r re3ect it%

N#a( reeated His call )#r nine (*ndred 2ears+"*t (is e#le #nl2 increased in re/elli#n%

Never did (e dra, /ac$ )r#m adm#nis(in. t(em+ Never did (e retire int# t(e cave #) silence%He said+ 1At t(e /ar$in. and (#,lin. #) t(e d#.s

N# caravan ever t*rned /ac$ in its r#ad% N#r d#es t(e )*ll m##n #n a /ri.(t ni.(t cease s(inin."eca*se #) t(e (#,lin. #) d#.s #n eart(%T(e m##n s(eds (er li.(t+ and t(e d#.s (#,l6Ever2 #ne acts acc#rdin. t# (is nat*re%T# eac( #ne (is #))ice is all#tted /2 t(e divine decree+And (e acts a.reea/l2 t# (is nat*re%1

Art t(#* t(irstin. )#r t(e Ocean #) sirit*alit28!is#rt t(2sel) #n t(is island #) t(e Masnavi5!is#rt t(2sel) s# l#n. as t(#* seest ever2 m#mentSirit*al verities revealed in t(is Masnavi%7(en t(e ,ind /l#,s t(e .rass #)) t(e ,ater+T(e ,ater t(en s(#,s )#rt( its #,n *rit2%"e(#ld t(e /ri.(t and )res( sra2s #) c#ral+And t(e rincel2 )r*its .r#,in. in t(e ,ater #) li)e5S#+ ,(en t(e Masnavi is *r.ed #) letters and ,#rds+It dr#s all t(ese+ and aears as t(e sea #) Unit2%T(en sea$er and (earer and s#$en ,#rds

All t(ree .ive * t(e .(#st in t(at c#ns*mmati#n%"read-.iver and /read-eater and /read itsel)



Are *ri)ied #) t(eir )#rms and t*rn t# d*st%"*t t(eir essences in eac( #) t(ese t(ree .radesAre distin.*is(ed+ as in t(#se states+ s# eternall2% T(eir )#rm t*rns t# d*st+ /*t t(eir essence n#t6I) #ne sa2s it d#es+ tell (im it d#es n#t%

In t(e ,#rld #) sirits all t(ree a,ait 3*d.ment+S#metimes ,earin. t(eir eart(l2 )#rms+ s#metimes n#t%T(e ,#rt( #) a man deends #n t(e #/3ects #) (is asirati#n%One da2 a st*dent as$ed a reac(er+Sa2in.+ 1O m#st #rt(#d#x #rnament #) t(e *lit+I (ave a =*esti#n t# as$+ O l#rd #) learnin.6Tell me t(e ans,er t# it in t(is c#n.re.ati#n%A /ird sat #n t(e t# #) a ,all67(ic( ,as /est+ its (ead #r its tail81He relied+ 1I) its )ace ,as t#,ards t(e t#,n+And its tail t# t(e villa.es+ t(en its )ace ,as /est%

"*t i) its tail ,as t#,ards t(e t#,n+ and its )aceT#,ards t(e villa.es+ t(en re)er its tail t# its )ace%1A /ird )lies ,it( its ,in.s t#,ards its nest+T(e ,in.s #) a man are (is asirati#n and aim%I) a l#ver /e /e)#*led ,it( .##d and evil+4et re.ard n#t t(ese6 re.ard rat(er (is asirati#n%T(#*.( a )alc#n /e all ,(ite and *nmatc(ed in )#rm+I) (e (*nts mice (e is c#ntemti/le and ,#rt(less%And i) an #,l )ixes (is a))ecti#n #n t(e $in.+He is a )alc#n in realit26 re.ard n#t (is #*t,ard )#rm%Adams cla2 ,as $neaded in t(e limits #) a tr#*.(+4et ,as (e exalted a/#ve (eaven and stars%17e (ave (#n#red Adam1 9 ,as n#t addressed t# t(e s$2+"*t t# Adam (imsel) )*ll #) de)ects as (e ,as%!id #ne ever r##se t# eart( #r (eaven t# receive"ea*t2+ reas#n+ seec( and asirati#n8 :7#*ld 2#* ever #))er t# t(e (eavens"ea*t2 #) )ace and ac*teness #) t(#*.(t8O s#n+ did 2#* ever resent 2#*r silver /#d2As an #))erin. t# t(e damsels ict*red #n /at( ,alls8

Na2+ 2#* ass /2 t(#se ict*res t(#*.( )air as H*ris+

And #))er 2#*rsel) s##ner t# (al)-/lind #ld ,#men%7(at is t(ere in t(e #ld ,#men ,(ic( t(e ict*res lac$+7(ic( dra,s 2#* )r#m t(e ict*res t# t(e #ld ,#men8Sa2 n#t+ )#r I ,ill sa2 it in lain ,#rds+Tis reas#n+ sense+ erceti#n+ t(#*.(t+ and li)e%In t(e #ld ,#man li)e is in)*sed+7(ile t(e ict*res #) t(e /at( (ave n# li)e%I) t(e ict*res #) t(e /at( s(#*ld stir ,it( li)e s#*l+T(e2 ,#*ld *r##t 2#*r l#ve t# all t(e #ld ,#men%7(at is s#*l8 Tis ac=*ainted ,it( .##d and evil+Re3#icin. at leasant t(in.s+ .rievin. at His%

Since+ t(en+ t(e rincile #) s#*l is $n#,led.e+He ,(# $n#,s m#st is m#st )*ll #) s#*l%



'n#,led.e is t(e e))ect )l#,in. )r#m s#*l6He ,(# (as m#st #) it is m#st .#dli$e%Seein. t(en+ /el#ved+ t(at $n#,led.e is t(e mar$ #) s#*l+He ,(# $n#,s m#st (as t(e str#n.est s#*l%T(e ,#rld #) s#*ls is itsel) entirel2 $n#,led.e+

And (e ,(# is v#id #) $n#,led.e is v#id #) s#*l%7(en $n#,led.e is lac$in. in a man s nat*re+His s#*l is li$e a st#ne #n t(e lain%Primal S#*l is t(e t(eatre #) &#ds c#*rt+S#*l #) s#*ls t(e ex(i/iti#n #) &#d Himsel)%All t(e an.els ,ere *re reas#n and s#*l+4et ,(en t(e ne, s#*l #) Adam came+ t(e2 ,ere as its /#d2%7(en in 3#2 t(e2 cr#,ded r#*nd t(at ne, s#*l+ <T(e2 /#,ed /e)#re it as /#d2 d#es /e)#re s#*l%Fear #) mens cens*re t(e .reatest #/stacle t# accetance #) t(e tr*e )ait(%O H*sam*-d-!in+ I mi.(t tell s#me #) t(2 man2 virt*es+

7ere it n#t )#r t(e )ear #) t(e evil e2es%Fr#m evil e2es and malice-em#is#ned /reat(sAlread2 (ave I s*))ered )atal ,#*nds%T(ere)#re I cann#t relate t(2 ecstatic states+Save /2 (ints #) t(e ecstatic states #) #t(ers%T(is man#e*vre is #ne #) t(e devices #) t(e (eart+7(ere/2 t(e (earts )eet ,end t(eir ,a2 t# t(e tr*t(%Man2 (earts and s#*ls ,#*ld /ec#me l#vers #) &#d!id n#t evil e2es #r evil ears (#ld t(em /ac$%O) t(ese A/* Tali/+ t(e Pr#(ets *ncle+ ,as #ne6T(e malice #) t(e Ara/s scared (im )r#m t(e )ait(%He said+ 17(at ,ill t(e Ara/s sa2 #) me8T(at m2 #,n ne(e, (as erverted me )r#m m2 reli.i#n51M*(ammad said+ 1O *ncle+ c#n)ess t(e )ait( t# me+T(at I ma2 strive ,it( &#d )#r t(ee51He said+ 1Na26 it ,ill /e */lis(ed /2 t(em t(at (ear6A secret $n#,n t# m#re t(an t,# is $n#,n t# ever2 #ne% >As I live in t(e midst #) t(ese Ara/s+It ,ill ca*se me t# l#se caste ,it( t(em%4et+ (ad t(e mi.(t2 .race #) &#d led t(e ,a2+H#, c#*ld t(is )ear (ave vied ,it( &#ds attracti#n8

O &ranter #) aid+ lend *s aidIn t(is dilemma #) t(e )ee/le ,ill%Pra2ers )#r ri.(t .*idance in t(e *se #) )ree ,ill+ ,(ic( .i)t ,as re)*sed /2 (eavens and eart(+

/*t acceted /2 man t# (is #,n% ?T(is )l*x and re)l*x #) res#lves came t# me )r#m T(ee+Else t(ese tides #) ,ill (ad rested still+ O &#d5"2 t(e same )iat ,(ere/2 T(#* madest me t(*s irres#l*te+O) T(2 merc2 deliver me )r#m t(is irres#l*ti#n5T(#* triest me6 O .ive me aid5F#r men are as ,#men t(r#*.( t(is trial%H#, l#n.+ O L#rd+ is t(is trial t# last8

&ive me #ne r*lin. rincile+ n#t ten rinciles5T(e ,(#le ,#rld )lees a,a2 )r#m its #,n ,ill and /ein.



T#,ards sel)-a/and#nment and int#xicati#n%In #rder t# escae a ,(ile )r#m sel)-c#nsci#*sness+Men inc*r t(e rer#ac( #) ,ine and str#n. drin$6F#r all $n#, ,ell t(is existence is a snare+T(is t(#*.(t and mem#r2 and ,ill #nl2 a (ell%

T(ere)#re t(e2 )lee )r#m sel) t# /ein. /eside t(emselves+Call it int#xicati#n #r call it re#cc*ati#n+ O .*ided #ne%Ere it is anni(ilated+ n# sin.le s#*lFinds admittance t# t(e divine (all #) a*dience%7(at is 1ascensi#n1 t# (eaven8 Anni(ilati#n #) sel)6Sel)-a/and#nment is t(e creed and reli.i#n #) l#vers%@NOTES0% '#ran xxxvi% :90 1"*t all .at(ered t#.et(er s(all /e set /e)#re *s%19% '#ran xvii% G9%:% 17e r##sed t# t(e (eavens and t# t(e eart( t# receive t(e de#sit+ /*t t(e2 re)*sed t(e

/*rden% Man *ndert##$ t# /ear it+ /*t /at( r#ved *n3*st and senseless1 '#ran xxxiii% G9%

<% 17e said *nt# t(e an.els+ Pr#strate 2#*rselves /e)#re Adam+ and t(e2 r#stratedt(emselves+ excet I/lis1 '#ran vi% %>% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ iii% 999%?% '#ran xxxiii% G9+ =*#ted a/#ve% 1!e#sit1 is (ere interreted #) t(e ,ill+ t(e a/ilit2 t# .#ri.(t #r ,r#n.%

STOR4 I%T(e Hind* Slave ,(# l#ved (is Masters !a*.(ter%A certain man (ad a Hind* slave+ ,(#m (e (ad /r#*.(t * al#n. ,it( (is c(ildren+ #ne #),(#m ,as a da*.(ter% 7(en t(e time came )#r .ivin. t(e .irl in marria.e man2 s*it#rs

resented t(emselves+ and #))ered lar.e marria.e #rti#ns t# .ain (er alliance% At last (er)at(er selected #ne ,(# ,as /2 n# means t(e ric(est #r n#/lest #) t(e n*m/er+ /*t i#*s and,ell-mannered% T(e ,#men #) t(e )amil2 ,#*ld (ave re)erred #ne #) t(e ric(er 2#*t(s+ /*tt(e )at(er insisted #n (avin. (is #,n ,a2+ and t(e marria.e ,as settled acc#rdin. t# (is,is(es% As s##n as t(e Hind* slave (eard #) t(is (e )ell sic$+ and t(e mistress #) t(e )amil2disc#vered t(at (e ,as in l#ve ,it( (er da*.(ter+ and asired t# t(e (#n#r #) marr2in. (er%S(e ,as m*c( disc#m#sed at t(is *n)#rt*nate accident+ and c#ns*lted (er (*s/and as t# ,(at,as /est t# /e d#ne% He said+ 1'ee t(e a))air =*iet+ and I ,ill c*re t(e slave #) (is

res*mti#n+ in s*c( a ,a2 t(at+ acc#rdin. t# t(e r#ver/+ T(e S(ai$( s(all n#t /e /*rnt+ 2ett(e meat s(all /e ,ell r#asted%1 He directed (is ,i)e t# )latter t(e slave ,it( t(e (#e t(at (is

,is( ,#*ld /e .ranted+ and t(e .irl .iven t# (im in marria.e% He t(en cele/rated a m#c$marria.e /et,een t(e slave and t(e .irl+ /*t at ni.(t s*/stit*ted )#r t(e .irl a /#2 dressed in)emale attire+ ,it( t(e res*lt t(at t(e /ride.r##m assed t(e ni.(t in =*arrellin. ,it( (iss*#sed /ride% Next m#rnin. (e (ad an intervie, ,it( t(e .irl and (er m#t(er+ and said (e,#*ld (ave n# m#re t# d# ,it( (er+ as+ t(#*.( (er aearance ,as ver2 sed*ctive at adistance+ cl#ser ac=*aintance ,it( (er (ad alt#.et(er destr#2ed t(e c(arm% J*st s# t(e

leas*res #) t(e ,#rld seem s,eet till t(e2 are tried+ and t(en t(e2 are )#*nd t# /e ver2 /itterand re*lsive% T(e Pr#(et (as declared t(at 1Patience is t(e $e2 #) 3#261 in #t(er ,#rds+t(at (e ,(# c#ntr#ls and restrains (imsel) )r#m .rasin. at ,#rldl2 leas*res ,ill )ind tr*e(ainess6 /*t t(is recet ma$es n# lastin. imressi#n #n t(e /*l$ #) man$ind% 7(en /itterexerience #verta$es t(em+ as t(e ain #) /*rnin. a))licts c(ildren+ #r m#t(s s#rtin. ,it(

)ire+ #r t(e ain #) am*tati#n a t(ie)+ t(e2 c*rse t(e del*sive temtati#ns ,(ic( /r#*.(t t(is ain *#n t(em6 /*t n# s##ner is t(e ain a/ated t(an t(e2 r*n a)ter t(e same leas*res as



ea.erl2 as ever% T(is is divinel2 #rdained+ t(at 1&#d ma2 /rin. t# na*.(t t(e cra)t #) t(ein)idels%1 9 T(eir (earts (ave+ as it ,ere+ /een $indled #n t(e tinder-/#x #) /itter exerience+

/*t &#d (as *t #*t t(e sar$s #) .##d res#l*ti#n+ and ca*sed t(em t# )#r.et t(eir exerienceand v#,s #) a/stinence acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1O)ten as t(e2 $indle a /eac#n-)ire )#r ,ar d#t(&#d =*enc( it%1 : T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) a man ,(# (eard a )##tste in (is

(#*se at ni.(t+ and at #nce str*c$ a li.(t6 /*t t(e t(ie) *t it #*t ,it(#*t /ein. #/served+ andt(e man remained *nder t(e imressi#n t(at it (ad .#ne #*t #) itsel)% T(is leads t(e #et a.aint# d,ell #n (is )av#rite t(eme #) t(e s#le a.enc2 #) Alla(%T(en+ t# s*l2 t(e necessar2 c#rrective #) t(is d#ctrine+ an#t(er anecd#te is t#ld c#ncernin.Ma(m*d and A2aB% T(e c#*rtiers .r*m/led /eca*se A2aB received t(e stiend #) t(irt2c#*rtiers+ and Ma(m*d /2 a ractical test c#nvinced t(em t(at t(e talents #) A2aB e=*alledt(#se #) t(irt2 men% T(e c#*rtiers relied t(at t(is ,as d*e t# &#ds .race+ n#t t# an2 merit #nt(e art #) A2aB6 and t(e $in. c#n)*ted t(em /2 #intin. #*t t(at mans res#nsi/ilit2 andmerit+ #r demerit+ )#r (is acti#ns are rec#.niBed in t(e '#ran% I/lis ,as c#ndemned )#r sa2in.t# &#d+ 1T(#* (ast ca*sed me t# err+1 < and Adam ,as c#mmended #r sa2in.+ 17e (ave

/lac$ened #*rselves%1 > And else,(ere it is said+ 17(#s#ever s(all (ave ,r#*.(t an at#ms

,ei.(t #) .##d s(all /e(#ld it6 and ,(#s# s(all (ave ,r#*.(t an at#ms ,ei.(t #) evil s(all /e(#ld it%1 ?@NOTES0% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ iii% 9G%9% '#ran viii% %:% '#ran v% ?D%<% '#ran vii% > and 99%>% '#ran vii% > and 99%?% '#ran xcix% G%

STOR4 II%T(e F#,ler and t(e "ird%A )#,ler ,ent #*t t# catc( /irds+ and dis.*ised (imsel) /2 ,rain. (is (ead * in leaves and.rass+ s# as t# av#id )ri.(tenin. t(e /irds a,a2 )r#m (is snare% A /ird #) s#me sa.acit2 camenear (im+ and s*sected s#met(in. ,r#n.+ /*t )##lis(l2 lin.ered near+ and /e.an t# =*esti#n(im as t# (is /*siness% T(e )#,ler said (e ,as a (ermit ,(# (ad retired )r#m t(e ,#rld anddressed (imsel) in ,eeds )#r t(e (ealt( #) (is s#*l% T(e /ird said (e ,as s*rrised t# see aM#salman d#in. t(is in c#ntraventi#n #) t(e Pr#(ets recet+ 1T(ere is n# m#n$er2 inIslam+1 and (is reeated declarati#ns t(at Islam inv#lves ass#ciati#n ,it( t(e )ait()*l andav#idance #) a s#litar2 li)e% T(e )#,ler relied t(at a s#litar2 li)e ,as all#,ed in (eat(en

c#*ntries )#r t(e s#*ls (ealt(% T(e /ird t(en as$ed ,(at t(e .rains #) ,(eat ,ere t(at ,erestre,ed #n t(e tra% T(e )#,ler relied t(at t(e2 ,ere t(e r#ert2 #) an #r(an+ ,(ic( (ad /een de#sited ,it( (im in c#nse=*ence #) (is $n#,n r#/it2% T(e /ird t(en as$ed ermissi#n t# eat s#me+ as (e ,as ver2 (*n.r2+ and t(e )#,ler+ ,it( m*c( retendedrel*ctance+ all#,ed (im t# d# s#% T(e m#ment (e t#*c(ed t(e .rain t(e tra cl#sed *#n (im+and (e )#*nd (imsel) a ris#ner% He t(en a/*sed t(e )#,ler )#r (is tric$er2+ /*t t(e )#,lersaid (e (ad #nl2 (imsel) t# /lame )#r (is .reediness in eatin. t(e )##d ,(ic( /el#n.ed t# an#r(an% T(e m#ral is+ t(at it is n#t destin2 ,(ic( leads e#le int# a))licti#ns+ /*t t(eir #,nerr#rs and vices%T(e /irds cries t# &#d )#r aid%7(en (e (ad eaten t(e .rain (e ,as ca*.(t in t(e tra+

And /e.an t# recite t(e c(aters 14asin1 and 1Anam%1T(en (e /e.an t# ,ail and cr2 l#*dl2+



S# t(at t(e ver2 )#,ler and (is tra s(##$ ,it( .rie)%He said+ 1M2 /ac$ is /r#$en /2 t(e c#n)lict #) m2 t(#*.(ts6O "el#ved One+ c#me and str#$e m2 (ead in merc25T(e alm #) T(2 (and #n m2 (ead .ives me rest+T(2 (and is a si.n #) T(2 /#*nte#*s r#vidence%

Rem#ve n#t T(2 s(ad#, )r#m m2 (ead+I am a))licted+ a))licted+ a))licted5Slee (as deserted m2 e2esT(r#*.( m2 l#n.in. )#r T(ee+ O Env2 #) c2resses5T(#*.( I /e *n,#rt(2 #) T(2 )av#r+ (#, ,ere itI) t(#* s(#*ldst re.ard t(e .rieves #) *n,#rt(2 me87(at claim #) ri.(t can a n#n-existent t(in. ma$eT# (ave t(e d##rs #) T(2 /#*nt2 #ened t# it84et T(2 /#*nt2 (ad re.ard t# m2 senseless d*stAnd end*ed it ,it( t(e ten 3e,els #) t(e sensesFive external senses and )ive internal senses+

7(ere/2 inanimate seed /ecame a livin. man%O Li.(t #n (i.(5 ,(at is reentance ,it(#*t T(2 .race"*t a mere m#c$er2 #) t(e /eard #) reentance6T(#* r##test * t(e (airs #) s*c( reentance+Reentance is t(e s(ad#,+ T(#* t(e s(inin. M##n%Alas5 T(#* (ast r*ined m2 (#*se and (#me6H#, can I cease ,ailin. ,(ile T(#* #ressest me8H#, can I )lee a,a2 ,(en t(ere is n# livin. a,a287it(#*t T(2 s*stainin. l#rds(i t(ere is n# slave%O ta$e m2 li)e+ T(#* t(at art t(e s#*rce #) li)e5F#r aart )r#m T(ee I am ,earied #) m2 li)e%I am a l#ver ,ell versed in l#vers madness+I am ,ear2 #) learnin. and sense%Since m2 /as()*lness is destr#2ed+ I ,ill */lis( secrets6H#, l#n. m*st I /ear t(is treidati#n and anxiet28F#rmerl2 I ,as c#vered /2 m#dest2 as /2 a veil+

N#, I ,ill lea )r#m it *nder T(2 c#verlet5O c#mrades+ #*r "el#ved (as cl#sed * all at(s67e are as lame deer+ and He as a ra.in. li#n%Sa2 ,(at remed2 is t(ere /*t resi.nati#n 97(en #ne is )allen int# t(e (ands #) t(e ra.in. li#n81

T(e #et t(en asses #n t# t(e s*/3ect #) t(e need )#r c#nstant ,atc()*lness+ in #rder t# av#idt(e snares #) t(e ,#rld+ and n#t t# miss t(e divine /lessin. ,(enever it ma2 aear% T(ere is atraditi#n+ 17(en (al) t(e ni.(t (as assed Alla( ,ill descend t# eart(+ and cr2+ H#+ 2e t(atas$+ it s(all /e ans,ered t# 2#*6 and 2e t(at crave ard#n+ it s(all /e ard#ned t# 2#*6 and 2et(at etiti#n+ 2#*r etiti#ns s(all /e .ranted%1 "*t all ,(# slee t(e slee #) ne.li.ence ,illmiss t(e r#mised /lessin.% T(is is ill*strated /2 t(e st#r2 #) a l#ver ,(# #/tained anassi.nati#n ,it( (is mistress+ /*t ,(en s(e came+ ,as )#*nd aslee+ and ,as acc#rdin.l2re3ected%@NOTES0% See Mis$$at *l Masa/i(+ ii% ><%9% 1T# &#d I c#mmit m2 case1 '#ran xl% <G%



STOR4 III%T(e !r*n$en T*r$is( Amir and t(e Minstrel%T(en )#ll#, ex(#rtati#ns t# *nder.# 1t(e ains #) ne.ati#n+1 as t(e2 are called in t(e &*ls(ani RaB+ i%e%+ even as t(e .reat saint and #et Farid*-d-!in Attar cast a,a2 (is dr*.s+ t# cast

#nes #,n ,ill+ $n#,led.e+ #,er+ and sel)1 int# t(e *ni=*e river #) 1anni(ilati#n+1 and)r#m t(at state t# rise t# t(e (i.(er state #) eternal existence in &#d% T(e end and #/3ect #) allne.ati#n is t# attain t# s*/se=*ent a))irmati#n+ as t(e ne.ati#n in t(e creed+ 1T(ere is n# &#d+1)inds its c#mlement and *r#se in t(e a))irmati#n 1/*t &#d%1 J*st s# t(e *r#se #)ne.ati#n #) sel) is t# clear t(e ,a2 )#r t(e are(ensi#n #) t(e )act t(at t(ere is n# existence

/*t T(e One% T(e int#xicati#n #) li)e and its leas*res and #cc*ati#ns veils t(e Tr*t( )r#mmens e2es+ and t(e2 #*.(t t# ass #n t# t(e sirit*al int#xicati#n ,(ic( ma$es men /esidet(emselves and li)ts t(em t# t(e /eati)ic visi#n #) eternal Tr*t(% T(is is t(e same t(in. assa2in. t(e2 m*st ass #n )r#m ne.ati#n t# a))irmati#n+ )r#m i.n#rance t# t(e (i.(est$n#,led.e% T(is is ill*strated /2 t(e st#r2 #) t(e T*r$is( n#/le and t(e minstrel+ ,(ic( is.iven ,it( an a#l#.2 )#r *sin. ill*strati#ns derived )r#m dr*n$enness% A T*r$is( n#/le

a,#$e )r#m (is dr*n$en slee+ and called (is minstrel t# enliven (im% T(e minstrel ,as asirit*al man+ and r#ceeded t# imr#ve t(e #ccasi#n /2 sin.in. a s#n. ,it( a dee sirit*almeanin.01I $n#, n#t i) t(#* art a m##n #r an id#l+I $n#, n#t ,(at t(#* re=*irest #) me%I $n#, n#t ,(at service t# a2 t(ee+7(et(er t# $ee silence #r t# sea$%T(#* art n#t aart )r#m me+ 2et+ stran.e t# sa2+I $n#, n#t ,(ere I am+ #r ,(ere t(#* art%I $n#, n#t ,(ere)#re t(#* art dra..in. me+

N#, em/racin. me+ and n#, ,#*ndin. me51T(*s t(e ,(#le #) (is s#n. c#nsisted #) reetiti#ns #) t(e ,#rds+ 1I $n#, n#t%1 At last t(en#/le c#*ld end*re it n# l#n.er+ and (e t##$ a stic$ and t(reatened t# /eat t(e minstrel+sa2in.+ 1O ,retc(+ tell *s s#met(in. 2#* d# $n#,+ and d# n#t reeat ,(at 2#* d# n#t $n#,% i)I as$ 2#* ,(ence 2#* c#me #r ,(at 2#* (ave eaten+ and 2#* ans,er #nl2 /2 ne.ati#ns+ 2#*rans,er is a ,aste #) time% Sa2 ,(at 2#* mean /2 all t(ese ne.ati#ns%1 T(e minstrel relied+1M2 meanin. is a c#ncealed #ne% I )ear t# ma$e a))irmati#ns in ##siti#n t# 2#*r ne.ati#ns+s# I state ne.ati#ns t(at 2#* ma2 .et a (int #) t(e c#rres#ndin. a))irmati#ns )r#m t(em% In#, (int t(e tr*t( t# 2#* in m2 s#n.6 and ,(en deat( c#mes t# 2#*+ 2#* ,ill learn t(em2steries ,(ic( at resent I can #nl2 (int%1Sirit*al m2steries set )#rt( in t(e Masnavi *nder similes #) int#xicati#n%

T(at ,ine #) &#d is .ained )r#m t(at minstrel+ 9T(is /#dil2 ,ine )r#m t(is minstrel%"#t( #) t(ese (ave #ne and t(e same name in seec(+"*t t(e di))erence /et,een t(eir ,#rt( is .reat%Mens /#dies are li$e itc(ers ,it( cl#sed m#*t(s6"e,are+ till 2#* see ,(at is inside t(em%T(e itc(er #) t(is /#d2 (#lds t(e ,ater #) li)e+7(ilst t(at #ne (#lds deadl2 #is#n%I) 2#* l##$ at t(e c#ntents 2#* are ,ise6I) 2#* l##$ #nl2 at t(e vessel 2#* are mis.*ided%'n#, ,#rds resem/le t(ese /#dies+

And t(e meanin. resem/les t(e s#*l%T(e /#d2s e2es are ever intent #n /#dies+



T(e s#*ls e2es #n t(e reas#na/le s#*l67(ere)#re+ in t(e )i.*res #) t(e ,#rds #) t(e Masnavi+T(e )#rm misleads+ /*t t(e inner meanin. .*ides%In t(e '#ran it is declared t(at its ara/les1Mislead s#me and .*ide s#me%1 :

O &#d5 ,(en a sirit*al man tal$s #) ,ine+H#, can a )ell#, sirit*al man mista$e (is meanin.8T(*s t(at minstrel /e.an (is int#xicatin. s#n.+1O .ive me T(2 c*+ T(#* ,(#m I see n#t5T(#* art m2 )ace6 ,(at ,#nder i) I see it n#t8Extreme nearness acts as an #/sc*rin. veil% <T(#* art m2 reas#n6 ,(at ,#nder i) I see T(ee n#tT(r#*.( t(e m*ltit*de #) intervenin. #/stacles8T(#* art nearer t# me t(an m2 nec$ vein+ >H#, can I call t# T(ee+ H#+ as i) t(#* ,ert )ar #))8

Na2+ /*t I ,ill mislead s#me /2 callin. in t(e desert+

T# (ide m2 "el#ved )r#m t(#se #) ,(#m I am 3eal#*s51T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) t(e Pr#(et and A2is(a% A2is(a ,as #nce sittin. ,it( t(ePr#(et ,it(#*t (er veil+ ,(en a /lind man came in% A2is(a+ $n#,in. ,ell t(e 3eal#*sdis#siti#n #) (er (*s/and+ at #nce reared t# retire #n ,(ic( t(e Pr#(et said+ 1T(e man is

/lind and cann#t see 2#*%1 A2is(a relied /2 si.ns t(at t(#*.( t(e man c#*ld n#t see (er s(ec#*ld see (im% J*st s# t(e sirit*al man is 3eal#*s #) ex#sin. (is m2steries t# t(e .aBe #) t(e

r#)ane+ and )r#m excess #) ca*ti#n veils t(em in si.ns and (ints%T(en c#mes a c#mmentar2 #n t(e traditi#n+ 1!ie /e)#re 2#* die+1 i%e%+ m#rti)2 2#*r carnal

assi#ns and l*sts+ and den2 and anni(ilate 2#*r carnal 1 sel)1 /e)#re t(e deat( #) t(e /#d2#verta$es 2#*% Men ,(# *t #)) reentance till t(e2 are at t(e #int #) deat( are li$ened t# t(eS(ias #) Ale#+ ,(# ever2 2ear #n t(e As(*ra+ #r tent( da2 #) M*(arram+ meet at t(eAnti#c( .ate t# /e,ail t(e mart2rd#m #) Hasan and H*sain% Once+ ,(ile t(e2 ,ere t(*sen.a.ed+ a S*nni #et arrived at t(e cit2+ and in=*ired t(e reas#n #) t(is excessive .rie) andm#*rnin.% T(e S(ias re/*$ed (im )#r (is i.n#rance #) sacred (ist#r2+ and (e said+ 1T(ismart2rd#m (aened a l#n. time a.#6 /*t it ,#*ld seem+ )r#m 2#*r excessive .rie)+ t(at t(ene,s #) it (as #nl2 3*st reac(ed 2#*% 4#* m*st (ave /een sleein. all t(is time n#t t# (ave(eard it /e)#re+ and n#, 2#* are m#*rnin. )#r 2#*r #,n sleeiness51 T# t(e tr*l2 sirit*al+,(# (ave dr*n$ #) &#ds ,ine and /ear t(e 1t#$ens #) it #n t(eir )#re(eads+1 ? deat( is an#ccasi#n )#r re3#icin.+ n#t )#r ,ailin.% T(e man ,(# is en.r#ssed ,it( t(e tri)lin. leas*res#) t(e ,#rld and /lind t# t(e amle r#visi#n made )#r t(e s#*l is li$e an ant in a /arn #),(eat+ t#ilin. t# carr2 #)) a sin.le .rain+ ,(en amle st#res #) ,(eat are alread2 at its

dis#sal% Sirit*al men m*st c#ntin*e *r.in. t(e ,#rldl2 t# reent and avail t(emselves #)t(is (eavenl2 r#visi#n )#r t(eir s#*ls+ careless+ li$e N#a(+ ,(et(er t(eir reac(in. is listenedt# #r n#t% T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) a man ,(# $n#c$ed at t(e d##r #) an emt2(#*se at midni.(t+ in #rder t# .ive n#tice t(at it ,as time t# reare t(e meal ta$en at da,n inRamaBan%Reas#n )#r $n#c$in. at t(e emt2 (#*se%4#* (ave said 2#*r sa26 n#, (ear m2 ans,er+S# as n#t t# remain in ast#nis(ment and /e,ilderment%T(#*.( t# 2#* t(is time seems midni.(t+T# me t(e da,n #) 3#2)*l m#rn seems ni.(%T# t(e v*l.ar all arts #) t(e ,#rld seem dead+

"*t t# &#d t(e2 are instinct ,it( sense and l#ve%And as t# 2#*r sa2in. t(at 1t(is (#*se is emt2+



7(2 t(en s(#*ld I /eat a dr*m /e)#re it81'n#, t(at t(e e#le #) &#d exend m#ne2+And /*ild man2 m#s=*es and (#l2 laces+And send (ealt( and ,ealt( in distant il.rima.es+In ecstatic deli.(t+ li$e int#xicated l#vers6

And n#ne #) t(em ever sa2+ 1T(e 'a/a is emt261H#, can #ne ,(# $n#,s t(e tr*t( sa2 t(at8T(ese e#le are ran.ed in /attle arra2+And ris$ t(eir lives t# .ain &#ds )av#r6One l*n.ed in calamities li$e J#/ (imsel)+An#t(er ex(i/itin. atience li$e Jac#/%T(#*sands #) t(em are t(irst2 and a))licted+Strivin. in earnest desire t# d# &#ds ,ill%I li$e,ise+ in #rder t# lease t(e merci)*l &#d+"eat m2 dr*m at ever2 d##r in (#e #) da,n%See$ 2e a *rc(aser ,(# ,ill a2 2#* .#ld6

7(ere ,ill 2#* )ind #ne m#re li/eral t(an &#d8He /*2s t(e ,#rt(less r*//is( ,(ic( is 2#*r ,ealt(+He a2s 2#* t(e li.(t t(at ill*mines 2#*r (eart%He accets t(ese )r#Ben and li)eless /#dies #) 2#*rs+And .ives 2#* a $in.d#m /e2#nd ,(at 2#* dream #)%He ta$es a )e, dr#s #) 2#*r tears+And .ives 2#* t(e divine )#*nt s,eeter t(an s*.ar%He ta$es 2#*r si.(s )ra*.(t ,it( .rie) and sadness+And )#r eac( si.( .ives ran$ in (eaven as interest%In ret*rn )#r t(e si.(-,ind t(at raised tear-cl#*ds+&#d .ave A/ra(am t(e title #) 1Fat(er #) t(e )ait()*l%1C#me5 in t(is inc#mara/le and cr#,ded martSell 2#*r #ld .##ds and ta$e a $in.d#m in a2ment5@NOTES0% '#ran cxii% <%9% 1A ,ine c* temered at t(e cam(#r )#*ntain s(all t(e 3*st =*a))1 '#ran lxxvi% >%:% '#ran ii% 9<%<% See c#*let 99 #) t(e &*is(an i RaB017(en t(e #/3ect l##$ed at is ver2 cl#se t# t(e e2e+T(e e2e is dar$ened s# t(at it cann#t see it%1I%e%+ 7(en man is *nited ,it( &#d (e can n# l#n.er /e(#ld Him+ )#r (e is d,ellin. in Him%

>% '#ran l% >%?% '#ran xlviii% 9D%

STOR4 I;%T(e P*rc(ase #) "ilal%T# ill*strate t(e ric( rec#mense t(at is a,arded t# t(#se ,(# are )ait()*l in tri/*lati#n+ t(est#r2 #) "ilal is next rec#*nted at len.t(% "ilal ,as an A/2ssinian slave /el#n.in. t# a Je, #)Mecca+ and (ad inc*rred (is masters disleas*re in c#nse=*ence #) (avin. em/raced Islam%F#r t(is #))ence (is master t#rt*red (im /2 ex#sin. (im t# t(e (eat #) t(e midda2 s*n+ and

/eatin. (im ,it( t(#rns% "*t n#t,it(standin. (is an.*is(+ "ilal ,#*ld n#t recant (is )ait(+ and

*ttered #nl2 t(e cr2+ 1A(ad+ A(ad51 1T(e One+ t(e One &#d51 At t(is m#ment A/* "a$r+ t(e1Fait()*l ,itness+1 (aened t# ass /2+ and ,as s# str*c$ /2 (is c#nstanc2 t(at (e res#lved



t# /*2 (im #) t(e Je,% A)ter m*c( (i..lin. and attemts at c(eatin. #n t(e Je,s art (es*cceeded in d#in. s#+ and at #nce set (im )ree% 7(en t(e Pr#(et (eard #) t(is *rc(ase (esaid t# A/* "a$r+ 1&ive me a s(are in (im61 /*t A/* "a$r t#ld (im+ s#me,(at t# (isann#2ance+ t(at (e (ad alread2 set (im )ree% N#t,it(standin. t(is "ilal attac(ed (imsel) t# t(ePr#(et+ and ,as a)ter,ards r#m#ted t# t(e (#n#*ra/le #st #) t(e Pr#(ets M*aBBin%

T(is is )#ll#,ed /2 t(e st#r2 #) Hilal+ an#t(er (#l2 man ,(#+ li$e "ilal and L*=man andJ#se(+ served a n#/le in t(e caacit2 #) .r##m% His a))ecti#ns ,ere set #n t(in.s a/#ve+ and(e ,as ever ressin. *,ards t#,ards t(e (i.( mar$ #) sirit*al exaltati#n+ and sa2in.+ li$eM#ses+ 1I ,ill n#t st# till I reac( t(e c#n)l*ence #) t(e t,# seas+ and )#r 2ears ,ill I 3#*rne2#n%1 Herein (e resented a .reat c#ntrast t# #rdinar2 men+ ,(# are ever .ivin. ,a2 t# t(eirl*sts+ and s# /ein. dra..ed d#,n int# t(e state #) mere animals+ #r even l#,er% Hilals master,as a M#salman+ 2et #ne ,(#se e2es ,ere #nl2 artiall2 #en t# t(e tr*t(% He ,as in t(e(a/it #) as$in. (is .*ests t(eir a.e6 and i) t(e2 ans,ered d#*/t)*ll2+ sa2in.+ 1Per(asei.(teen+ #r seventeen+ #r sixteen+ #r even )i)teen+1 (e ,#*ld re/*$e t(em+ sa2in.+ 1As 2#*seem t# /e *ttin. 2#*rsel) l#,er and l#,er+ 2#* (ad /etter .# /ac$ at #nce t# 2#*r m#t(ers,#m/%1 T(ese .*ests are a t2e #) men ,(# l#,er t(emselves )r#m t(e ran$ #) (*manit2 t#

t(at #) animals% T(is master+ (#,ever+ ,as /lind t# Hilals sirit*al excellence+ and all#,ed(im t# dra. #n a misera/le existence in (is sta/les% At last Hilal )ell sic$6 /*t n# #ne cared )#r(im+ till t(e Pr#(et (imsel)+ ,arned /2 a divine intimati#n+ came t# visit (im+ andc#mmiserated (is ,retc(ed c#nditi#n% Hilal r#ved (imsel) t# /e )ait()*l t(r#*.( tri/*lati#n6)#r+ instead #) .r*m/lin. at (is l#t+ (e relied+ 1H#, is t(at slee ,retc(ed ,(ic( is /r#$en /2t(e advent #) t(e S*n #) r#(ec28 #r (#, can (e /e called at(irst #n ,(#se (ead is #*redt(e ,ater #) li)e81 In tr*t(+ Hilal (ad /2 de.rees /ec#me *ri)ied )r#m t(e stain #) eart(l2existence and eart(l2 =*alities+ and ,as(ed in t(e )#*ntain #) t(e ,ater #) li)e+ i%e%+ t(e (#l2revelati#ns #) t(e Pr#(et+ till (e (ad attained t(e exalted .rade #) *rit2 en3#ined #n t(#se,(# ,#*ld st*d2 &#ds 7#rd ari.(t% 9&r#,t( in .race is acc#mlis(ed /2 sl#, de.rees+ and n#t er salt*m%Since 2#* (ave t#ld t(e st#r2 #) Hilal t(e ne, m##n

N#, set )#rt( t(e st#r2 #) "adr t(e )*ll m##n%T(at ne, m##n and t(at )*ll m##n are n#, *nited+Rem#ved )r#m d*alit2 and de)ect and s(#rtc#min.s%T(at Hilal is n#, exalted a/#ve in,ard de)ect6His #*t,ard de)ects served as de.rees #) ascensi#n%

Ni.(t a)ter ni.(t t(at ment#r ta*.(t (im .rades #) ascentAnd t(r#*.( (is atient ,aitin. .ave (im (ainess%T(e ment#r sa2s+ 1O ra, (astener+ t(r#*.( atient ,aitin.+4#* m*st clim/ t# t(e s*mmit ste /2 ste%

"#il 2#*r #t /2 de.rees and in a masterl2 ,a26F##d /#iled in mad (aste is s#iled%!#*/tless &#d c#*ld (ave created t(e *niverse"2 t(e )iat "e5 in #ne m#ment #) time67(2+ t(en+ did He r#tract His ,#r$ #ver six da2s+Eac( #) ,(ic( e=*aled a t(#*sand 2ears+ O discile87(2 d#es t(e )#rmati#n #) an in)ant ta$e nine m#nt(s8"eca*se &#ds met(#d is t# ,#r$ /2 sl#, de.rees+7(2 did t(e )#rmati#n #) Adam ta$e )#rt2 da2s8"eca*se (is cla2 ,as $neaded /2 sl#, de.rees%

N#t (*rr2in. #n li$e 2#*+ O ra, #ne+

7(# claim t# /e a S(ai$( ,(ilst 2et #nl2 a c(ild54#* r*n * li$e a .#*rd (i.(er t(an all lants+



"*t ,(ere is 2#*r #,er #) resistance #r c#m/at84#* (ave leant #n trees #r #n ,alls+And s# m#*nted * li$e a .#*rd+ O little d#. r#se6Even t(#*.( 2#*r r# ma2 /e a l#)t2 c2ress+At last 2#* are seen t# /e dr2 and (#ll#,%

O .#*rd+ 2#*r /ri.(t .reen (*e s##n t*rns 2ell#,%F#r it is n#t a nat*ral /*t an arti)icial c#l#r%1T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) an *.l2 #ld (a. ,(# ainted (er )ace t# ma$e it l##$

rett2+ /*t ,as detected and ex#sed t# sc#rn%@NOTES0% '#ran xviii% >D%9% '#ran lvi% GD%

STOR4 ;%T(e S*)i and t(e aBi%

A sic$ man la/#rin. *nder an inc*ra/le disease ,ent t# a (2sician )#r advice% T(e (2sician)elt (is *lse+ and erceived t(at n# treatment ,#*ld c*re (im+ and t(ere)#re t#ld (im t# .#a,a2 and d# ,(atever (e (ad a )anc2 )#r% T(is ,as t(e advice .iven /2 &#d t# t(e Israelites,(en t(e2 ,ere seen t# /e inc*ra/le /2 t(e adm#niti#ns #) t(e r#(ets% 1!# ,(at 2#* ,ill+

/*t &#ds e2e is #n all 2#*r d#in.s%1 T(e sic$ man /lessed t(e (2sician )#r (is a.reea/le rescriti#n+ and at #nce ,ent t# a stream+ ,(ere (e sa, a S*)i /at(in. (is )eet% He ,asseiBed ,it( a desire t# (it t(e S*)i #n t(e /ac$+ and+ callin. t# mind t(e (2sicians advice+ at#nce carried (is ,is( int# e))ect% T(e S*)i 3*med *+ and ,as a/#*t t# ret*rn t(e /l#,+ /*t,(en (e sa, t(e ,ea$l2 and in)irm c#nditi#n #) (is assailant (e restrained (imsel)% Hedisre.arded (is resent an.r2 im*lse+ and (ad re.ard t# t(e )*t*re+ s# t(at t(e n#n-existent)*t*re /ecame t# (im m#re reall2 existent t(an t(e existin. resent% Here t(e #et di.resses t#

#int #*t t(at ,(en ,ise men rec#.niBe t(e tr*e relative im#rtance #) t(e resent and t(e)*t*re t(e2 cease t# s(rin$ )r#m deat( and anni(ilati#n+ ,(ic( li)ts t(em t# a (i.(er andn#/ler li)e% T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) Ma(m*d #) &(aBni+ =*#ted )r#m Farid*- d-!in Attar% Ma(m*d+ in #ne #) (is camai.ns+ t##$ ris#ner a Hind* /#2+ ,(# at )irstre.arded (im ,it( t(e .reatest dread+ in c#nse=*ence #) t(e st#ries (e (ad (eard #) (im )r#m(is m#t(er+ /*t a)ter,ards exerienced Ma(m*ds $indness and tenderness+ and came t# $n#,(im and l#ve (im% S# it is ,it( deat(% Acc#rdin. t# t(e Hadis 1T(#se ,(# (ave assed a,a2d# n#t .rieve /eca*se #) deat(+ /*t /eca*se #) ,asted ##rt*nities in li)e%1 T(e Masnavi is1a s(# #) #vert2 and sel)-a/ne.ati#n+1 and a treas*r2 c#ntainin. #nl2 t(e d#ctrines #)1Unit261 and i) its st#ries s*..est a*.(t else+ t(at is d*e t# t(e evil r#mtin.s #) I/lis+ ,(#

als# misled t(e Pr#(et (imsel) t# attri/*te *nd*e #,er t# t(e id#ls Lat and UBBa andManat+ in a verse ,(ic( ,as a)ter,ards cancelled% 9 T(e S*)i+ /ein. )*ll #) t(e sirit #) sel)-a/ne.ati#n+ did n#t retaliate #n (is ,ea$+ assailant /*t led (im /e)#re t(e aBi% On learnin.t(e )acts #) t(e case t(e aBi said+ 1T(is Fa=ir is sic$ t# deat(+ and 2#*+ /ein. a S*)i+ are+acc#rdin. t# 2#*r r#)essi#n+ dead t# t(e ,#rld% H#,+ t(en+ can I a,ard a enalt2 a.ainst (imin 2#*r )av#r8 I am a 3*d.e+ n#t #) t(e dead+ /*t #) t(e livin.%1 T(e S*)i ,as dissatis)ied ,it(t(is vie, #) t(e case+ and a.ain ressed t(e aBi t# d# (im 3*stice% On t(is t(e aBi as$ed t(esic$ Fa=ir (#, m*c( m#ne2 (e (ad+ and #n (is rel2in.+ 1Six dir(ams+1 t##$ it2 #n (im+ andlet (im #)) ,it( a )ine #) t(ree dir(ams #nl2% T(e m#ment t(e sentence ,as r#n#*nced t(esic$ Fa=ir ,ent * t# t(e aBi and str*c$ (im a /l#, #n t(e /ac$+ and cried #*t+ 1N#, ta$et(e #t(er t(ree dir(ams and let me .#51 T(e S*)i t(en #inted #*t t# t(e aBi t(at /2 (is ill-

timed lenienc2 t# t(e Fa=ir (e (ad /r#*.(t t(is /l#, *#n (imsel)+ and *r.ed (im t# al2 in(is #,n case t(#se rinciles #) merc2 and )#r.iveness ,(ic( (e (ad r##sed in t(e case #)



an#t(er% T(e aBi said t(at+ )#r (is art+ (e rec#.niBed ever2 /l#, and mis)#rt*ne t(at mi.(t /e)all (im as divinel2 #rdained+ and sent )#r (is .##d+ acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1La*.( little and,ee m*c(+1 : and t(at (is 3*d.ment in t(e matter #) t(e Fa=ir (ad n#t /een dictated /2im*lse+ /*t /2 insirati#n% < T(e S*)i a.ain as$ed (im (#, evils and mis)#rt*nes c#*ld

r#ceed )r#m t(e divine )#*nt #) .##d+ and t(e aBi relied t(at ,(at seems .##d and evil t#

*s (as n# a/s#l*te existence+ /*t is merel2 as t(e )#am #n t(e s*r)ace #) t(e vast #cean%M#re#ver+ ever2 mis)#rt*ne #cc*rrin. t# t(e )ait()*l in t(is li)e ,ill /e aml2 c#mensated)#r in t(e li)e t# c#me% T(e S*)i as$ed ,(2 t(is ,#rld s(#*ld n#t /e s# arran.ed t(at #nl2.##d s(#*ld /e exerienced in it+ and t(e aBi relied /2 tellin. (im an anecd#te #) a T*r$and a tail#r% T(e T*r$+ ,(# t2i)ies t(e careless leas*re-see$er+ ,as s# intent #n listenin. t#t(e 3#$es and am*sin. st#ries #) t(e tail#r+ t2i)2in. t(e sed*ctive ,#rld+ t(at (e all#,ed(imsel) t# /e r#//ed #) t(e sil$ ,(ic( ,as t# )*rnis( (im ,it( a vest*re )#r eternit2% T(e S*)ia.ain ret#rted t(at (e did n#t see ,(2 t(e ,#rld ,#*ld n#t .et #n /etter ,it(#*t t(e evil in it+and t(e aBi relied ,it( t(e #ets )av#rite ar.*ment t(at t(ere ,#*ld /e n# #ssi/ilit2 #)

/ein. virt*#*s i) t(ere ,ere n# temtati#ns t# /e vici#*s% As "is(# "*tler sa2s+ t(is li)e is astate #) r#/ati#n+ and s*c( a state necessaril2 inv#lves trials and di))ic*lties and dan.ers t#

/e resisted and #verc#me%T(e dead re.ret n#t d2in.+ /*t (avin. l#st ##rt*nities in li)e%7ell said t(at Leader #) man$ind+T(at ,(#s#ever asses a,a2 )r#m t(e ,#rld!#es n#t .rieve and lament #ver (is deat(+"*t .rieves ever #ver l#st ##rt*nities%He sa2s+ 17(2 did I n#t $ee deat( al,a2s in vie,+7(ic( is t(e treas*r2 #) ,ealt( and s*stenance87(2 did I /lindl2 all m2 li)e set m2 a))ecti#nsOn vain s(ad#,s ,(ic( eris( at deat(8M2 re.ret is n#t t(at I (ave died+"*t t(at I rested #n t(ese vain s(ad#,s in li)e%I sa, n#t t(at m2 /#d2 ,as a mere s(ad#, #r )#am+7(ic( )#am rises #*t #) and lives #n t(e Ocean &#d%7(en t(e Ocean casts its )#am-dr#s t# land+&# t# t(e .rave2ard and /e(#ld t(em+And as$ t(em+ 17(ere is 2#*r m#ti#n and activit28T(e Ocean (as cast 2#* int# a m#rtal sic$ness51T(e2 ,ill ans,er /2 t(eir c#nditi#n+ i) n#t ,it( ,#rds+1P*t t(is =*esti#n t# t(e Ocean+ n#t t# *s51H#, can mere )#am m#ve *nless m#ved /2 t(e ,aves8

H#, can d*st m#*nt #n (i.( *nless raised /2 ,ind87(en 2#* see t(e d*st-cl#*d+ see t(e ,ind t##57(en 2#* see t(e )#am+ see t(e #cean t(at (eaves it5A(5 l##$ till 2#* see 2#*r #,n real )inal ca*se+T(e rest #) 2#* is #nl2 )at and )les(+ ,ar and ,##)%4#*r )at $indles n# li.(t #r )lame in a lam64#*r $neaded )les( is n#t .##d )#r r#astin.%"*rn *+ t(en+ all t(is /#d2 #) 2#*rs ,it( discernment6Rise t# si.(t+ t# si.(t+ t# si.(t5;irt*e cann#t exist ,it(#*t temtati#n and di))ic*lties t# /e #verc#me%T(e S*)i said+ 1T(e &reat Heler is a/le

T# r#c*re )#r *s r#)it ,it(#*t l#ss%He ,(# casts int# t(e )ire r#ses and trees



Can acc#mlis( .##d ,it(#*t in3*r2 t# an2%He ,(# extracts t(e r#se )r#m t(e t(#rnCan als# t*rn t(is ,inter int# srin.%He ,(# exalts t(e (eads #) t(e c2ressesIs a/le als# #*t #) sadness t# /rin. 3#2%

He /2 ,(#se )iat all n#n-existent t(in.s exist+7(at (arm t# Him ,ere it i) He made t(em eternal8He ,(# .ave t# t(e /#d2 a s#*l and made it live+7(at l#ss t# Him ,ere it i) He never ca*sed it t# die8H#, ,#*ld it /e i) T(at Li/eral One ,ere t# .iveT(eir (earts desire t# (is slaves ,it(#*t t#il+And $ee a,a2 )r#m t(ese )ee/le #nesT(e am/*s(ed snares #) l*st and temtati#ns #) I/lis81T(e aBi said+ 1I) t(ere ,ere n# /itter t(in.s+And n# ##siti#n #) )air and )#*l+ st#ne and earl+And n# l*st #r Satan #r c#nc*iscence+

And n# ,#*nds #r ,ar #r )ra*d+Pra2+ O destr#2er #) virt*e+ /2 ,(at name and titleC#*ld t(e 'in. #) $in.s address His slaves8H#, c#*ld He sa2+ O temerate #r O mee$ #ne5Or+ O c#*ra.e#*s #ne+ #r O ,ise #ne8H#, c#*ld t(ere /e temerate+ .entle+ #r li/eral menI) t(ere ,ere n# c*rsed Satan t# temt t(em astra28R*stam and HamBa ,#*ld /e all t(e same as c#,ards67isd#m and $n#,led.e ,#*ld /e *seless and vain%7isd#m and $n#,led.e serve t# .*ide t(e ,anderers67ere t(ere /*t #ne r#ad ,isd#m ,#*ld /e needless%T# amer t(e (#*se #) 2#*r /#d2 )leetin. as ,ater+!# 2#* t(in$ it ri.(t t# r*in /#t( ,#rlds8I $n#, 2#* are *re #) .*ile and rie+And as$ t(is #nl2 t# edi)2 t(e i.n#rant%T(e ills #) )#rt*ne and all tr#*/les s#ever Are /etter t(an exile )r#m &#d and ne.lect #) Him6F#r t(e )#rmer ass a,a2+ /*t t(e latter a/ide6He is (a2 ,(# carries a ,ar2 (eart /e)#re &#d%1 >T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) a ,#man ,(# c#mlained #) t(e (ard li)e s(e (ad t# lead,it( (er (*s/and #,in. t# (is #vert2+ and ,as silenced /2 /ein. as$ed ,(et(er s(e ,#*ld

re)er t# /e div#rced% N# tr#*/les are s# (ard t# (ear as searati#n )r#m t(e "el#ved% Fastin.and (#l2 ,ar /rin. ains ,it( t(em+ /*t n#t s# .reat as t(#se inc*rred /2 /anis(ment )r#m&#d% In t(e midst #) t(eir tr#*/les &#d is ever carin. )#r His servants+ and t(e2 m*st n#t lett(eir tri/*lati#ns /l#t #*t t(e mem#r2 #) &#ds revi#*s .##dness t# t(em%T# d# t(is s(#,s an entire a/sence #) .r#,t( in .race% T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) asa.e and a m#n$% T(e sa.e as$ed t(e m#n$ ,(ic( ,as t(e #lder+ (is ,(ite /eard #r (imsel)%T(e m#n$ relied t(at (e (imsel) ,as #lder /2 s#me 2ears+ ,(ere*#n t(e sa.e re/*$ed (im)#r (is i.n#rance+ sa2in. (is /eard (ad .r#,n *re and ,(ite+ /*t (e ,as still /lac$ ,it( sin+and (ad r#.ressed n#t at all in .##dness since (e ,as /#rn%Eac( #) #*r mem/ers testi)ies t# &#ds /#*nties t#,ards *s%In=*ire n#,+ I ra2+ #) eac( #ne #) 2#*r mem/ers6

T(ese d*m/ mem/ers (ave a t(#*sand t#n.*es%In=*ire t(e detail #) t(e /#*nties #) t(e All-s*stainer+



7(ic( are rec#rded in t(e v#l*me #) t(e *niverse%!a2 and ni.(t 2#* are ea.erl2 as$in. )#r ne,s+7(ilst ever2 mem/er #) 2#*r /#d2 is tellin. 2#* ne,s%Since eac( mem/er #) 2#*r /#d2 iss*ed )r#m N#t-/ein.+H#, m*c( leas*re (as it seen+ and (#, m*c( ain8

F#r n# mem/er .r#,s and )l#*ris(es ,it(#*t leas*re+And eac( mem/er is ,ea$ened /2 ever2 ain% ?T(e mem/er end*res+ /*t t(at leas*re is )#r.#tten+4et n#t all )#r.#tten+ /*t (idden )r#m t(e senses%Li$e s*mmer ,(erein c#tt#n is r#d*ced+T(e c#tt#n remains+ /*t t(e s*mmer is )#r.#tten%Or li$e ice ,(ic( is )#rmed in .reat )r#st+T(e )r#st dearts+ /*t t(e ice is still /e)#re *s%T(e ice is mind)*l #) t(at extreme c#ld+And even in ,inter t(at cr# is mind)*l #) t(e s*mmer%In li$e manner+ O s#n+ ever2 mem/er #) 2#*r /#d2

Tells 2#* tales #) &#ds /#*nties t# 2#*r /#d2%Even as a ,#man ,(# (as /#rne t,ent2 c(ildren+Eac( c(ild tells a tale #) leas*re )elt /2 (er%S(e /ecame n#t re.nant save a)ter sex*al leas*re+Can a .arden /l##m ,it(#*t t(e srin.8Pre.nant ,#men and t(eir teemin. ,#m/sTell tales #) l#ve )r#lics in t(e srin.%S# ever2 tree ,(ic( n*rt*res its )r*itsHas /een+ li$e Mar2+ imre.nated /2 t(e Unseen 'in.%T(#*.( )ires (eat /e (idden in t(e midst #) ,ater+4et a t(#*sand /#ilin. /*//les r#ve it resent%T(#*.( t(e (eat #) t(e )ire /e ,#r$in. *nseen+4et its /*//les si.ni)2 its resence lainl2%In li$e manner+ t(e mem/ers #) t(#se en3#2in. 1*ni#n1"ec#me /i. ,it( c(ild+ viB%+ ,it( )#rms #) 1states1 and 1,#rds%1 G&aBin. #n t(e /ea*t2 #) t(ese )#rms t(e2 stand a.ae+And t(e )#rms #) t(e ,#rld vanis( )r#m t(eir si.(t%T(ese sirit*al r#.enies are n#t /#rn #) t(e elements+And are er)#rce invisi/le t# t(e sens*al e2e%T(ese r#.enies are /#rn #) divine aariti#ns+And are t(ere)#re /idden /2 veils ,it(#*t c#l#r%

I said 1/#rn+1 /*t in realit2 t(e2 are n#t /#rn6I *sed t(is exressi#n #nl2 /2 ,a2 #) indicati#n%"*t $ee silence till t(e 'in. /ids 2#* sea$+O))er n#t 2#*r ni.(tin.ale s#n.s t# t(ese r#ses6F#r t(e2 t(emselves are sa2in. t# 2#* in l#*d t#nes+1O ni.(tin.ale+ (#ld 2#*r eace+ and listen t# *s51T(#se t,# $inds #) )air )#rms ecstatic states and ,#rdsAre *ndenia/le r##)s #) a revi#*s 1*ni#n614ea+ t(#se t,# $inds #) exalted mani)estati#nsAre t(e evident )r*its #) a recedin. ,edl#c$%T(e ecstas2 is ast+ /*t 2#*r mem/ers recall it6

As$ t(em a/#*t it+ #r call it t# mind 2#*rsel)%7(en s#rr#, seiBes 2#*+ i) 2#* are ,ise+



4#* ,ill =*esti#n t(at s#rr#,-)ra*.(t m#ment+Sa2in. t# it+ 1O s#rr#,+ ,(# n#, deniestT(2 #rti#n #) /#*nt2 .iven t(ee /2 t(e Per)ect One+Even i) eac( m#ment /e n#t t# t(ee a .lad srin.+4et #) ,(at is t(2 /#d2+ li$e a r#se-(ea+ a st#re(#*se8

T(2 /#d2 is a (ea #) r#ses+ t(2 t(#*.(t r#se,ater6T,ere stran.e i) r#se,ater i.n#red t(e r#se-(ea51@NOTES0% '#ran xli% <%9% '#ran liii% D+ and R#d,ells n#te%:% '#ran ix% <%<% '#ran liii% :%>% '#ran xxvi% %?% C% Nic#m% Et(ics+ x%+ iv% ?%G% C#mare &*ls(an i RaB+ I% ?9<% Ecstatic ,#rds and states are t(e #))srin. #) c#mm*ni#n,it( &#d%

STOR4 ;I%T(e Fa=ir and t(e Hidden Treas*re%

N#t,it(standin. t(e clear evidence #) &#ds /#*nt2+ en.enderin. t(ese sirit*al states in men+ (il#s#(ers and learned men+ ,ise in t(eir #,n c#nceit+ #/stinatel2 s(*t t(eir e2es t# it+ andl##$ a)ar #)) )#r ,(at is reall2 cl#se t# t(em+ s# t(at t(e2 inc*r t(e enalt2 #) 1/ein. /randed#n t(e n#strils+1 ad3*d.ed a.ainst *n/elievers% T(is is ill*strated /2 t(e st#r2 #) a ##r Fa=ir,(# ra2ed t# &#d t(at (e mi.(t /e )ed ,it(#*t /ein. #/li.ed t# ,#r$ )#r (is )##d% A divinev#ice came t# (im in (is slee and directed (im t# .# t# t(e (#*se #) a certain scri/e and ta$ea certain ,ritin. t(at (e s(#*ld )ind t(ere% He did s#+ and #n readin. t(e ,ritin. )#*nd t(at itc#ntained directi#ns )#r )indin. a (idden treas*re% T(e directi#ns ,ere as )#ll#,s0 1&# #*tsidet(e cit2 t# t(e d#me ,(ic( c#vers t(e t#m/ #) t(e mart2r6 t*rn 2#*r /ac$ t# t(e t#m/ and 2#*r)ace t#,ards Mecca+ lace an arr#, in 2#*r /#,+ and ,(ere t(e arr#, )alls t(ere di. )#r t(etreas*re%1 "*t /e)#re t(e Fa=ir (ad time t# c#mmence t(e searc( t(e r*m#r #) t(e ,ritin. andits c#ntents (ad reac(ed t(e $in.+ ,(# at #nce sent and t##$ it a,a2 )r#m t(e Fa=ir+ and /e.ant# searc( )#r t(e treas*re #n (is #,n acc#*nt% A)ter s(##tin. man2 arr#,s and di..in. in alldirecti#ns t(e $in. )ailed t# )ind t(e treas*re+ and .#t ,ear2 #) searc(in.+ and ret*rned t(e,ritin. t# t(e Fa=ir% T(en t(e Fa=ir tried ,(at (e c#*ld d#+ /*t )ailed alt#.et(er t# (it t(e s#t,(ere t(e treas*re ,as /*ried% At last+ desairin. #) s*ccess /2 (is #,n *naided e))#rts+ (ecast (is care *#n &#d+ and iml#red t(e divine assistance% T(en a v#ice )r#m (eaven came t#

(im+ sa2in.+ 14#* ,ere directed t# )ix an arr#, #n 2#*r /#,+ /*t n#t t# dra, 2#*r /#, ,it(all 2#*r mi.(t+ as 2#* (ave /een d#in.% S(##t as .entl2 as #ssi/le+ t(at t(e arr#, ma2 )allcl#se t# 2#*+ )#r t(e (idden treas*re is indeed nearer t# 2#* t(an 2#*r nec$-vein% 19 Men#verl##$ t(e sirit*al treas*res cl#se t# t(em+ and )#r t(is reas#n it is t(at r#(ets (ave n#(#n#r in t(eir #,n c#*ntries+ as is ill*strated /2 t(e cases #) t(e saint A/*-l-Hasan '(ir=aniand t(e Pr#(et H*d #r He/er%&#d r*les men /2 alternati#ns #) (#e and )ear%T(is sad Fa=ir t## *t * (is cries )#r aid+And /#re #)) t(e /all #) accetance )r#m t(e )ield%"*t at times (e distr*sted t(e e))icac2 #) (is ra2ers+On acc#*nt #) t(e dela2 in ans,erin. t(em%

A.ain+ (#e #) t(e merc2 #) t(e L#rdAr#se in (is (eart as an earnest #) re3#icin.%



7(en (e ,as (#eless and ceasin. t# ra2 in ,earinessHe (eard )r#m &#d t(e ,#rd 1Ascend51&#d is an A/aser and an Exalter 7it(#*t t(ese t,# r#cesses n#t(in. c#mes int# /ein.%"e(#ld t(e a/asement #) eart( and *li)tin. #) (eaven6

7it(#*t t(ese t,# (eaven ,#*ld n#t rev#lve+ O man5T(e a/asement and exaltati#n #) eart( is #t(er,ise+Hal) t(e 2ear is /arren+ (al) .reen and verdant%T(e a/asement and exaltati#n #) ,ear2 timeIs #t(er,ise a.ain+ (al) da2 and (al) ni.(t%T(e a/asement and exaltati#n #) t(is c#m#*nd /#d2Is n#, (ealt( and n#, .riev#*s sic$ness%'n#, all t(e c#nditi#ns #) t(e ,#rld are in t(is ,ise+!r#*.(t+ )amine+ eace+ ,ar+ and trials%T(is ,#rld )lies+ as it ,ere+ ,it( t(ese t,# ,in.s6T(r#*.( t(ese all s#*ls are (#mes #) (#e and )ear6

S# t(at t(e ,#rld $ees trem/lin. li$e leaves+In t(e c#ld and (#t ,inds #) deat( and res*rrecti#n%Till t/e 3ar #) *re ,ine #) #*r Isa Unit2S(all s*ersede t(e 3ar #) man2-c#l#red ,ine l*ralit2+F#r t(at ,#rld #) *nit2 is as a saltan67(atever enters it l#ses its varied (*es%On t(e text+ 1;eril2 I am a/#*t t# lace a '(ali)a #r ;ice.erent #n eart(1 :%7(ereas t(e aim and ,ill #) t(e Merci)*l &#dInclined t# t(e revelati#n and mani)estati#n #) Himsel)+And #ne ##site cann#t /e s(#,n /*t /2 its ##site+And t(at Uni=*e 'in. #) $in.s (as n# ##site #r eer+ <T(ere)#re t(at L#rd #) t(e (eart set * a '(ali)a+T# serve as a mirr#r t# re)lect His #,n s#verei.nt2%T(ere)#re He .ave (im *nlimited *rit2 and li.(t+And #n t(e #t(er side He set dar$ness ##sin. t(e li.(t% >&#d set * t,# standards+ a ,(ite and a /lac$ #ne+T(e #ne Adam and t(e #t(er I/lis6And /et,een t(ese t,# mi.(t2 armiesEns*ed ,ar and /attle and all ,e (ave ,itnessed%T(*s+ t##+ in t(e sec#nd .enerati#n lived *re A/el6Cain ,as t(e ##site #) (is *re li.(t%

In li$e manner t(ese t,# standards #) ri.(t and ,r#n.7ere /#rne al#)t till t(e a.e #) Nimr#d% Nimr#d ,as t(e ##nent and adversar2 #) A/ra(am+And t(eir ##sin. cams ,arred and )#*.(t #ne an#t(er%7(en &#d .re, ,ear2 #) t(e len.t( #) t(is ,ar+His )ire ,as a#inted t# ar/itrate /et,een t(em%He c#mmanded )ire and its )lamin. t#rmentT# settle t(e matter in dis*te /et,een t(em%A.e a)ter a.e t(ese t,# arties c#ntended+Even till t(e time #) P(ara#( and .entle M#ses%"et,een t(ese t,# t(e ,ar ,as ,a.ed )#r 2ears+

And ,(en it assed all /#*nds and a))licti#n increased&#d made t(e ,ater #) t(e Nile a 3*d.e /et,een t(em+



T(at t(e #ne ,(# deserved reeminence s(#*ld end*re%In li$e manner it ,ent #n till t(e time #) M*sta)aAnd A/* Ja(l+ t(at rince #) ini=*it2%Li$e,ise did &#d #rdain a *nis(ment )#r t(e T(am*d+

Namel2+ an eart(=*a$e ,(ic( destr#2ed t(eir lives%

Li$e,ise a *nis(ment )#r t(e Adites+ Namel2+ a s,i)tl2 risin. and vi#lent ,ind%Li$e,ise &#d #rdained ac*te *nis(ment )#r ar*n6F#r t(e eart( c#ncealed ,rat( *nder its mildness+Till all its mildness ,as c#nverted int# ,rat(+And it s,all#,ed * ar*n and (is ,ealt( in its det(%S# ,it( t(e m#*t()*l ,(ic( n#*ris(es 2#*r /#d2And ,ards #)) t(e darts #) (*n.er li$e a c*irass+7(en &#d instils ,rat( int# t(is m#*t()*l #) /read+T(at same /read ,ill c(#$e 2#* li$e a (alter%T(is same .arment ,(ic( r#tects 2#* )r#m t(e c#ld+

&#d ma2 .ive it t(e =*alit2 #) intense c#ld+S# t(at t(is ,arm vest ma2 /ec#me t# 2#*r /#d2C#ld as ice and /itin. as )r#st6S# t(at 2#* ,ill cast #)) t(ese )*rs and sil$s+And see$ )#r a re)*.e )r#m c#ld ,it( c#ld itsel)%4#* (ave #nl2 #ne e2e+ n#t t,# )#r t(ese t,# #ssi/ilities%4#* (ave )#r.#tten t(e st#r2 #) t(e 1s(ad#,in. cl#*d%1 ?&#ds c#mmand came t# cit2 and villa.e+And t# (#*se and ,all+ sa2in.+ 1A))#rd n# s(ade57ard n#t #)) t(e #*rin. rain and t(e s*ns (eat61Till t(#se men (asted t# listen t# t(e r#(et S(*ai/+Sa2in.+ O $in.+ (ave it26 m#st #) *s are dead5"*t read t(e rest #) t(e tale in t(e c#mmentaries%7(en t(at Omni#tent (and made t(e sta)) a serent+I) 2#* (ave reas#n+ t(at #rtent s(#*ld s*))ice%4#* (ave si.(t indeed+ /*t )ail t# mar$ care)*ll264#*r e2es are dimmed and cl#sed ,it( )at%T(e (eavenl2 treas*re lies 1nearer t# *s t(an #*r nec$-vein1%T(e Fa=ir ,as in t(is state ,(en a divine v#ice came+And &#d t(*s s#lved (is di))ic*lties+Sa2in.+ 1T(e v#ice t#ld 2#* t# lace an arr#, #n t(e /#,+

It did n#t /id 2#* dra, t(e /#,strin. t# t(e *tm#st6It did n#t /id 2#* dra, t(e /#, ,it( all 2#*r mi.(t6It said+ Ad3*st an arr#,+ n#t !ra, t(e /#, )*ll2%4#* elevated t(e /#, t# excess+4#* ma.ni)ied *nd*l2 t(e /#,mans art+&#5 a/and#n t(is str#n. /#,mans(i+Fix an arr#, #n t(e strin.+ /*t ma$e it n#t )l2 )ar%7(en it )alls+ di. in t(at s#t and searc(+A/and#n )#rce and see$ t(e treas*re ,it( (*milit2%1&#d is 1,(at is nearer t# 2#* t(an 2#*r nec$-vein+14#* (ave cast t(e arr#, #) sec*lati#n a)ar #))%

O 2#*+ ,(# (ave made read2 2#*r /#, and arr#,s+T(e .ame is cl#se t# 2#*+ and 2#* s(##t t## )ar #))%



T(e )*rt(er a man s(##ts+ t(e )*rt(er #)) (e is+And t(e m#re rem#ved )r#m t(e treas*re (e see$s%T(e (il#s#(er $ills (imsel) ,it( t(in$in.+Tell (im t(at (is /ac$ is t*rned t# t(at treas*re6Tell (im t(at t(e m#re (e r*ns t# and )r#+

T(e Almi.(t2 sa2s+ 1Ma$e e))#rts in #*r ,a2s+1 G N#t 1Ma$e e))#rts a,a2 )r#m *s+1 O restless #ne%Li$e Canaan+ ,(# ,ent a,a2+ )r#m s(ame t# )#ll#, N#a(+U t# t(e t# #) t(at l#)t2 m#*ntain+T(e m#re (e s#*.(t sa)et2 #n t(at m#*ntain+T(e )*rt(er ,as (e rem#ved )r#m t(e sa)e as2l*m%S# t(is Fa=ir+ in searc( #) t(at (idden treas*re+!a2 a)ter da2 dre, (is /#, str#n.er and str#n.er6And t(e (arder (e dre, (is /#,+T(e )*rt(er ,as (e )r#m t(e seat #) t(at treas*re%T(is ara/le alies t# all times+

F#r t(e s#*l #) t(e i.n#rant is led.ed t# mis)#rt*ne%"eca*se t(e i.n#rant man is as(amed #) a master+Per)#rce (e .#es and #ens a ne, sc(##l )#r (imsel)%T(at sc(##l is (i.(er t(an 2#*r tr*e master+ O /el#ved+And (ard #) access+ and )*ll #) sc#ri#ns and sna$es%Strai.(t,a2 #vert(r#, it+ and t*rn /ac$ a.ainT# t(e .reen .arden and s,eet ,atered mead#,s%

N#t li$e Canaan+ ,(#+ t(r#*.( ride and i.n#rance+S#*.(t (is ar$ #) sa)et2 #n a r#tectin. m#*ntain%His )ar-s(##tin. learnin. veiled (is e2es+7(ile (is (earts desire ,as all t(e ,(ile in (is .ras%A(5 #)tentimes (ave learnin. and .eni*s and ,itPr#ved t# t(e traveler t# /e &(#*ls and (i.(,a2men51T(e ma3#rit2 #) t(#se in Paradise are t(e simle+1 7(# (ave escaed t(e snares #) (il#s#(2%Stri 2#*rsel) /are #) #ver,eenin. intellect+T(at .race ma2 ever /e s(ed *#n 2#* )r#m a/#ve%Cleverness is t(e ##site #) (*milit2 and s*/missi#n+*it cleverness+ and c#ns#rt ,it( simle-mindedness5@NOTES0% '#ran lxviii% ?%

9% '#ran l% >%:% '#ran ii% 9%<% "eca*se+ as Sir T% "r#,ne sa2s+ 1&#d is all t(in.s%1>% See &*ls(an i RaB+ I% 9?>+ and n#te%?% '#ran xxvi% D% T(e cl#*d emitted (eat instead #) rain+ t# *nis( t(#se ,(# disre.ardedS(*ai/+ #r Jet(r#%G% '#ran xxix% ?D%% A Hadis% C% C#r% i% 9>+ 9?%

STOR4 ;II%

T(e T(ree Travelers%A M#salman ,as travelin. ,it( t,# *n/elievers+ a Je, and a C(ristian% Li$e ,isd#m lin$ed



Na2+ I ate t(e s,eets+ and am n#, (a2%1T(e2 relied+ 1"2 Alla(+ 2#* (ave seen a tr*e visi#n64#*r visi#n is /etter t(an a (*ndred li$e #*rs%4#*r dream ,as seen /2 2#* ,(en a,a$e+ O (a2 #ne+F#r it ,as seen t# /e real /2 2#*r /ein. a,a$e%1

*it excessive sec*lati#n and in#rdinate science+Tis service #) &#d and .##d c#nd*ct t(at .ains its end%Tis )#r t(is t(at &#d created *s+17e created n#t man$ind save t# ,#rs(i *s1 97(at r#)it did (is science /rin. t# Samiri8 :His science excl*ded (im )r#m &#ds #rtals%C#nsider ,(at ar*n .ained /2 (is alc(em26He ,as s,all#,ed * in t(e det(s #) t(e eart(%A/*-l Ja(l+ a.ain+ ,(at .ained (e )r#m (is ,itSave t# /e (*rled (ead-)#rem#st int# (ell )#r in)idelit28'n#, real science is seein. t(e )ire directl2+

N#t mere tal$+ in)errin. t(e )ire )r#m t(e sm#$e%4#*r scienti)ic r##)s are m#re #))ensive t# t(e ,iseT(an t(e *rine and /reat( ,(ence a (2sician in)ers%I) t(ese /e 2#*r #nl2 r##)s+ O s#n+Smell )#*l /reat( and insect *rine li$e (2sicians%S*c( r##)s are as t(e sta)) #) a /lind man+7(ic( r#ve #nl2 t(e /lindness #) t(e (#lder%All 2#*r #*tcr2 and #m#*s claims and /*stleOnl2 sa2+ 1I cann#t see+ (#ld me exc*sed51T(is is ill*strated /e an anecd#te #) a easant ,(#+ (earin. a r#clamati#n iss*ed /2 t(ePrince #) Tirmid+ t# t(e e))ect t(at a lar.e re,ard ,#*ld /e .iven t# (im ,(# s(#*ld ta$e amessa.e t# Samarca*d in t(e sace #) )#*r da2s+ (*rried t# Tirmid /2 rela2s #) #st-(#rses int(e *tm#st (aste+ and t(re, t(e ,(#le cit2 int# alarm+ as t(e e#le t(#*.(t t(at (is extreme(aste and /*stle m*st #rtend t(e ar#ac( #) an enem2 #r s#me #t(er calamit2% "*t ,(en (e,as admitted t# t(e resence #) t(e rince+ all (e (ad t# sa2 ,as+ t(at (e (ad (*rried t# in)#rm(im t(at (e c#*ld n#t .# t# Samarcand s# =*ic$l2% T(e rince ,as ver2 an.r2 ,it( (im )#rma$in. all t(is dist*r/ance a/#*t n#t(in.+ and t(reatened t# *nis( (im%T(e *ses #) c(astisements%He said+ 1Alms #) merc2 reel calamit2+ <Alms c*re t(2 sic$ness+ O s#nTis n#t c(arita/le t# /*rn * t(e ##r+

Or t# *t #*t t(e e2es #) t(e mee$%1T(e rince relied+ 1'indness is .##d in its lace+Pr#vided 2#* d# $indness in its r#er lace%I) at c(ess 2#* *t t(e $in. in t(e r##$s laceT(at is ,r#n.6 and s# i) 2#* *t t(e $ni.(t in t(e $in.s+T(e la, rescri/es /#t( re,ards and c(astisements%T(e $in.s lace is t(e t(r#ne+ t(e (#rses t(e .ate%7(at is 3*stice /*t *ttin. eac( in (is lace87(at in3*stice /*t *ttin. eac( in ,(at is n#t (is lace8

N#t(in. is vain #) all t(at &#d (as created+7(et(er ven.eance #r merc2+ #r lain dealin. #r snares%

N#t #ne #) all t(ese is .##d a/s#l*tel2+ N#r is an2 #ne #) t(em a/s#l*tel2 /ad%



Eac( is (arm)*l #r /ene)icial acc#rdin. t# its lace+7(ere)#re $n#,led.e #) t(ese #ints is r#er and *se)*l%A(5 man2 are t(e c(astisements sent t# t(e ##r 7(ic( are m#re /ene)icial t# (im t(an /read and s,eets6"eca*se s,eets #*t #) seas#n excite /ili#*sness+

7(ile /l#,s ma$e (im *re )r#m im*rit2%Stri$e t(e ##r man timel2 /l#,s+7(ic( ma2 save (im )r#m /ein. /e(eaded later%1T(e easant+ in rel2+ *r.ed t(e rince n#t t# /e #ver (ast2 in *nis(in. (im+ /*t t# ta$ec#*nsel ,it( s*ita/le advisers+ as en3#ined in vari#*s texts+ > and in t(e Hadis r#(i/itin.m#n$er2+ and ,arned (im t(at i) (e s(*nned t(e advice and s#ciet2 #) (is e=*als (e ,#*ldass*redl2 /e led astra2 /2 ,retc(ed c#mani#ns% ? In ill*strati#n #) t(is a st#r2 is t#ld #) am#*se ,(# c#nceived a .reat a))ecti#n )#r a )r#. livin. in a nei.(/#rin. #nd% G T(at (emi.(t /e a/le t# c#mm*nicate ,it( (is )riend at all times+ (e )astened a strin. t# t(e )r#.s le.+and t(e #t(er end #) it t# (is #,n% T(e r#ver/ sa2s+ 1Occasi#nal intermissi#n #) visitsa*.ments l#ve+1 /*t ardent l#vers desire t# /e in c#mm*nicati#n ,it( t(e #/3ect #) t(eir

l#ve ,it(#*t intermissi#n% T(e )r#. ,as at )irst *n,illin. t# enter int# s*c( cl#se relati#ns,it( an animal #) an#t(er secies+ /*t at last all#,ed (imsel) t# /e ers*aded t# d# s#+ a.ainst(is /etter 3*d.ment% S(#rtl2 a)ter,ards a raven s,##ed d#,n #n t(e m#*se and carried (im#))+ and t(e )r#.+ /ein. )astened t# t(e m#*se+ ,as dra..ed #)) and destr#2ed al#n. ,it( it%T(e ravens )riends said t# (im+ 1H#, is it 2#* mana.ed t# catc( an animal t(at lives in t(e,ater81 and (e relied+ 1"eca*se it ,as s# sill2 as t# c#ns#rt ,it( #ne #) an#t(er secies t(atlived #n dr2 land%1C#maris#n #) t(e /#d2 t# t(e m#*se+ and t(e s#*l t# t(e )r#.%T(e t,# )riends disc*ssed t(e matter l#n.+And a)ter disc*ssi#n t(is lan ,as settled+T(at t(e2 s(#*ld )etc( a l#n. strin.+"2 means #) ,(ic( t# c#mm*nicate ,it( #ne an#t(er%T(e m#*se said+ 1One end m*st /e tied t# 2#*r le.+And t(e #t(er end t# t(e le. #) me+ 2#*r d#*/le+T(at /2 t(is c#ntrivance ,e t,# ma2 /e *nited+And /e min.led t#.et(er li$e s#*l and /#d2%1"#d2 is li$e a strin. tied t# s#ds )##t+T(at strin. dra.s s#*l d#,n t# eart(%T(e s#*l is t(e )r#. in t(e ,ater #) ecstatic /liss6Escain. )r#m t(e m#*se #) t(e /#d2+ it is in /liss%T(e m#*se #) t(e /#d2 dra.s it /ac$ ,it( t(at strin.6

A(5 ,(at s#rr#, it tastes t(r#*.( /ein. dra..ed /ac$ I) it ,ere n#t dra..ed d#,n /2 t(at ins#lent m#*se+T(e )r#. ,#*ld remain at eace in its ,ater%On t(e last da2+ ,(en 2#* s(all a,a$e )r#m slee+4#* ,ill learn t(e rest #) t(is )r#m t(e S*n #) tr*t(5In ill*strati#n #) t(e t(esis t(at t(e sense ,(ic( erceives t(e *nseen and sirit*al ,#rld iss*eri#r t# t(e #t(er senses+ and is exemt )r#m deat( and deca2+ t(e #et tells an anecd#te #)S*ltan Ma(m*d #) &(aBni and s#me r#//ers% One ni.(t+ ,(en ,al$in. a/#*t t(e cit2 al#ne+(e )ell in ,it( a /and #) r#//ers% He t#ld t(em (e ,as #ne #) t(em+ and r##sed t(at eac(s(#*ld tell (is #,n secial talent% Acc#rdin.l2 #ne said (e c#*ld (ear ,(at t(e d#.s said,(en t(e2 /ar$ed6 an#t(er t(at (is si.(t ,as s# .##d t(at ,(en (e sa, a man at ni.(t (e

c#*ld rec#.niBe (im ,it(#*t )ail next da26 an#t(er said (is talent la2 in t(e stren.t( #) (isarms+ ,(ere/2 (e d*. (#les t(r#*.( t(e ,alls #) (#*ses an#t(er said (e c#*ld divine /2 (is



sense #) smell ,(ere .#ld ,as (idden6 an#t(er said (is ,rist ,as s# str#n. t(at (e c#*ldt(r#, a r#e )art(er t(an an2 #ne% At last it came t# t(e t*rn #) t(e $in.+ and (e t#ld t(em t(at(is talent la2 in (is /eard+ )#r ,(en (e ,a..ed it (e c#*ld deliver criminals )r#m t(eexec*ti#ner% T(e r#//ers t(en ,ent t# t(e $in.s alace+ and+ eac( #) t(em c#-#eratin. /2 t(eexercise #) (is ec*liar talent+ t(e2 /r#$e int# it+ and l*ndered a lar.e s*m #) m#ne2% T(e

$in.+ a)ter ,itnessin. t(e /*r.lar2+ ,it(dre, )r#m t(em secretl2+ and+ (avin. s*mm#ned (is;aBir+ .ave #rders )#r t(eir are(ensi#n% N# s##ner ,ere t(e r#//ers /r#*.(t /e)#re t(e $in.t(an t(e #ne ,(#se talent la2 in rec#.niBin. /2 da2 t(#se ,(#m (e (ad seen in t(e dar$ness#) ni.(t at #nce $ne, (im+ and said t# t(e #t(ers+ 1T(is is t(e man ,(# said (is talent la2 in(is /eard51 T(*s t(e #nl2 #ne ,(#se talent r#)ited (im at t(e time #) need ,as (e ,(# c#*ldrec#.niBe /2 da2 ,(at (e (ad revi#*sl2 seen /2 ni.(t6 )#r (e aealed t# t(e $in. t# exercise(is talent #) deliverance+ and t(e $in. listened t# (is entreat2+ and delivered (im )r#m t(eexec*ti#ner%He ,(#se e2es discern &#d in t(e ,#rld is sa)e )r#m destr*cti#n%He ,(#+ ,(en (e (ad #nce seen a ers#n at ni.(t+Rec#.niBed (im ,it(#*t )ail ,(en (e sa, (im /2 da2+

Sa, t(e $in. *#n t(e t(r#ne+ and strai.(t,a2 cried+1T(is ,as (e ,(# acc#manied *s #n #*r ni.(tl2 ,al$6T(is is (e ,(#se /eard #ssessed s*c( rare talent6O*r arrest is d*e t# (is sa.acit2%1He added+ 14ea+ (e ,as ,it( 2#*+ D t(is .reat $in.6He /e(eld #*r acti#ns and (eard #*r secrets%M2 e2es .*ided me t# rec#.niBe t(at $in. at ni.(t+And d,elt l#vin.l2 #n (is )ace+ li$e t(e m##n at ni.(t%

N#,+ t(ere)#re+ I ,ill iml#re (is .race )#r m2sel)+F#r (e ,ill never avert (is )ace )r#m (im t(at $ne, (im%1'n#, t(e e2e #) t(e 'n#,er is a sa)e.*ard in /#t( ,#rlds+F#r t(erein 2e ,ill )ind a ver2 "a(ram t# aid 2#*%F#r t(is ca*se M*(ammad ,as t(e intercess#r )#r )a*lts+"eca*se (is e2e did n#t ,ander )r#m t(e 'in. #) $in.s%In t(e ni.(t #) t(is ,#rld+ ,(en t(e s*n is (idden+He /e(eld &#d+ and laced (is (#es #n Him%His e2es ,ere an#inted ,it( t(e ,#rds+ 7e #ened t(2 (eart+ He /e(eld ,(at &a/riel (imsel) (ad n#t #,er t# see%1 9T(e st#r2 #) t(e )r#. is c#ncl*ded /2 t(e lamentati#ns #) t(e )r#. #ver (is )#ll2 in c#ns#rtin.,it( an animal #) a di))erent .en*s t# (is #,n+ #n ,(ic( Reas#n ,arns (im t(at (#m#.eneit2lies in sirit+ n#t in #*t,ard )#rm6 and t(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) a man named

A/d*l &(a*s+ ,(# ,as t(e s#n #) a )air2 m#t(er+ and c#nse=*entl2 (#m#.ene#*s ,it( t(e)airies+ t(#*.( #nl2 an #rdinar2 man t# #*t,ard aearance%@NOTES0% '#ran ii% 9%9% '#ran ii% >?%:% Samiri+ t(e ma$er #) t(e .#lden cal)% ar*n '#ra(%<% Fre2ta. Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ iii% 9GG%>% '#ran lxvii% 99+ iii% >>+ xlii% :?%?% '#ran xliii% :G%G% Anvari S*(aili+ C(a% vii% St#r2 III%% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ i% 9G%

D% '#ran lvii% <%% '#ran liii% G%



% '#ran xciv% %9% &*ls(an i RaB+ I% 9%

STOR4 ;III%

T(e Man ,(# received a Pensi#n )r#m t(e Pre)ect #) Ta/riB%T(ese re)lecti#ns #n t(e n#t(in.ness #) #*t,ard )#rm c#mared t# sirit lead t(e #et t# t(ec#r#llar2 t(at #)ten men ,(#se #*t,ard )#rms are /*ried in t(e .rave are .reater /ene)act#rst# t(e ##r and (elless t(an men still livin. in t(e /#d2% T(is is ill*strated /2 t(e st#r2 #) t(eman ,(# ,as maintained /2 t(e Pre)ect #) Ta/riB% T(is man inc*rred (eav2 de/ts #n t(ecredit #) (is ensi#n+ even as t(e Imam Ja)ar Sadi= ,as a/le t# cat*re a str#n. )#rt sin.le-(anded t(r#*.( t(e #,er #) &#d assistin. (im% 7(en t(e credit#rs /ecame ressin. t(e man

3#*rne2ed t# Ta/riB t# see$ )*rt(er aid6 /*t #n arrivin. t(ere (e )#*nd t(e Pre)ect ,as dead%On learnin. t(is (e ,as m*c( cast d#,n+ /*t event*all2 rec#.niBed t(at (e (ad erred inl##$in. t# a creat*re instead #) (is Creat#r )#r aid+ acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 1T(e in)idelse=*aliBe #t(ers ,it( t(eir L#rd%1 T(is #/li=*it2 #) sirit*al si.(t+ ca*sin. (im t# see a mere

(*man /ene)act#r+ ,(ere t(e real /ene)act#r ,as &#d al#ne+ is ill*strated /2 anecd#tes #) aman /*2in. /read at 'as(an+ #) S*ltan '(,araBm S(a( del*ded int# disli$in. a )ine (#rse /2t(e interested advice #) (is ;aBir+ and #) J#se(+ ,(# ,(en imris#ned /2 P(ara#( ,asind*ced t# tr*st )#r deliverance t# t(e intercessi#n #) t(e c(ie) /*tler rat(er t(an t# &#d al#ne+)#r ,(ic( ca*se 1(e remained several 2ears in ris#n%1 9 A c(arita/le ers#n #) Ta/riBendeav#*red t# raise )*nds )#r t(e ##r man+ and aealed t# t(e citiBens t# aid (im+ /*t #nl2s*cceeded in c#llectin. a ver2 small s*m% He t(en visited t(e Pre)ects t#m/+ and iml#redassistance )r#m (im6 and t(e same ni.(t t(e Pre)ect aeared t# (im in a dream+ and .ave (imdirecti#ns ,(ere t# )ind a .reat treas*re+ and directed (im t# ma$e #ver t(is treas*re t# t(e

##r man% T(*s t(e dead Pre)ect r#ved a m#re li/eral /ene)act#r t(an t(e citiBens #) Ta/riB,(# ,ere still livin.%T(e ##r mans re.rets )#r (avin. laced (is tr*st in man and n#t in &#d%7(en (e rec#vered (imsel) (e said+ 1O &#d+I (ave sinned in l##$in. )#r aid t# a creat*re5Alt(#*.( t(e Pre)ect s(#,ed .reat li/eralit2+It ,as in n# ,ise e=*al t# T(2 /#*nt2%He .ave me a ca+ /*t T(#* m2 (ead )*ll #) sense6He .ave me a .arment+ /*t T(#* m2 tall )#rm%He .ave me .#ld+ /*t T(#* m2 (and ,(ic( c#*nts it6He .ave me a (#rse+ /*t T(#* m2 reas#n t# .*ide it6He .ave me a lam+ /*t T(#* m2 l*cid e2es6

He .ave me s,eetmeats+ /*t T(#* m2 aetite )#r t(em6He .ave me a ensi#n+ /*t T(#* m2 li)e and /ein.6His .i)t ,as .#ld+ /*t T(ine tr*e /lessin.s6He .ave me a (#*se+ /*t T(#* (eaven and eart(6In T(2 (#*se (e and a (*ndred li$e (im are n#*ris(ed%T(e .#ld ,as #) T(2 r#vidin.+ (e did n#t create it6T(e /read #) T(2 r#vidin.+ and )*rnis(ed t# (im /2 T(ee%T(#* als# didst .ive (im (is li/eralit2+F#r t(ere/2 T(#* didst a*.ment (is (ainess%I made (im m2 i/la+ and directed m2 ra2ers t# (im6I t*rned a,a2 m2 e2es )r#m T(ee+ t(e i/la-ma$er5

7(ere ,as (e ,(en t(e S*reme !isenser #) )ait(S#,ed reas#n in t(e ,ater and cla2 #) man+



And dre, )#rt( )r#m N#t-/ein. t(is (eavenl2 d#me+And sread #*t t(e caret #) t(e eart(8O) t(e stars He made t#rc(es t# ill*mine t(e s$2+And #) t(e )#*r elements l#c$s ,it( $e2s #) reas#n%A(5 man2 are t(e /*ildin.s visi/le and invisi/le

7(ic( &#d (as made /et,een (eavens d#me and eart(%Man is t(e astr#la/e #) t(#se exalted attri/*tes+T(e attri/*te #) man is t# mani)est &#ds si.ns%7(atever is seen in man is t(e re)lecti#n #) &#d+Even as t(e re)lecti#n #) t(e m##n in ,ater%1Sa2 n#t t,#+ $n#, n#t t,#+ call n#t #n t,#5'n#, t(e slave is #/literated in (is l#rd5S# t(e l#rd is #/literated in &#d t(at created (im4ea+ l#st and dead and /*ried in (is Creat#r57(en 2#* re.ard t(is l#rd as searate )r#m &#d+4#* anni(ilate at #nce text and ara(rase%

7it( e2es and (eart l##$ /e2#nd mere ,ater and cla2+&#d al#ne is t(e i/la6 re.ard n#t t,# i/las5I) 2#* re.ard t,# 2#* l#se t(e /ene)it #) /#t(6A sar$ )alls #n t(e tinder and t(e tinder vanis(es5J#se( $et in ris#n a l#n. time )#r (avin. laced (is (#es #) release in man and n#t in&#d%In li$e manner J#se(+ in t(e ris#n+7it( (*m/le and earnest s*licati#ns"e..ed aid+ sa2in.+ 17(en 2#* are released+And are #cc*ied ,it( 2#*r ministrati#ns t# t(e $in.+Remem/er me+ and entreat t(e $in.T# release r*e t## )r#m t(is ris#n%1H#, can #ne ris#ner )ettered in t(e snarePr#c*re release )#r a )ell#, ris#ner8T(e e#le #) t(e ,#rld are all ris#ners+A,aitin. deat( #n t(e sta$e #) anni(ilati#n6Excet #ne #r t,# rare exceti#ns+7(#se /#dies are in ris#n /*t t(eir s#*ls in (eaven%A)ter,ards+ /eca*se J#se( (ad l##$ed t# man )#r aid+He remained in ris#n )#r man2 2ears%T(e !evil ca*sed t(e man t# )#r.et J#se(+

And /l#tted J#se(s ,#rds )r#m (is remem/rance6And #n acc#*nt #) t(is )a*lt #) t(at (#l2 man&#d le)t (im in t(e ris#n )#r man2 2ears%@NOTES0% '#ran vi% %9% '#ran xii% <9%:% '#ran xii% <9%

STOR4 IK%T(e 'in. and (is T(ree S#ns%

A certain $in. (ad t(ree s#ns+ ,(# ,ere t(e li.(t #) (is e2es+ and+ as it ,ere+ a )#*ntain,(ence t(e alm tree #) (is (eart dran$ t(e ,ater #) /liss% One da2 (e called (is s#ns /e)#re



(im and c#mmanded t(em t# travel t(r#*.( (is realm+ and t# insect t(e /e(avi#r #) t(e.#vern#rs and t(e state #) t(e administrati#n6 and (e strictl2 c(ar.ed t(em n#t t# .# near a

artic*lar )#rt ,(ic( (e named% "*t+ acc#rdin. t# t(e sa2in.+ 1Man (an$ers a)ter ,(at is)#r/idden+1 t(e t(ree rinces dis#/e2ed t(eir )at(er+ and+ /e)#re .#in. an2,(ere else+

r#ceeded t# visit t(is )#rt% T(e res*lt ,as+ t(at t(e2 )ell int# calamities+ and (ad #ccasi#n t#

reeat t(e text+ 1Had ,e /*t (ear$ened #r *nderst##d+ ,e (ad n#t /een am#n. t(e d,ellers int(e )lame%1 T(e )#rt ,as )*ll #) ict*res+ ima.es and )#rms+ and am#n.st t(em ,as a #rtrait#) a /ea*ti)*l damsel+ t(e da*.(ter #) t(e 'in. #) C(ina+ ,(ic( made s*c( a dee imressi#n#n t(e t(ree rinces t(at t(e2 all /ecame distracted ,it( l#ve and determined t# 3#*rne2 t# t(ec#*rt #) t(e 'in. #) C(ina and s*e )#r t(e (and #) (is da*.(ter%T(e si.ni)icance #) )#rms% 9"e n#t int#xicated ,it( t(ese .#/lets #) )#rms+Lest 2#* /ec#me a ma$er and ,#rs(ier #) id#ls%Pass /2 t(ese c*s )*ll #) )#rms+ lin.er n#t6T(ere is ,ine in t(e c*s+ /*t it r#ceeds n#t )r#m t(em%L##$ t# t(e &iver #) t(e ,ine ,it( #en m#*t(6

7(en His ,ine c#mes+ is n#t c* t## small t# (#ld it8O Adam+ see$ t(e realit2 #) m2 l#ve+*it t(e mere (*s$ and )#rm #) t(e ,(eat%7(en sand ,as made meal )#r 1T(e Friend #) &#d+1 :'n#,+ O master+ t(e )#rm #) ,(eat ,as disensed ,it(%F#rm r#ceeds )r#m t(e ,#rld t(at is ,it(#*t )#rm+Even as sm#$e arises )r#m )ire%T(e !ivine art ,it(#*t )#rm desi.ns )#rms ideals+ <T(#se )#rms )as(i#n /#dies ,it( senses and instr*ments%7(atever t(e )#rm+ it )as(i#ns in its #,n li$enessT(#se /#dies eit(er t# .##d #r t# evil%I) t(e )#rm /e /lessin.+ t(e man is t(an$)*l6I) it /e s*))erin.+ (e is atient6I) it /e c(eris(in.+ (e is c(eer)*l6I) it /e /r*isin.+ (e is )*ll #) lamentati#n5Since all t(ese )#rms are slaves #) Him ,it(#*t )#rm+7(2 d# t(e2 den2 t(eir L#rd and Master8T(e2 exist #nl2 t(r#*.( Him t(at is ,it(#*t )#rm67(at+ t(en+ means t(eir disav#,al #) t(eir S*stainer8T(is ver2 denial #) Him r#ceeds )r#m Him+T(is act is na*.(t /*t a re)lecti#n )r#m Himsel)5

T(e )#rms #) t(e ,alls and r##)s #) (#*ses'n#, t# /e s(ad#,s #) t(e arc(itects t(#*.(t6Alt(#*.( st#nes and lan$s and /ric$sFind n# entrance int# t(e sanct*ar2 #) t(#*.(t+;eril2 t(e A/s#l*te A.ent is ,it(#*t )#rm+F#rm is #nl2 a t##l in His (ands%S#metimes t(at F#rmless One #) His merc2S(#,s His )ace t# His )#rms )r#m /e(ind t(e veil #) N#t-/ein.+T(at ever2 )#rm ma2 derive aid t(ere)r#m+Fr#m its er)ect /ea*t2 and #,er%A.ain+ ,(en t(at F#rmless One (ides His )ace+

T(#se )#rms set )#rt( t(eir needs%I) #ne )#rm s#*.(t er)ecti#n )r#m an#t(er )#rm+



T(at ,#*ld /e t(e (ei.(t #) err#r%7(2 t(en+ O simlet#n+ d# 2#* set )#rt( 2#*r needsT# #ne ,(# is as need2 as 2#*rsel)8Since )#rms are slaves+ al2 t(em n#t t# &#d+See$ n#t t# *se a )#rm as a similit*de #) &#d% >

See$ Him ,it( (*m/leness and sel)-a/asement+F#r t(#*.(t 2ields na*.(t /*t )#rms #) t(#*.(t%Still+ i) 2#* are *na/le t# disense ,it( )#rms+T(#se #cc*rrin. indeendentl2 #) 2#*r t(#*.(t are /est% ?T(e 1Tr*t(+1 ,(ic( is #*r real sel)+ lies (idden ,it(in #*r (en#menal and visi/le sel)+ andt(e Pr#(ets reveal it t# *s%1N#, (ave ,e seen ,(at t(e $in. sa, at t(e )irst+7(en t(at Inc#mara/le One ad3*red *s%1T(e r#(ets (ave man2 claims t# #*r .ratit*de+"eca*se t(e2 )#re,arn *s #) #*r *ltimate l#t+Sa2in.+ 17(at 2e s#, ,ill 2ield #nl2 t(#rns6

I) 2e )l2 t(at ,a2+ 2e ,ill )l2 astra2%Ta$e seed #) *s t# 2ield 2#* a .##d (arvest+Fl2 ,it( #*r ,in.s t# (it t(e mar$ ,it( 2#*r arr#,%

N#, 2e $n#, n#t t(e tr*t( and nat*re #) t(e Tr*t(+ G"*t at t(e last 2e ,ill cr2+ T(at ,as t(e 1Tr*t(%1T(e Tr*t( is 2#*rsel)+ /*t n#t 2#*r mere /#dil2 sel)+4#*r real sel) is (i.(er t(an 2#* and me%T(is visi/le 2#* ,(ic( 2#* )anc2 t# /e 2#*rsel) Is limited in lace+ t(e real 2#* is n#t limited%7(2+ O earl+ lin.er 2#* trem/lin. in 2#*r s(ell8Esteem n#t 2#*rsel) mere s*.ar-cane+ /*t real s*.ar%T(is #*t,ard 2#* is )#rei.n t# 2#*r real 2#*6Clin. t# 2#*r real sel)+ =*it t(is d*al sel)%4#*r last sel) attains t# 2#*r )irst real sel) Onl2 t(r#*.( 2#*r attendin. earnestl2 t# t(at *ni#n%4#*r real sel) lies (id /eneat( 2#*r #*t,ard sel)+F#r I am t(e servant #) (im ,(# l##$s int# (imsel)% 1 17(at a 2#*t( sees #nl2 ,(en re)lected in a .lass+O*r ,ise #ld )at(ers sa, l#n. a.# t(#*.( (id in st#nes%"*t ,e dis#/e2ed t(e advice #) #*r )at(er+And re/elled a.ainst (is a))ecti#nate c#*nsels%

7e made li.(t #) t(e $in.s ex(#rtati#ns+And sli.(ted (is matc(less intimati#ns% N#, ,e (ave all )allen int# t(e ditc(+7#*nded and cr*s(ed in t(is )atal str*..le%7e relied #n #*r #,n reas#n and discernment+And )#r t(at ca*se (ave )allen int# t(is calamit2%7e )ancied #*rselves )ree )r#m de)ects #) si.(t+Even as t(#se a))ected /2 c#l#r-/lindness%

N#, at last #*r (idden disease (as /een revealed+A)ter ,e (ave /een inv#lved in t(ese calamities%11T(e s(ad#, #) a .*ide is /etter t(an directi#ns t# &#d+

T# /e satis)ied is /etter t(an a (*ndred nice dis(es%A seein. e2e is /etter t(an a (*ndred ,al$in.-stic$s+



E2e discerns 3e,els )r#m mere e//les%1T(e rinces ascertained t(e name #) t(e lad2 deicted in t(e )#rt )r#m an #ld S(ai$(+ ,(#,arned t(em #) t(e erils t(e2 ,#*ld enc#*nter #n t(eir 3#*rne2 t# C(ina+ and t#ld t(em t(att(e 'in. #) C(ina ,#*ld n#t /est#, (is )av#r #n t(#se ,(# tried t# .ain it /2 tric$s andclever strata.ems+ /*t s#lel2 #n t(#se ,(# ,ere reared t# 2ield * t(eir lives t# (im+

acc#rdin. t# t(e sa2in.+ 1!ie /e)#re 2#* die%1 T(is is ill*strated /2 an anecd#te #) a C(ie) #)"#$(ara+ ,(# made it a r*le never t# /est#, (is /#*nt2 #n /e..ars ,(# as$ed )#r it+ /*t #nl2#n t(#se ,(# a,aited (is leas*re in silence% A certain Fa=ir tried man2 strata.ems t# evadet(is r*le+ /*t (is cra)t ,as at #nce seen t(r#*.( /2 t(e C(ie)+ and t*rned t# (is #,n c#n)*si#n%T(e t(esis t(at t(e *n/#*.(t )ree .race #) &#d is s*eri#r t# an2 /lessin. #/taina/le /2(*man exerti#n and c#ntrivance is )*rt(er ill*strated /2 an a/s*rd anecd#te #) t,# 2#*t(s+#ne #) ,(#m tr*sted )#r r#tecti#n t# (is #,n c#ntrivance+ and )#*nd it a /r#$en reed% T(ePr#(et said+ 1T,# t(ere are ,(# are never satis)ied t(e l#ver #) t(e ,#rld and t(e l#ver #)$n#,led.e61 and (e ,(# l#ves $n#,led.e ,ill c#ntin*e t# tr*st in (is $n#,led.e+ in site #)all ex(#rtati#ns and exerience% "*t t(e eldest rince advised (is /r#t(ers t# ris$ t(e erilsand ersevere in t(e 3#*rne2+ remindin. t(em t(at 1Patience is t(e $e2 #) 3#2%1 Acc#rdin.l2

t(e2 a/and#ned t(eir c#*ntr2 and t(eir arents+ li$e I/ra(im Ad(am+ ,(# ren#*nced t(et(r#ne #) "al$(+ and li$e t(e #ld Ara/ian $in. Amr*l ais+ ,(# )led )r#m t(e *rs*it #) (is)emale ad#rers t# see$ t(e Sirit*al "el#ved in a )ar c#*ntr2%H#, t(e rinces disc#*rsed ,it( #ne an#t(er in )i.*rative lan.*a.e c#ncernin. t(eir /el#vedmistress%T(e2 t#ld t(eir secrets t# #ne an#t(er in dar$ sa2in.s+Sea$in. /eneat( t(eir /reat( in )ear and trem/lin.%

N#ne /*t &#d ,as riv2 t# t(eir secrets+ N#ne /*t Heaven ,as artner in t(eir si.(s%4ea+ t(e2 *sed tec(nical exressi#ns #ne t# an#t(er+And #ssessed intelli.ence t# extract t(e sense%T(e v*l.ar learn t(e ,#rds #) t(is 1lan.*a.e #) /irds+1 DAnd ma$e /#ast #) t(eir master2 t(ere#)6"*t t(ese ,#rds are #nl2 t(e #*t,ard )#rm #) t(e lan.*a.e+T(e 1ra,1 man is i.n#rant #) t(e /irds meanin.%He is t(e tr*e S#l#m#n ,(# $n#,s t(e /irds lan.*a.e+A dem#n+ t(#*.( (e *s*r (is $in.d#m+ is =*ite an#t(er%T(e dem#n (as ta$en *#n (im t(e )#rm #) S#l#m#n+His $n#,led.e is )ra*d+ n#t 1,(at ,e (ave /een ta*.(t%17(en S#l#m#n ,as /lessed ,it( insirati#n )r#m &#d+He learned /irds lan.*a.e )r#m 1,(at ,e ,ere ta*.(t%1

"*t t(#* art #nl2 a /ird #) t(e air6 *nderstand t(enT(at t(#* (ast never seen t(e tr*e sirit*al /irds5T(e nest #) t(e Sim*r.( is /e2#nd M#*nt a)+

N#t ever2 t(#*.(t can attain t(eret#6Save t(#*.(ts ,(ic( catc( a .limse t(ere#)+And a)ter t(e visi#n are a.ain s(*t #))%4et n#t all s(*t #))+ rat(er intermitted )#r a ,ise end+F#r t(e /lessin. a/ides+ t(#*.( s(*t #)) and (idden5In #rder t# reserve t(at /#d2 ,(ic( is as a s#*l+T(e S*n is veiled )#r a ,(ile /e(ind a cl#*d6In #rder n#t t# melt t(at s#*l-li$e /#d2+

T(e S*n ,it(dra,s itsel) as )r#m ice%F#r t(2 s#*ls sa$e see$ c#*nsel #) t(ese insired #nes%



A(5 r#/ n#t t(eir ,#rds #) t(eir tec(nical meanin.s5*lai$(a alied t# 4*s*) t(e names #) all t(in.s+"e.innin. ,it( ,ild r*e and endin. ,it( )ran$incense%S(e veiled (is name *nder all #t(er names+And imarted (er secret meanin. t# (er c#n)idants%

7(en s(e said+ 1T(e ,ax is melted /2 t(e )ire+1S(e meant+ 1M2 l#ver is ,r#t( ,it( me%1S# ,(en s(e said+ 1See+ t(e m##n is risen51Or+ 1L#5 t(e ,ill#,-/#*.( is *ttin. )#rt( leaves61Or i) s(e said+ 1T(e leaves =*iver in t(e ,ind+1Or+ 1T(e ,ild r*e 2ields er)*me as it /*rns61Or i) s(e said+ 1T(e r#se tells (er tale t# t(e "*l/*l+1Or+ 1T(e $in. sin.s (is l#ve-strain61Or i) s(e said+ 1A(5 ,(at a /lessed l#t51Or+ 17(# (at( dist*r/ed m2 (earts re#se81Or i) s(e said+ 1T(e ,ater-carrier (at( /r#*.(t ,ater+1

Or+ 1L#5 t(e s*n emer.es )r#m t(e cl#*ds61Or i) s(e said+ 1Last ni.(t t(e vict*als ,ere /#iled+1Or+ 1T(e )##d ,as er)ectl2 c##$ed61Or i) s(e said+ 1M2 /read is ,it(#*t sav#r1Or+ 1T(e (eavens are rev#lvin. t(e ,r#n. ,a26Or i) s(e said+ 1M2 (ead ac(es ,it( ain+1Or+ 1M2 (eadac(e is n#, relieved61I) s(e .ave t(an$s+ t,as )#r /ein. *nited t# 4*s*)6I) s(e ,ailed+ t,as t(at s(e ,as searated )r#m (im%T(#*.( s(e .ave vent t# t(#*sands #) names+Her meanin. and *r#rt ,as #nl2 4*s*)67as s(e an (*n.red+ ,(en s(e r#n#*nced (is name+S(e /ecame )illed and c(eered /2 (is n#*ris(ment%Her t(irst ,as =*enc(ed /2 4*s*)s name+His name ,as sirit*al ,ater t# (er s#*l%7as s(e in ain+ /2 r#n#*ncin. (is mi.(t2 nameAt #nce (er ain ,as t*rned int# 3#2%In t(e c#ld it ,as a ,arm .arment6Her l#vers name acc#mlis(ed all t(is t(r#*.( l#ve%Stran.ers ma2 r#n#*nce t(e 1*re name1 #) &#d+4et it e))ects n# s*c( marvels+ )#r t(e2 lac$ l#ve%

All t(at Isa acc#mlis(ed /2 t(e name #) Je(#va(+*lai$(a attained t(r#*.( t(e name 14*s*)%17(en t(e s#*l is intimatel2 *nited ,it( &#d+T# name t(e #ne is t(e same as namin. t(e #t(er%*lai$(a ,as emt2 #) sel) and )illed ,it( l#ve #) 4*s*)+And t(ere )l#,ed #*t #) (er 3ar ,(at it c#ntained%T(e scent #) t(e sa))r#n #) *ni#n made (er smile+T(e stenc( #) t(e #ni#n #) searati#n made (er ,ee%Eac( t# (ave in (is (eart a (*ndred meanin.s+S*c( is n#t t(e creed #) tr*e l#ve and dev#ti#n%1T(e Friend1 is t# t(e l#ver as da2 t# t(e s*n+

T(e material s*n is a veil #ver t(e )ace #) t(e real da2%7(#s# distin.*is(es n#t t(e veil )r#m 1T(e Friends1 )ace



Is a ,#rs(ier #) t(e s*n6 #) s*c( a #ne /e,are51T(e Friend1 is t(e real da2+ and dail2 )##d #) l#vers+T(e (eart and t(e (earts t#rment #) His l#vers%A)ter end*rin. man2 t#ils and mis)#rt*nes t(e t(ree rinces at last arrived in t(e metr##lis #)C(ina+ and t(ere*#n t(e eldest rince exressed (is intenti#n #) resentin. (imsel) /e)#re

t(e $in.+ as (e c#*ld ,ait n# l#n.er% His /r#t(ers tried t# diss*ade (im )r#m ris$in. (is li)e+ #intin. #*t t(at i) (e acted #n /lind im*lse and vain c#nceit (e ,#*ld s*rel2 .# astra2+ )#r1a c#nceit (at( na*.(t #) tr*t(61 9 and t(e2 )*rt(er *r.ed (im t# listen t# t(e c#*nsels #) t(ePir+ #r Sirit*al !irect#r% "*t t(e eldest /r#t(er re)*sed t# /e diss*aded )r#m (is *r#se+sa2in. (e ,#*ld n# l#n.er (ide (is assi#n )#r (is /el#ved+ li$e #ne ,(# /eats a dr*m *nder a

/lan$et+ /*t ,#*ld r#claim it #enl2+ and ta$e t(e ris$ #) ,(atever mi.(t ens*e% He addedt(at (e ,as c#nvinced t(at (e s(#*ld #/tain (is desire in s#me ,a2 #r #t(er+ i) n#t in t(e ,a2t(at (e exected6 acc#rdin. t# t(e text+ 17(#s# )earet( &#d+ t# (im ,ill (e .rant a r#ser#*siss*e+ and ,ill r#vide )#r (im in a ,a2 (e rec$#ned n#t%1 : See$ers a)ter &#d )anc2 t(at Heis )ar )r#m t(em+ and t(at t(e2 m*st travel )ar t# reac( Him6 /*t t(ese are /#t( err#ne#*ss*#siti#ns6 and 3*st as arit(meticians ,#r$ #*t tr*e ans,ers t# t(eir r#/lems /2 t(e

1Met(#d #) Err#rs+1 < s# m*st t(e see$ers #) &#d )r#m t(ese err#rs ,#r$ #*t t(e c#nvicti#nt(at &#d is ver2 ni.( t# t(em t(at call *#n Him )ait()*ll2% T# ill*strate t(is an anecd#te ist#ld #) a man #) "a.(dad ,(# ,as in .reat distress+ and ,(#+ a)ter callin. #n &#d )#r aid+dreamt t(at a .reat treas*re la2 (id in a certain s#t in E.2t% He acc#rdin.l2 3#*rne2ed t#E.2t+ and t(ere )ell int# t(e (ands #) t(e atr#l+ ,(# arrested (im+ and /eat (im severel2 #ns*sici#n #) /ein. a t(ie)% Callin. t# mind t(e r#ver/ t(at 1)alse(##d is a misc(ie) /*t tr*t( aremed2+1 > (e determined t# c#n)ess t(e tr*e reas#n #) (is c#min. t# E.2t+ and acc#rdin.l2t#ld t(em all t(e artic*lars #) (is dream% On (earin. t(em t(e2 /elieved (im+ and #ne #)t(em said+ 14#* m*st /e a )##l t# 3#*rne2 all t(is distance merel2 #n t(e )ait( #) a dream% Im2sel) (ave man2 times dreamt #) a treas*re l2in. (id in a certain s#t in "a.(dad+ /*t ,asnever )##lis( en#*.( t# .# t(ere%1 N#, t(e s#t in "a.(dad named /2 t(is ers#n ,as n#ne#t(er t(an t(e (#*se #) t(e ##r man #) "a.(dad+ and (e strai.(t,a2 ret*rned (#me+ andt(ere )#*nd t(e treas*re% And (e .ave t(an$s+ and rec#.niBed (#, 1&#d ca*ses ease t# )#ll#,tr#*/les+1 ? and (#, 1Men (ate ,(at is .##d )#r t(em+1 G and (#, &#d dela2s t(e ans,ert# ra2er+ and all#,s men t# remain ##r and (*n.r2 )#r a seas#n+ in #rder t# ma$e t(em call*#n Him+ even as t(e Pr#(et said+ 1M2 servant is a l*te ,(ic( s#*nds /est ,(en it isemt2%17(2 t(e ans,er t# ra2er is dela2ed%A(5 man2 earnest s*liants ,ail )#rt( ra2ers+Till t(e sm#$e #) t(eir ,ailin. rises t# (eaven64ea+ t(e er)*me #) t(e incense #) sinners .r#ans

M#*nts * a/#ve t(e l#)t2 r##) #) (eaven%T(en t(e an.els s*licate &#d+ sa2in.+1O T(#* t(at (earest ra2er and relievest ain+T(2 )ait()*l slave is /#,in. d#,n /e)#re T(ee%He $n#,s #) n#ne #n ,(#m t# rel2 save T(ee6T(#* /est#,est )av#rs #n t(e (elless%Ever2 s*liant #/tains (is desire )r#m T(ee%1&#d ma$es ans,er+ 1T(e dela2 in .rantin. (is ra2er Is intended t# /ene)it (im+ n#t t# (arm (im%His ressin. need dra,s (im )r#m (is ne.li.ence t# me64ea+ dra.s (im /2 t(e (air int# m2 c#*rts%

I) I at #nce rem#ve (is need (e ,ill .# a,a2+And ,ill /e destr#2ed in (is idle s#rts%



T(#*.( (e is ,ailin. ,it( (eart)elt cr2 #) O Aider5"id (im ,ail #n ,it( /r#$en (eart and c#ntrite /reast%His v#ice s#*nds s,eet in m2 ears+And (is ,ailin. and cries #) O &#d5In t(is ,a2 /2 s*licati#n and lamentati#n

He revails ,it( me alt#.et(er%1It is #n acc#*nt #) t(eir s,eet v#icesT(at c(#ice arr#ts and ni.(tin.ales are 3ailed in ca.es%U.l2 #,ls and cr#,s are never 3ailed in ca.es6S*c( a t(in. ,as never (eard #) in (ist#r2%T(e disa#intments #) t(e i#*s+ /e s*re+Are a#inted )#r t(is ,ise *r#se%T(e eldest /r#t(er t(en dela2ed n# l#n.er+ /*t r*s(ed int# t(e resence #) t(e 'in. and $issed(is )eet% T(e 'in.+ li$e a .##d s(e(erd+ ,as ,ell a,are #) t(e tr#*/les and cravin.s #) (iss(ee% He $ne, t(at t(e rince (ad a/3*red eart(l2 ran$ and di.nit2 t(r#*.( l#ve )#r (isda*.(ter+ even as a S*)i casts a,a2 (is r#/e ,(en #ver#,ered /2 ecstatic rat*re% T(e #nl2

reas#n ,(2 t(e rince (ad la..ed /e(ind in t(e race and n#t resented (imsel) t# t(e 'in. /e)#re ,as t(at (it(ert# (e (ad lac$ed t(e 1inner e2e1 #r sirit*al sense ,(ic( discernssirit*al verities+ and (ad /een c#nse=*entl2 /lind t# t(e 'in.s er)ecti#ns% T(e2 ,(# lac$t(is inner sirit*al sense can n# m#re areciate sirit*al leas*res t(an a man lac$in. t(esense #) smell can en3#2 t(e er)*me #) )l#,ers+ #r a e*n*c( t(e s#ciet2 #) )air ,#men% "*t(is e2es (ad n#, /een #ened /2 t(e 'in.s .race+ and (e (ad escaed )r#m t(e /#nda.e #),#rldl2 l*sts and ill*si#ns+ and+ ta*.(t /2 exerience+ (ad res#lved never a.ain t# /e ledcative /2 t(em%T(is is ill*strated /2 t(e anecd#te #) t(e aBi ,(# ,as /e.*iled /2 t(e ,i)e #) a d,ar)% T(ed,ar) and (is ,i)e ,ere ver2 ##r+ and #ne da2 t(e d,ar) said t# (is ,i)e+ 1&#d (as .iven2#* arc(ed /r#,s and arr#,2 .lances and all manner #) ,itc(er26 .# and ensnare s#me ric(man+ s# t(at ,e ma2 extract m#ne2 )r#m (im51 S# t(e ,#man ,ent t# t(e c#*rt #) t(e aBi+

retendin. t# (ave a .rievance6 and ,(en s(e sa, t(e aBi s(e /e.*iled (im+ and ind*ced(im t# a2 (er a visit at ni.(t% 7(ile t(e aBi ,as sittin. ,it( (er t(e d,ar) ret*rned (#meand $n#c$ed vi#lentl2 at t(e d##r+ and t(e aBi+ in a .reat )ri.(t+ (id (imsel) in a lar.e c(est%T(e d,ar) at #nce )etc(ed a #rter+ and t#ld (im t# ta$e t(e c(est t# t(e /aBar and sell it% Ont(e ,a2 t# t(e /aBar t(e aBi cried #*t t# t(e #rter t# )etc( t(e !e*t26 and ,(en t(e !e*t2came (e redeemed t(e c(est )#r #ne (*ndred !inars+ and t(*s t(e aBi escaed% Next 2ear t(e,#man ,ent t# t(e c#*rt and tried t# sed*ce t(e aBi a sec#nd time6 /*t (e said+ 1"e.#ne6 I(ave escaed )r#m 2#*r t#ils #nce+ and ,ill n#t )all int# t(em a.ain% T(e acti#n #) t(e !e*t2in )reein. t(e aBi reminds t(e #et #) t(e sa2in. #) t(e Pr#(et+ 1O) (im+ #) ,(#m I am t(e

master+ Ali als# is master+1 and is t(ere)#re a/le t# )ree (im )r#m slaver2%T(e eldest rince at last )ell sic$ #) (#e de)erred+ and .ave * t(e .(#st% "*t t(#*.( (e )ailedt# #/tain t(e 'in.s da*.(ter+ t(e #/3ect #) (is eart(l2 attac(ment+ (e #/tained *ni#n ,it( t(e'in.+ t(e real sirit*al #/3ect #) (is l#ve+ and t(e eternal )r*iti#n #) d,ellin. in Him%T(e 3#2s #) *ni#n ,it( t(e Sirit*al "el#ved are inexressi/le in seec(%In s(#rt+ t(e 'in. c(eris(ed (im l#vin.l2+And (e li$e a m##n ,aned in t(at s*n%T(at ,anin. #) l#vers ma$es t(em ,ax str#n.er+J*st as t(e m##n ,axes /ri.(ter a)ter ,anin.%Ordinar2 sic$ ers#ns crave a remed2 )#r sic$ness"*t t(e l#vesic$ #ne cries+ 1Increase m2 ,anin.5

I (ave never tasted ,ine s,eeter t(an t(is #is#n+ N# (ealt( can /e s,eeter t(an t(is sic$ness5



N# dev#ti#n is /etter t(an t(is sin #) l#ve+4ears are as a m#ment c#mared t# t(is m#ment51L#n. time (e d,elt ,it( t(e 'in. in t(is manner+7it( /*rnin. (eart+ as a livel2 sacri)ice%T(*s (is li)e assed+ 2et (e .ained n#t t(e *ni#n He ,is(ed%

Patient ,aitin. c#ns*med (im+ (is s#*l c#*ld n#t /ear it6He dra..ed #n li)e ,it( ain and .nas(in. #) teet(%At last li)e ended /e)#re (e (ad attained (is desire%T(e )#rm #) (is eart(l2 "el#ved ,as (idden )r#m (im6He dearted+ and )#*nd *ni#n ,it( (is Sirit*al "el#ved%T(en (e said+ 1T(#*.( s(e lac$s cl#t(es #) sil$ and ,##l+Tis s,eeter t# em/race (er ,it(#*t t(#se veils%I (ave /ec#me na$ed #) t(e /#d2 and its ill*si#ns+I am admitted int# t(e m#st intimate *ni#n%1T(e st#r2 admits #) /ein. t#ld * t# t(is #int+"at ,(at )#ll#,s is (idden and inexressi/le in ,#rds%

I) 2#* s(#*ld sea$ and tr2 a (*ndred ,a2s t# exress it+Tis *seless6 t(e m2ster2 /ec#mes n# clearer%4#* can ride #n saddle and (#rse * t# t(e sea-c#ast+"*t t(en 2#* m*st *se a (#rse #) ,##d i%e%+ a /#at%A (#rse #) ,##d is *seless #n dr2 land+It is t(e secial c#nve2ance #) v#2a.ers /2 sea%Silence is t(is (#rse #) ,##d+Silence is t(e .*ide and s*#rt #) men at sea%T(is Silence ,(ic( ca*ses 2#* ann#2anceIs *tterin. cries #) l#ve a*di/le t# t(e sirit*al%4#* sa2+ 1H#, stran.e t(e sirit*al man is silent51He ans,ers+ 1H#, stran.e 2#* (ave n# ears5T(#*.( I *tter cries+ 2#* (ear t(em n#t6Sens*al ears+ (#,ever s(ar+ are dea) t# m2 cries%1T(e sirit*al man+ as it ,ere+ cries in (is slee+Utterin. t(#*sands #) ,#rds #) c#m)#rt67(ile t(e carnal man at (is side (ears n#t(in. at all+F#r (e is aslee+ and dea) t# t(e #t(ers v#ice%"*t t(e er)ect sirit*alist ,(# (as /r#$en (is /#atPl*n.es int# t(e sea as a )is( #) t(e sea #) Tr*t(%He is t(en neit(er silent n#r sea$in.+ /*t a m2ster2%

N# ,#rds are availa/le t# exress (is c#nditi#n%T(at marvel#*s #ne is in neit(er #) t(ese statesT,#*ld /e irreverent t# exlain (is state m#re )*ll2%T(ese ill*strati#ns are ,ea$ and inar#riate+"*t n# )itter #nes are #/taina/le )r#m sensi/le #/3ects%7(en t(e eldest rince died+ t(e 2#*n.est ,as sic$ and c#*ld n#t c#me6 /*t t(e sec#nd

/r#t(er came t# t(e c#*rt t# attend (is )*neral% T(ere t(e 'in. #/served (im+ and t##$ it2 #n(im and entreated (im $indl2% He instilled int# (im sirit*al $n#,led.e #) t(e verities (idden

/eneat( (en#menal #/3ects+ and c#nve2ed t# (im as dee a erceti#n #) sirit*al tr*t(s as isn#t .ained /2 a S*)i a)ter 2ears #) )astin. and retirement )r#m t(e ,#rld% It is a )act+ t(at ,(ent(e *re sirit escaes )r#m t(e /#nds #) t(e /#d2+ &#d .ives it si.(t t# /e(#ld t(e t(in.s #)

t(e sirit% T(e l#.ician denies t(e #ssi/ilit2 #) t(is divine ill*minati#n #) t(e (eart+ /*t (e isc#n)*ted /2 t(e Pr#(et+ ,(# s,#re 1/2 t(e star1 t(at t(e '#ran ,as revealed t# (im /2



divine ill*minati#n% D T(#se ,(# cleave t# t(eir (eres2 "idat and #/stinate *n/elie) areli$e t# inc*r t(e *nis(ment in)lected #n t(e tri/e #) Ad )#r dis/elievin. t(e Pr#(et H*d% 9Eart(l2 )#rms are #nl2 s(ad#,s #) t(e S*n #) t(e Tr*t(+ a cradle )#r /a/es+ /*t t## small t#(#ld t(#se ,(# (ave .r#,n t# sirit*al man(##d% 7(en t(e rince ,as t(*s n#*ris(ed /2 t(esirit*al )##d .iven (im /2 t(e 'in.+ ,(ic( ,as s*c( as t(e an.els #) (eaven s*/sist *#n+

n#t t(e *nsirit*al )##d #) C(ristians and t(#se ,(# .ive artners t# &#d+ (e /e.an t# /e *))ed * ,it( sel)-c#nceit+ and )#r.#t ,(at (e #,ed t# t(e 'in.+ and re/elled a.ainst (im%T(e 'in. ,as c*t t# t(e (eart /2 (is in.ratit*de+ ,(ic( exactl2 resem/led t(at #) Nimr#d%7(en Nimr#d ,as an in)ant (e ,as ta$en /2 (is m#t(er t# sea+ and t(e s(i /ein. ,rec$ed+all t(at ,ere in it eris(ed+ save #nl2 t(e in)ant Nimr#d ,(# ,as saved t(r#*.( t(e it2 #)IBrail+ t(e An.el #) !eat(% &#d sared (im+ and n*rt*red (im ,it(#*t t(e aid #) m#t(er #rn*rse6 /*t ,(en (e .re, * (e r#ved *n.rate)*l+ and ,as *))ed * ,it( sel)-c#nceit ande.#tism+ and s(#,ed enmit2 a.ainst &#d and A/ra(am His servant% 7(en t(e rince )#*nd(imsel) cast #)) /2 t(e 'in. (e came t# (imsel)+ and reented and (*m/led (imsel) ,it( deec#ntriti#n% T(e 'in. t(en ard#ned (im6 /*t (is d##m (ad alread2 /een decreed /2 &#d+ and(e ,as slain /2 t(e 'in. (e (ad in3*red+ ac$n#,led.in. t(e 'in.s .##dness t# (im ,it( (is

latest /reat(%T(e deat( #) t(e sec#nd rince%In s(#rt+ t(e ven.eance #) T(at Jeal#*s One &#dA)ter #ne 2ear /#re (im t# t(e .rave%7(en t(e 'in. a,#$e #*t #) (is trance t# c#nsci#*sness+His Mars-li$e e2es s(ed tears #) /l##d%7(en t(at inc#mara/le #ne l##$ed int# (is =*iver+He sa, t(at #ne #) (is arr#,-s(a)ts ,as missin.%He cried t# &#d+ 17(at (as /ec#me #) m2 arr#,81&#d ans,ered+ 1T(2 arr#, is )ixed in (is t(r#at51T(at 'in.+ /#*nti)*l as t(e sea+ (ad ard#ned (im6

Nevert(eless (is arr#, (ad dealt (im a m#rtal ,#*nd%He ,as slain+ and cried #*t ,it( (is last /reat(+1T(e 'in. is all in all+ m2 sla2er and m2 savi#r%I) (e is n#t /#t( t(ese+ (e is n#t all in all6

Na2+ (e is /#t( m2 sla2er and m2 m#*rner51T(at exirin. mart2r als# .ave t(an$s+T(at t(e 'in. (ad smitten (is /#d2+ n#t (is sirit6F#r t(e visi/le /#d2 m*st er)#rce eris(+Ere t(e sirit can live in (ainess )#r everm#re%T(#*.( (e inc*rred c(astisement+ it a))ected (is /#d2 #nl2+

And as a )riend (e n#, .#es+ )ree #) ain+ t# (is Friend%T(*s at )irst (e cl*n. t# t(e 'in.s stirr*+"*t at last ,ent (is ,a2 .*ided /2 er)ect si.(t%Finall2+ t(e 2#*n.est /r#t(er+ ,(# ,as t(e ,ea$est #) all+ s*cceeded ,(ere (is /r#t(ers (ad)ailed+ and #/tained (is eart(l2 mistress+ t(e $in.s da*.(ter+ as (is /ride+ and t(e Sirit*al"el#ved as ,ell%Here t(e Masnavi /rea$s #))6 /*t+ acc#rdin. t# t(e "*la= editi#n+ t(e )#ll#,in. c#ncl*si#n,as s*lied /2 Jalal*-d-!ins s#n+ "a(a*-d-!in S*ltan ;alad0Part #) t(e st#r2 remains *nt#ld6 it ,as retainedIn (is mind and ,as n#t discl#sed%T(e st#r2 #) t(e rinces remains *n)inis(ed+

T(e earl #) t(e t(ird /r#t(er remains *nstr*n.%Here seec(+ li$e a camel+ /rea$s d#,n #n its r#ad6



I ,ill sa2 n# m#re+ /*t .*ard m2 t#n.*e )r#m seec(%T(e rest is t#ld ,it(#*t aid #) t#n.*eT# t(e (eart #) (im ,(#se sirit is alive%@NOTES0% '#ran lxvii% %

9% S*rat+ #r 1)#rm+1 means ict*re+ ima.e+ #*t,ard aearance as ##sed t# realit2+c#nceti#n #r 1)#rm #) t(#*.(t+1 t(e 1arc(it2es1 #r 1ideas1 in t(e !ivine mind+ 1t(eS*/stantial )#rms1 #) t(e Realist (il#s#(2% Here t(e #et r*ns t(r#*.( nearl2 all t(esemeanin.s%:% Sales '#ran+ % G>+ n#te%<% i%e%+ t(e arc(it2es in t(e 1Intellect*al Presence1 #r 1,#rld #) c#mmand+1 ,(ic( area)ter,ards set )#rt( in t(e 1,#rld #) creati#n #r sensi/le #/3ects%>% See '#ran xlii% D%?% i%e%+ t(e similit*des *sed in t(e '#ran%G% 1T(e Tr*t(+1 Al Ha==+ t(e !ivine N#*men#n%% See &*ls(an i RaB+ Ans,er III%+ and t(e Hadis+ 17(#s# $n#,s (imsel) $n#,s (is L#rd%1

D% '#ran xxvii% ?%% Sim*r.(+ 1Oisea* extra#rdinaire =*i reside a* Ca*case+1 as M% &arcin de Tass2 calls it+means 1t(irt2 /irds1 Si m*r.(+ and is *sed as a t2e #) t(e !ivine Unit2 ,(ic( em/races all

l*ralit2%% i%e%+ t(e r#(ets and saints%9% '#ran x% :G%:% '#ran lxv% 9%<% i%e%+ 1T(e R*le #) P#siti#n%1'(*lasat *l Hisa/+ "##$ iv%>% Fre2ta.+ Ara/*m Pr#ver/ia+ ii% :GD%?% '#ran ii% 9:%G% '#ran lxv% G%% i%e%+ (ardened sinners li$e P(ara#(%D% '#ran liii% %9% '#ran xlvi% 9%

N#te #n A#cr2(al S*lements t# t(e Masnavi%In t(e L*c$n#, editi#n t(ere )#ll#,s an eil#.*e ,ritten /2 M*(ammad Ila(i "a$(s(+ .ivin.a c#ntin*ati#n #) t(e st#r2 #) t(e t(ird /r#t(er+ /*t n#t(in. #) t(e $ind is )#*nd in an2 #) t(e#t(er editi#ns%T(e "*la= editi#n adds a s#-called "##$ ;II%+ /*t t(is is $n#,n t# /e a c#marativel2 recent

)#r.er2% Ha3i '(al)a sa2s0 1It is n#t#ri#*s t(at t(e Masnavi is c#ntained in six /##$s+ /*t asevent( /##$ (as made its aearance+ *t )#rt( /2 Ismail !ada(+ t(e c#mmentat#r% He als#,r#te a c#mmentar2 #n it+ and t(erein relied ,it( el#=*ence and stren*#*sness t# t(#se ,(#denied its .en*ineness% He sa2s in (is c#mmentar2 t(at ,(en (e came t# ,rite #*t (is )i)t(v#l*me in t(e 2ear :> A%H%+ (e met ,it( "##$ ;II% in a c#2 #) t(e Masnavi dated <A%H% He /#*.(t it and read it t(r#*.(+ and ,as satis)ied t(at it ,as *nd#*/tedl2 ac#m#siti#n #) t(e a*t(#r #) t(e Masnavi% "*t t(e #t(er !arves(es #) t(e Ma*lavi #rderdenied t(e .en*ineness #) t(e Sevent( "##$%1 T(e c#ntents #) t(is Sevent( "##$ c#nsist #) c#mments #n vari#*s texts and traditi#ns+ill*strated /2 st#ries #) n# interest% T(e2 (ave n#t(in. in c#mm#n ,it( t(e Eil#.*e #)M*(ammad Ila(i "a$(s(+ )#*nd in t(e L*c$n#, editi#n%

@NOTES0



% Ha3i '(al)a+ v% :GG% Ismai ,as a !arves( #) t(e Ma*lavi #rder+ s*rnamed An.*ravi+ )r#m(is native lace An.*ri+ in Anat#lia%

jelaluddin rumi

Documents