Envision these meanings, O soul, and return through your intellect to your supreme nobility and your furthest abode.

O soul: I have contemplated all pleasures, and I have found none more delightful than three things: "Security, Knowledge, and Wealth." For each of these things, there is an origin and a fountainhead that moves it.

Whoever seeks "Knowledge," let him proceed toward the meaning of Monotheism (Tawhid); for through Monotheism comes realization, knowledge, and certainty, while through Polytheism (Ishrak) comes denial, ignorance, and doubt.

Whoever seeks "Wealth," let him proceed toward the rank of Contentment (Qunu'); for where there is no contentment, there is no wealth.

And whoever seeks "Security," let him embrace the longing for the departure from the realm of nature, which is Natural Death.

O soul: As long as you are in the world of generation, beware of two conditions that bring destruction to the soul; avoid them and turn away from them with the diversion of one who is fearful and apprehensive. These two are: [obsessive attachment to] women and intoxicating drinks.

O soul: He who falls into the trap of women is like a bird in the hands of a child who has no reason.