me from the maturity you were taught, and to take me as a son, a disciple, and a servant." The Noble One said: "Wisdom only falls into a pious, pure, clean, and illuminating heart. If it falls into an impure location, the one who cast it is an oppressor and a sinner in his actions."

The youth said: "Strike a parable for me in that which I may recognize from you, so that I may represent it and return to your word." The Noble One said: "If a large house were brought to you, and you found in the middle of the house a high assembly-room, beautiful of structure, with doors and windows, and it was said to you: 'Enter this room and reside in it,' but when you entered, you found it full of carcasses, filth, and dirt such that no one could enter it due to its stench and odor—would its residency be pleasant to you despite its majesty and high status?" He said: "No." He said: "But if what was in it of dirt and carcasses were thrown out, and it was washed, cleaned, whitened, and furnished with the best bedding, and types of basil and sweet-smelling trees were placed in it, and it was adorned with the best of adornments, and then you were commanded to enter and reside in it—what would you say?" He said: "I would reside in it." The Noble One said: "Then if you resided in it, and in it were candles and incense wafting through its doors and windows—would you not allow those following you in your presence to enjoy the pleasant scents and be illuminated by its lights?" He said: "Yes." The Noble One said: "I shall mention a report to you and strike a parable after that." He said: "Relate the report to me, my master, and strike the parable from your favor." He said to him:

From our Master Ja'far al-Sadiq — Exalted Glory —: "Whosoever's concern is a single concern, Allah suffices him of his [other] concerns, and he cares not which valley he treads."

The youth said: "By Allah, I indeed find the sweetness of what you say in my heart. I have clearly seen the truth of your word and exhortation. I have resolved to return to my army, surrender it all to my brother, rid myself of all worldly means, and come to you with a strong desire and a righteous intention. Shall I be accepted if I do that?" The Noble One