to the science mentioned by our Master — Exalted Glory —; he who takes from things only their beauties and essences; he who does not look with his eye except to the place wherein is the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger in all his affairs; and whose understanding, thought, and memory are not directed except toward Allah, His Messenger, and His religion."

A Parable Clarifying the Rational from the Ignorant

"I shall strike a parable for you in that which clarifies the rational gnostic from the ignorant deficient one; so contemplate it and ponder it." The youth said: "Speak, my master." The Noble One said: "Two men were in a city ruled by a powerful Sultan. He disapproved of the two men and sent to them swearing by Allah that he was taking them out of the town where they were born to another town. He commanded them to prepare their travel equipment. They knew the matter was inevitable and their exit was necessary; that they were forced into such and they were departing their place. He commanded them and cautioned them not to fall short in what he commanded them and not to travel except with travel provisions due to the distance and difficulty of the path.

One of them dispatched his agents and trustees to the city toward which they were marching with wealth, commanding them to build for him houses and palaces, to plant trees for him therein, to flow rivers for him, and to prepare all that he needed and what was suitable for him of all things. Then after that, he chose the guide, mounted the camel, increased the provisions, prepared the bedding and what was needed on his path, and marched in safety, tranquility, and blessing until he reached the place he desired. He found all that he needed completed, so he was elated and delighted with the utmost joy.

The other man knew that he would march, yet he did not care for what was said to him, nor was he concerned with any of his means. He did not fear what he was threatened with, neglected the word, sold the many for the little, busied himself with what perishes, and left what is