doors of goodness. As for my brothers, I used to fulfill their needs and their rights in their homes and visit them in their places. Whomever I saw in a state of disorder, I set him right; whomever I saw shy before me, I approached him first. As for my day, I spent it in the pursuit of knowledge, and my night I exhausted in reflection. Indeed, I am ashamed to mention what I have done and what I have omitted."

He said: "O my son, may Allah accept from you the righteous deeds you have done. As for what you mentioned of kindness to the brothers, gentleness with them, and maintaining ties, it is with Allah that you have connected, and the best treasure you have thésaurized, and the most beneficial store you have kept. As for your pursuit of knowledge, your striving therein, your staying awake in reflection, and your looking into its meanings, you have adorned yourself with the raiment of the wise, beautified yourself with the robe of the scholars, crowned yourself with the crown of splendor, and from the Spring of Life you have drunk, prospered, harvested, and flourished."

He took his hand, pressed him to his chest, and kissed him between his eyes. He [the son] said to him: "O my master, I used to fear that departure would overtake me before my meeting with you. Since Allah has favored me with you and granted me from you a portion and acceptance, enjoin upon me a testament by which you may benefit me, for I shall accept your testament, and relate to me a tradition by which you may revive my heart, for I shall preserve your narration." He said to him: "O my son, if you wish to benefit from my testament and know the reality of my narration, then write what you hear from me with the pens of your heart and upon the parchment of your memory; place it in the chest of your bosom, conceal it, and do not reveal it except to one who is worthy of it or to one whom you have tested."