THE TESTAMENT OF THE SHEIKH

Description of the Believer:

He said to him: "O my master, describe the believer to me until it is as if I am observing him, and represent him for me until it is as if I see him and witness him." He said to him: "O my son, I represent the believer to you as a basil plant (rayḥāna) whose root is firm, whose branch is lofty, whose flower is beautiful, whose scent is pure, whose taste is delicious, and whose touch is desirable and soft. Likewise, the believer is easy to lead yet difficult to overcome, enduring, patient, dignified, pure, and mindful. If you entrust him with a secret, it remains hidden, and if he is trusted in any situation, he is an honest keeper, complete in religion and excellent in certainty. If you meet him, he meets you with a heart that is pious, pure, and faithful."

He said to him: "O my master, increase for me the descriptions of the believer." He said: "His description is that he has dealt with Allah with sincerity, so He chose him for His honor, endowed him with His gnosis, clothed him in the garment of His love, entrusted him with His secret, and accepted him for His religion. If he speaks, he mentions [Allah]; if he looks, he takes heed; if he is given, he thanks; and if he is afflicted, he is patient. His heart is radiant with the gnosis of Allah, and his tongue is mentioning His thanks. He is noble and possessed of dignity, generous and possessed of victory, obedient to the Compeller (al-Jabbār), and a follower of the righteous."

He asked: "Describe the believer to me: by what is his faith indicated?" He said: "By the truthfulness of his tongue, the fulfillment of his trust, the abandonment of treachery, the softness of his side, and the pleasantness of his presence. His outward and inward are the same; he begins [kindness] toward you without being asked and does not anger you in any state. He carries your misfortunes for you and averts them from every side. If he sees a good deed, he mentions and spreads it; and