than those Outward Sciences. Thus, Allah condemned their descent from the degrees of elevated Luminous Gnosis (Al-Ma'arif al-Nuraniyya) to "Misr" (the settlement), which symbolizes the Outward Sciences, and [He condemned] the exchanging of the Outward—which is lower—for the Inward—which is better than it. This is because the essence (Al-Jawhar) renders the shell unnecessary, and the kernel (Al-Lubb) renders the husk unnecessary; as it is said regarding this meaning: "He who possesses pearls is not gifted shells."

Al-Sayyid al-Muntajib—may Allah sanctify his soul—said in his poetry:

"Every day [is manifested] in a person like husks, Over a kernel; and in the kernel is that which suffices its seeker."

It also indicates the striking of abasement and poverty upon them because of it [their preference for the outward]. And Allah knows best.