Righteous, pious, and connected

The "Nothing" (Al-Lash) is a disbeliever of the faith

Filthy, straying, and ignorant.

Water.. The disbelieving night.. The believing day....

The author of The Egyptian Treatise (Al-Risala al-Misriyya) explained the intent behind these and clarified their meanings as his master related to him (may Allah sanctify their souls), saying:

It is the way of the wise and intelligent person to contemplate this saying, for it is Fiqh (jurisprudence). All the knowledge within this poem refers only to the Celestial Persons, the People of the Luminous Ranks. For he (may Allah be pleased with him) said after its completion:

"These are all persons of the ranks and people of stations whom we have manifested as symbols and hidden as an unveiling. I mention from that what I have known and heard from my trustworthy sources and my sheikhs (may Allah be pleased with them), from those whom I have met, and in this I seek help":