The division whose outward is permitted and whose esoteric is prohibited

This indicates the Inward Prayer (al-Salat al-Batinah), all its requirements, and its [spiritual] personifications (ashkhasiha) in the Inward, and not the outward prayer; because the outward prayer is performed openly among all people. Also among the contents of this category is "approaching males" (itiyan al-dhukur); for its outward practice is among the major prohibitions, but its inward practice—which is the instruction of disciples—is among the greatest obligations. This is because Allah is the most Sublime of things, and the knowledge of Him is the most Sublime of sciences. The Prince Hasan ibn Makzun—may Allah sanctify him—alluded to this meaning in his poetry:

“And I do not permit the knot of marriage in my religion Except upon the Male.”

As for the category whose outward form is lawful and whose inner meaning is forbidden:

It is the preference of the Prophets over the Legatees (Awsiya') outwardly among the Opponents, while preferring the Legatees over the Prophets inwardly—meaning among the believers.