PREFACE
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MERCIFUL,
THE CLEMENT!
Laudation to the God of majesty and glory! Obedience to Him is a cause of approach, and gratitude an increase of benefits. Every inhalation of the breath prolongs life, and every expiration of it gladdens our nature; wherefore every breath confers two benefits; and for every benefit gratitude is due. Whose hand and tongue is capable to fulfil the obligation of thanks to Him?
It is best to a worshipper for his transgressions
To offer apologies at the throne of God,
Although what is worthy of His dignity
No one is able to accomplish.
The showers of His boundless mercy have penetrated to every spot, and the banquet of His unstinted liberality is spread out everywhere. He tears not the veil of reputation of His worshippers even for grevious sins, and does not withhold their daily allowance of bread for great crimes.[1]
O bountiful one, who from Thy invisible treasury suppliest the Guebre[2] and the Christian with food; how couldst thou disappoint Thy friends, whilst having regard for Thy enemies?
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One of the devout who had deeply plunged his head into the cowl of meditation, and had been immersed in the ocean of visions, was asked, when he had come out of that state, by one
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