On being perplexed amidst discordant doctrines and finding (a means of) escape and deliverance.

(This is) even as in the matter of knowledge (of God) every one describes (differently) the Unseen Object of description.

The philosopher gives an explanation of another (a particular) kind; a scholastic theologian invalidates his statement;

And some one else jeers at both of them, while another hypocritically tires himself to death (trying to prove that he has real knowledge of God).

Each one (of them) gives these indications of the Way, in order that it may be supposed that they belong to that Village.

Know the truth to be this, (that) all these (various persons) are not in the right; nor (again) are this herd entirely astray,

Because nothing false is shown without the True: the fool bought (desired) spurious coin in the hope of (its being) gold.

If there were no current (genuine) coin in the world, how would it be possible to issue false coins?

They buy (desire) the wrong in hope of (its being) the right: (if) poison go into a piece of sugar, then (and then only) they eat (poison).

If there be no savoury wheat, what shall he get who sells barley, pretending that it is wheat?

Do not say, then, that all these utterances are false: the false (pretenders) are a snare to the heart on the ground of (because they give) hope of truth.

Do not say, then, that all (this) is phantasy and error: without truth phantasy exists not in the world.

Truth is the Night of Power (which is) hidden amidst the (other) nights in order that the soul may make trial of every night.

Not all nights are (the Night of) Power, O youth, nor are all nights void of that (Night).

Amongst the wearers of the dervish-cloak there is one (true) dervish: make trial, and accept him that is true.

Where is the sagacious and discerning believer, that he may distinguish effeminate wretches from men?

If there be no faulty things in the world, all fools would be (shrewd) merchants.

Then it would be very easy to know (the value of) goods: when there is no defect, what (is the difference between) the incompetent and the competent (appraiser)?

And if everything is faulty, knowledge is of no advantage: since everything here is (common) wood, aloes-wood is not (to be found).

He that says, “All are true”—’tis folly (on his part); and he that says, “All are false”—he is damned.

Those who trade with the prophets have gained (thereby); those who trade with colour and scent (worldly vanities) are blind and blue (miserable).

The snake (már) appears in the eye as riches (mál): rub both your eyes well!

Do not consider the happiness of this (worldly) traffic and profit: consider the perdition of Pharaoh and Thamúd.

The sky, which is beautiful and glorious—God saith, Then turn thy gaze again (towards it).