How ‘Á’isha—may God be well-pleased with her!—said to Mustafá (Mohammed), on whom be peace, “Thou performest the prayer anywhere, without a prayer-carpet.”

One day ‘Á’isha said to the Prophet, “O Messenger of Allah, openly and secretly

Thou performest a prayer in whatever place thou mayst find, (even whilst) unclean and low (people) are running about in the house;

(Quanquam) femina cui fluit sanguis post menstruorum dies vel infans vel (quivis) inquinatus et sordidus facit usu tritum (pollutum) quemcunque locum advenerit.”

The Prophet said, “Know that God makes impure (things) pure for the (spiritually) great.

On that account the grace of God has made my place of worship to be pure (everywhere, even) up to the seventh tier (of Heaven).”

Beware and beware! Cease from envying the (spiritual) kings, else you will become a devil in the world.

For if he drink poison, it turns to honey; (but) if you eat honey, it is poison (to you);

For he has been changed, and his action has been changed: he has become the Grace (of God), and every fire in him has been turned into Light.

The abábíl (swifts) had the power of God (in them); else, how should a bird kill an elephant?

A number of little birds broke an (entire) army—so that you may know that that strength is from God.

If temptation of this kind* come to you, go, read the Súra concerning the Possessors of the Elephant.

And if you contend and engage in rivalry with him (the saint), deem me an infidel if you save your head from them.