How the disciples understood that Dhu ’l-Nún had not become mad, (but) had acted with intention.

The friends went to the prison (to inquire) about the story of Dhu ’l-Nún, and expressed an opinion concerning it,

Saying, “Perchance he does this purposely, or there is some (deep) wisdom (in it): he is an exemplar and a shining light in this religion.

Far, far be it from his sea-like (profound) intelligence that madness should prompt him to folly!

God forbid, in view of the perfection of his (spiritual) attainments, that the cloud of sickness should cover his moon!

He has gone into the house (and taken refuge) from the wickedness of the vulgar: he has become mad on account of the infamy of the sane.

From (feeling) the disgrace of the dull body-serving intellect, he has purposely gone and become mad,

Saying, ‘Bind me fast and with the tail of a cow smite me on head and back, and do not dispute this (matter),

That from the stroke of the part (of the cow) I may gain life, as the murdered man (gained life) from the cow of Moses, O trusty ones;

That I may be made happy by the stroke of a part of the cow; (that I may) become well (whole), like the murdered man (by means) of the cow of Moses’.”

The murdered man was revived by the stroke of the cow's tail: he became pure gold (in spirit), even as copper (is transmuted) by the elixir.

The murdered man sprang up and told the secrets: he revealed that bloodthirsty gang.

He said plainly, “I was killed by these people who are now disturbed (with anger) in contending against me.”

When this gross body is killed, the essence that knows (spiritual) secrets is brought to life.

Its spirit beholds Paradise and Hell-fire and discerns all the mysteries.

It reveals the devilish murderers, it reveals the snare of deceit and guile.

To kill the cow (the fleshly soul) is the stipulation of (imposed by) the (Súfí) Path, in order that the spirit may be restored to consciousness by the stroke of her tail.

Kill most quickly the cow, your fleshly soul, so that the hidden spirit may become alive and conscious.