How the Prophet, on whom be peace, said to Zayd, “Do not tell this mystery more plainly than this, and take care to comply (with the religious law).”

The Prophet said, “My Companions are (like) the stars, a candle to travellers (on the Way), and meteors to be cast at the devils.”

If every one had the eye and the strength to receive light from the sun of heaven,

No moon and stars would be needed to serve as witnesses to (the existence of) a sun.

The Moon (the Prophet) is saying to earth and cloud and shadow, “I am a man, I am one like you, (but) it is revealed to me (that your God is one God).

Like you, I was dark in my nature: the Sun's revelation gave me such a light as this.

I have a certain darkness in comparison with the (spiritual) suns, (but) I have light for the darknesses of (human) souls.

I am faint (less bright than the Sun) in order that thou mayst be able to bear (my beams), for thou art not the man for (a man who can bear) the most radiant Sun.

I was woven (mingled) together, like honey and vinegar, that I might find the way to (cure) sickness of heart.

Since thou hast recovered from thine illness, O thou (that wert) in thrall (to it), leave the vinegar and continue to eat the honey.”

(If) the throne of the heart has become restored to soundness and purged of sensuality, thereon the Merciful God is seated on His Throne.

After this, God controls the heart without intermediary, since the heart has attained to this relation (with Him).

This discourse hath no end. Where is Zayd, that I may counsel him not to seek notoriety?