How suspicion was thrown upon Luqmán by the slaves and fellow-servants who said that he had eaten the fresh fruit which they were bringing (to their master).
In the eyes of his master, amongst (in comparison with) the (other) slaves, Luqmán was despicable on account of his body (outward aspect).
He (the master) used to send the slaves to the garden, that fruit might come (be brought to him) for his pleasure.
Amongst the slaves Luqmán was (despised) like a parasite; (he was) full of (spiritual) ideas, dark-complexioned as night.
Those slaves, being impelled by greed, ate the whole of the fruit with enjoyment,
And told their master that Luqmán had eaten it, (whereupon) the master became bitter and sorely displeased with Luqmán.
When Luqmán inquired (and ascertained) the cause (of this), he opened his lips to reproach his master.
“O sire,” said Luqmán, “an unfaithful servant is not approved in the sight of God.
Put us all to the test, O noble sir: give us our fill of hot water (to drink),
And afterwards make us run into a great plain, thou being mounted and we on foot.
Then behold the evil-doer, (behold) the things that are done by Him who revealeth mysteries!”
The master gave the servants hot water to drink, and they drank it in fear (of him).
Afterwards he was driving them into the plains, and they were running amidst the cornfields.
From distress they began to vomit: the (hot) water was bringing up the fruit from them.
When Luqmán began to vomit from his navel (belly), there was coming up from within him (only) the pure water.
Inasmuch as Luqmán's wisdom can show forth this, then what must be the wisdom of the Lord of existence!
On the day when all the inmost thoughts shall be searched out, there will appear from you something latent, (the appearance of) which is not desired.
When they shall be given hot water to drink, all the veils will be cut asunder (torn off) from that which is abhorred.
The fire (of Hell) is made the torment of the infidels because fire is the (proper) test for stones.
How oft, how oft, have we spoken gently to our stony hearts, and they would not accept the counsel!
For a bad wound the vein gets (requires) a bad (severe) remedy: the teeth of the dog are suitable for the donkey's head.
The wicked women to the wicked men is wisdom: the ugly is the mate and fitting (consort) for the ugly.
Whatever, then, you wish to mate with, go, become absorbed in the loved (object), and assume its shape and qualities.
If you wish for the light, make yourself ready to receive the light; if you wish to be far (from God), become self-conceited and far;
And if you wish (to find) a way out of this ruined prison, do not turn your head away from the Beloved, but bow in worship and draw nigh.
