Folio 3b

…on the day I spring from the earth like a tulip, shelter me in nearness to Muhammad. — And then:*1

God Most High has said: «Do they not look at the sky above them — how We built it, and it has no rifts?» To the people of reason and knowledge, who look with the eye of insight that takes heed upon the wonders of creation and have devoted their effort to grasping the true natures of things, it is as plain as the shining sun that everything on earth and in the sky, below and above — living and lifeless, speaking and silent — is all the creation of God Most High. To each one a property, to each kind a quality, has been appointed.*2

It is necessary that one look at the earth, the sky, the things that exist and the creatures, and occupy oneself with knowing the Creator. Whoever looks only at the outward form of created things and has no share in their true nature is the same as a beast — or even, as the verse says: «they are like cattle; nay, they are further astray».*3

To deepen one's thought on what is grasped by reason, to look attentively at what is perceived by the senses, and to know the science of judgement — these are both the cause of attaining the pleasures of this world and the means of earning felicity in the hereafter. The Prophet said: «Reflect upon what God has created.» By reflecting on creation a person rises out of the rank of the beasts, disciplines his soul and refines his character. Reflecting on creation requires the pursuit of knowledge, and knowledge is needed before all else.

Through acquired knowledge a person reaches so high a rank that he comes to know truths, and wonders of things, which people are powerless to put into words.

It is told that the prophet Moses came to a clear spring and performed his ablutions. Nearby was a lofty mountain; he climbed it to pray. Then a horseman came, took out a purse of dirhams, forgot it and left it there, and went on his way. Shortly afterwards a shepherd came, found the purse, took it and went off. After that a frail old man came…*4