Part 6: On Conduct and Practice

Iraqi style
English

Part 6: On Conduct and Practice

So now I begin with matters of practice, and tell you all the principles and their branches. Know that the first of these is watchfulness; then there is a place for you in self-observation. After that come longing and sincerity, for they are the path to safety and release. Then turn toward purifying the soul and standing firm; after that, arrive at the door of trust in God. Beyond this lies the station of surrendering all to God; so hold fast in confidence, my generous friend. After this you rise up through complete submission, so that you may find rest from every bitter torment.
Explanation: The poem lists Sufi stages of the soul's progress: watchfulness (moraqaba), sincerity (ekhlas), trust (tawakkul), entrusting all to God (tafwiz), and submission (taslim). Each is a recognized step on the mystical path.

Original · Persian

بخش ۶ - قسم معاملات

پس کنم در معاملات شروع باتو گویم همه اصول و فروع
اول آن رعایتست بدان پس ترا در مراقبه است مکان
بعد ازان حسرت آمد و اخلاص که طریق سلامتست و خلاص
پس بتهذیب و استقامت رو بعد ازان بر در توکل شو
بعد ازاین هست منزل تفویض پس ثقة باشد،ای رفیق مفیض
پس ازین سر بر آری از تسلیم تا بیاسایی از عذاب الیم