He is the Ajami,[2] the Persian, the ‘Iráqí![3]
Whilst the dwellers in the divine Ark,[4] by the permission of the Holy Mariner, held fast unto one name amongst all names in the ancient Ark[5] and sailed upon the ocean of names, they passed the grades of worldly limitation[6] that perchance, through the felicity[7] and lofty purpose of the Sovereign of Oneness, they mightest reach the shore of divine unity and quaff from the chalice of detachment.[8]
That Ark of Eternity moved by divine assistance, and sailed upon the water of spiritual wisdom until the dwellers thereof reached a station whereat the Name which dwelt therein[9] overtook their course and triumphed. Thence, that Spiritual Ark was stilled and forbidden to move. Whereupon, the firm decree of God descended from the heaven of imperishable holiness, and the Mariner of Eternity was commanded to impart one letter from the concealed Word unto the dwellers in the Ark, so that by the invisible assistance of God, they might traverse the valley of inner bewilderment, enter the delightful realm of divine unity, reach the Qa’f[10] of everlasting life and attain unto the holy presence of the Well-Beloved.[11]
Inasmuch as the dwellers in the Ark[12] attained unto the Word of the mystic[13] Friend, they forthwith stretched out the wings of their spirits[14] and soared in the air of holiness. Through divine grace and blessing, they didst leave behind the pursuit of self and passion[15] and heedless, blind understandings. Whereupon, the breezes of paradise from the realm[16] of the All-Merciful wafted upon their spirits,[17] and after soaring in the air of the nearness of God and traversing the mystical stations, they descended in a state of safety and security, unto the highest abodes of those who loveth Him. The inhabitants thereof thence arose in service and benevolence; the immortal youths[18] and the holy cup-bearer[19] proffered unto them ruby wine. The intoxicating wine of divine knowledge and the cup of eternal wisdom caused such ecstasy and rapture[20] that they transcended the existence of self and all beings and gave their hearts to the beauty of the Beloved.[21]
