Many shaikhs observe the following rule. When a novice joins them, they subject him to the spiritual discipline for three years. He can be admitted to the path only if he fulfills all the requirements of this discipline. The first year is devoted to the service of the people, the second year to the service of the god, and the third year to watching over his own heart.

Many shaikhs observe the following rule. When a novice joins them, they subject him to the spiritual discipline for three years. He can be admitted to the path only if he fulfills all the requirements of this discipline. The first year is devoted to the service of the people, the second year to the service of the god, and the third year to watching over his own heart.

Once Ibrahim Adham saw a stone on which was written - turn me over and read. On the other side, he read - you do not practice what you know, why then do you seek what you know not?

Once Ibrahim Adham saw a stone on which was written - turn me over and read. On the other side, he read - you do not practice what you know, why then do you seek what you know not?

Marriage is proper for those who prefer to associate with mankind, and celibacy is an ornament for those who seek retirement from mankind.

Marriage is proper for those who prefer to associate with mankind, and celibacy is an ornament for those who seek retirement from mankind.

The term ‘Sufi’ has no derivation answering to etymological requirements inasmuch as Sufism is too exalted to have any genus from which it might be derived.

The term ‘Sufi’ has no derivation answering to etymological requirements inasmuch as Sufism is too exalted to have any genus from which it might be derived.

Unless God exerts Himself towards a man, that man’s exertion is of no use.

Unless God exerts Himself towards a man, that man’s exertion is of no use.