or a small dish, but left it behind and then came asking for food. He was told: “Bring a vessel, and we will give you food.” But if you come having left your bowl at home, for example, with no vessel in which to receive the food, you receive nothing and return empty-handed.

Anyone with insight into the forms of eloquence and the varied expressions of language who reflects on these words will find them apt and eloquent, both in their Arabic expression and in their wisdom. The opposite of the condition described is for the heart to turn toward truth, knowledge, and remembrance, turning away from everything else. That is hanīfiyya (pure monotheism), the religion of Abraham, peace be upon him. For hanaf means the turning and inclination of one foot toward the other. Thus, hanaf is turning away from one thing by turning toward another. The purely monotheistic religion therefore consists in turning to Allah alone and turning away from all besides Him.

This is the sincere devotion expressed by the word of truth, the good word:

“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.”

O Allah, keep us steadfast upon it in this world and the Hereafter. There is no power nor strength except through Allah. This is the last of what has come to mind at this time. Allah knows best, and may Allah bless Muhammad.