A Gift for Baghdad — Page 41
Reply to the Announcement & Letter 41 Assuredly, He is indeed gracious to me. He is the light of my eyes and the strength of my body. By Allah, I am one of those who have achieved nearness to Him. O revered one! I see you as a righteous young man; there- fore, I sincerely hope that you will accept what I have said to you. Moreover, I hope that your heart will be filled with compassion for the religion of my master and yours and your grandfather, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. May you tread the path of knowledge. Remember, O my brother, the day of mutual calling and wailing, And repent before the journey to the hereafter. Hence, let all rancour be expelled from thy heart, And purify thy soul from the venom of obstinacy. At the time of wrongdoing, fear the vanquishing power of the Protector; Halt! Then, pursue the path of rectitude. I swear that verily I—O son of the honourable ones— Have been sent by the Lord of humanity. I have been conferred knowledge upon knowledge, And chalice after chalice of magnanimity.