Lesson 5: The Story of the Greengrocer and the Parrot

Meaning: Who shall describe the action of Him who has no like? This that I have said was only out of necessity.

Meaning: At times, the action of God shows itself thus, and at other times, the very opposite; the work of religion is nothing but bewilderment.

Meaning: Not the bewilderment of one who has turned his back on Him, but rather the bewilderment of one drowned in God and intoxicated with the Beloved.

Meaning: The face of one is turned towards the Beloved, while the face of the other has itself become the Beloved's face.

Meaning: Look closely upon the face of each and keep watch, so that through devoted service to them you may come to know the face (of human devils from human saints).

Meaning: Since there are many devils who have the face of Adam, one must not shake hands and pledge allegiance to just anyone.

Meaning: Because the fowler mimics the bird's own call and whistle, so that the bird-catcher may lure and trap the bird.

Meaning: That bird hears the call of its own kind and descends from the sky, only to find a snare and a sting awaiting it.

Meaning: The vile man steals the words of the dervishes so that he may chant those spells to deceive a naive and pure-hearted soul.

Meaning: The work of holy men is as light and heat, while the work of vile men is deceit and shamelessness.

Meaning: They fashion a woollen lion merely to beg and bestow the title of Ahmad (Prophet Muhammad) upon a false prophet like Bú Musaylim.

Meaning: But to Bú Musaylim remained attached the title of Kadhdháb (Liar), while to Muhammad remained attached the title of Ulu ’l-albáb (Endowed with wisdom).

Meaning: The divine wine seals its end with pure musk, whereas the worldly wine ends in stench and torment.