_Of the Ranks of Islam_
O cypress of the slender form gracefully swaying in the garden of
creation, learn from me what is the thing most necessary to man above
all his temporal occupations. He should reflect on his end, he should
embellish the edifice of his religion; the five columns on which this
edifice rests are themselves based upon wisdom. It is within this
enclosure that peace reigns; beyond, the shocks of adversity are to be
feared. There extends a delightful garden; here opens the burning abyss
of hell. There, also, are the sectarians of the straight and perfect
road; here, those who are lost in error.
Observe religiously the precept of prayer; acquit thyself, if thou
canst, of the obligation of pilgrimage and of the tithe in alms. Show
proofs of zeal and activity in the accomplishment of these duties; do
not show a criminal tendency to exempt thyself from them. Be not
rebellious to the orders of the Almighty; obey all his commandments. All
the salutary practices taught by religion are for Mussulmen like a robe
with many folds. Recite the five prayers, O pure youth, if thou didst
but know what graces thou drawest down upon thyself! Each of these
practices has a mysterious meaning; a long discourse would be required
to detail their merits.
The Lord, generous in his gifts, has made each of them the instrument of
innumerable benefits. God has no need of thy works; ’tis thou alone who
dost profit from thy wealth. O generous soul! thou alone wilt gather the
fruit of thy good or evil actions.