_Of the First Duty of True Religion_
Charming branch of the garden of morality, thou who rejoicest the heart
and eye of thy father, confess candidly thy faith that all the mysteries
of creation may be revealed to thee. Make thy heart the shrine of truth;
light there the flaming torch of uprightness and sincerity. Fill thy
mouth with the honey of the profession of the Mahometan faith. Let all
thy words breathe submission to divine truths. The profession of faith
is the seal of the salvation of believers, the ornament of the blissful
gate of paradise.
It is this profession which establishes a striking distinction between
the shadow of impiety and the light of faith. On it rests the foundation
of true power, and on it has risen the edifice of religion. It is the
column of Islamism, the water which fills the ocean of divine decrees,
the key to the straight path and that which opens the gate of that
devotion agreeable unto God. It is, for the tongue which utters it, like
a dish of exceeding sweet savor. It is its salutary virtue which
vivifies those whose hearts are dead.