_Of the Excellence of Prayer_
O rose of the ever-blooming garden, thou, the support of thy aged
father, at the prescribed time perform the ablutions and purify thyself
of exterior pre-occupation! Clothe thyself as with a robe of innocence
and light that thou mayst be worthy to sit among pure men. Prayer, for
the faithful, is as a celestial ascension; open thine eyes to this
divine rapture. Consider not prayer as an irksome task; it is an honor
which God deigns to grant us. It is the support of religion; and the
corner stone of the house of faith. Incline devoutly in thy adorations;
be among the faithful who surround the _mihrab_. Drag thy countenance in
the dust before the Lord; be a slave in thy heart; consider his majesty.
Prayer said without devotion is valueless in the sight of God; each time
that thou dost bow down send forth to him a thousand ardent sighs.
Plunge thyself completely in these holy practices; let thy reason
succumb to a mysterious intoxication.
Far be it from thee to think of the delights of paradise or the torments
of hell; love with all thy heart the sovereign Master of both. Yield not
to sleep in the morning; be vigilant and assiduous in praying for the
pardon of thy sins.
What happiness for thee to cross thy hands on thy breast and weep in the
presence of thy God! When thou dost bow down, strike the earth with thy
forehead; behold the potentates of this earth, O my son! is it permitted
to everyone to salute the steps of their thrones?
The intelligent man, prostrated in the dust, does not raise his head;
his eyes are not dazzled by a sudden brilliancy. Canst thou not be
assiduous in the exercises of thy piety, if thou dost understand how
precious they are to thee? I wish to disclose to thee a secret which is
not permitted to be told to children. Apply thyself with all thy
strength to understand it; thou wilt succeed in grasping its meaning.
When thou dost pray while standing, is it not true, O youth beautiful as
the full moon, that thou dost resemble an _élif_ But when thou art
inclined, one might believe thou wert a _dal_: it is the enigma of the
prophets, endeavor to understand it. If thou dost prostrate thyself the
rounded form of a _mim_ is seen, and then thou dost indeed merit the
name of man. Forget not this truth which is revealed unto thee: he who
neglects prayer is not a man.