The mystic and the pulpit I

(C) Copyright 1997, Mahmoud A. El-Gamal.

A traveler on the Road

was asked if he would speak.

He said: "the prophet said:

`the best among my nation

is he who learns the Truth,

and teaches what he learns',

"and what I've learned is this:

that Knowledge IS The Lord;

and knowledge `of' the Lord,

the spirit, or the soul,

may never be attained.*

"I cannot speak of Him

or teach his attributes.

"I only speak of Him

to say what He is not:

Exalted IS His Truth.

"Whatever I may say

must nullify itself:

Whatever I may say,

I mustn't say a thing.

So, ask me not to speak".