some of his works. Although We never felt disposed
to peruse other peoples' writings, yet as
some had questioned Us concerning him, We felt
it necessary to refer to his books, in order that We
might answer Our questioners with knowledge
and understanding. His works, in the Arabic
tongue, were, however, not available, until one day
a certain man informed Us that one of his compositions,
entitled Irshadu'l-'Avam, (1) could be
found in this city. From this title We perceived
the odour of conceit and vainglory, inasmuch as he
hath imagined himself a learned man and regarded
the rest of the people ignorant. His worth
was in fact made known by the very title he had
chosen for his book. It became evident that its
author was following the path of self and desire,
and was lost in the wilderness of ignorance and
folly. Methinks, he had forgotten the well-known
tradition which sayeth: "Knowledge is all that is
knowable; and might and power, all creation."
Notwithstanding, We sent for the book, and kept it
with Us a few days. It was probably referred to
twice. The second time, We accidentally came
upon the story of the "&Mi'raj" (2) of Muhammad, of
1. "Guidance unto the ignorant."
2. Ascent.