A horseman, mounted on a magnificent steed and armed to the teeth, rode with imposing presence into a forest. An expert archer, seeing him, drew his bow out of fear. As he prepared to shoot, the horseman cried out: “I appear large, but in truth I am a weak man. Do not be deceived by my size; in times of conflict, I am no stronger than an old woman.”
The archer replied, “Go now, I’m glad you said that, or else my fear would have caused me to shoot you!” Many are those who, lacking true strength, are defeated despite wielding swords. Even if you grasp Rustem’s weapon, without the necessary skill, you will lose your life. Son, abandon the sword and seek refuge in the soul. Only the headless can save their head from this ruler. Your weapon is deception; it arises from within and harms your very being.
If you have gained no benefit from these deceptions, abandon them and strive for connection with the Divine! If you have not tasted the fruit of trickery, relinquish it and seek Allah! If this knowledge does not bring you enlightenment, consider yourself foolish and forsake it. Like the angels, say: “Our knowledge is only what You have revealed to us; we know nothing else.”