1. It is greatest to know Him, so believe
In His reality in general and detail

2. Words fall short in describing Him
Known by those who recite the Quran with devotion

3. Neither can the attributes encompass Him
Nor can the intellect confine Him, in revelation or reason

4. For each limited thing is defined by its form
And what cannot be grasped remains unknown

5. I know Him only through inner vision
Not through senses or rational thought

6. His appearance is too lofty, as His outer form is most High
His manifestation was clear in the Text and its interpretation

7. The insights and thoughts cannot combine
To fathom Him, decisively or in detail

8. If you say through the senses you will not attain His rising
Or through the intellect, analyzing and deducing

9. Imagination judges while imaginations recognize Him
Yet never have I seen imagination yield results regarding Him

10. Neither the rational being nor the keen observer
Can grasp what cannot be connected or divided

11. The minds of the wise have been perplexed by Him
As have the thoughts of those who wish to misguide about Him