1. We have a wondrous, perilous secret
That would be perilous for fools to know

2. We are a robe, all of us together
In it a pattern, the forms of all creation

3. Our Lord first outstretched it
From His own essence, purest light

4. It is the light of Mustafa, verily
Upon a light came a light streaming

5. Then He displayed from it a morsel for him
The weaver of names, when he appeared

6. It is our Lord's robe He wove
With the hand of His might and power

7. Then from it He detailed the spirit for him
As a shirt for manifesting, a veil

8. Above it the soul appeared like a robe
Its stuffing of every dangerous meaning

9. Above it the jerkin, the body that contained
All it contained, whether lofty or low

10. These are three robes for you, O
Human being, containing lessons

11. Wearing them, upon you God is
At every moment—know this secret

12. Then all this is upheld by Him
Who makes it high, so emulate Him

13. Not by it is upheld He who originated it
So one who believes in infusion blasphemes

14. And it is all transient, just as
He said, except His countenance, O reader

15. So true existence is singular, one
All else like mirages in the deserts

16. Consider your soul, O you who are ignorant of it
Whatever you wish, make it a form

17. Do you see it upheld at all
Except by you? Discern with insight

18. Contemplate it, neither entering
Nor leaving you does it appear

19. Then, has your soul changed its state
If it showed any effect?

20. No! And Who said: Within yourselves—
Will you not reflect?

21. So God struck a metaphor for you
From your own souls, dazzlingly clear