O soul (Nafs)! Is such a worthless and despicable thing even worth acquiring, which even the meanest and most wretched person can attain—in fact, they have already attained it, and in such a large measure that even if you strive for fifty years, you will not be able to achieve it? And O soul! If you turn away from this worldly life and incline towards the Hereafter, then remember that you will become matchless in the world and unique of your time; your second will not be found even across the seven realms (Haft Iqlim). Therefore, O soul! Now you tell me, what is truly worth acquiring? O soul! Remember well, who is a greater well-wisher to you than yourself? Do not go by what others say or what you hear; instead, ponder upon the ultimate end and outcome of both this world and religion, and answer yourself: where does your true inclination lie?
