I was in retreat at the tomb of Yahya (John the Baptist), peace be upon him, in the Damascus Mosque, when one of the Arab kings, who was known for his injustice, happened to come for pilgrimage, and prayed and supplicated.

The dervish and the rich are both servants of this dust

And those who are richer are more needy

Then he said to me: Since the dervishes are of high resolve and their dealings are honest, give me some advice, for I am worried about a difficult enemy. I said to him: Have mercy on the weak subjects so that you do not suffer trouble from a strong enemy.

With strong arms and the power of the fist

It is wrong to break the paw of a helpless wretch

Does he not fear who does not forgive the fallen?

That if he falls, no one will take his hand?

Whoever sows the seed of evil and expects good

Has cooked a vain imagination and made a false assumption

Take the cotton out of your ears and give justice to the people

And if you do not give justice, there is a day of justice!

Human beings are members of one another

Who are in creation from one essence

When one limb is afflicted by time

The other limbs will have no rest

You who are indifferent to the suffering of others

It is not fitting that they call you a human being