Contents

• The Secrets of the Self
• The Mysteries of Selflessness

Prologue

RR 6

Showing that the system of the universe originates in the self, and that the continuation of the life of all individuals depends on strengthening the self

RR 7

Showing that the life of the self comes from forming ideals and bringing them to birth

RR 7

Showing that the self is strengthened by Love

RR 8

Showing that the self is weakened by asking

RR 8

Showing that when the self is strengthened by Love it gains dominion over the outward and inward forces of the universe

RR 9

A tale of which the moral is that negation of the self is a doctrine invented by the subject races of mankind in order that by this means they may sap and weaken the character of their rulers

RR 10

To the effect that Plato, whose thought has deeply influence the mysticism and literature of Islam, followed the sheep’s doctrine, and that we must be on our guard against his theories

RR 10

Concerning the true nature of poetry and the reform of Islamic literature

RR 11

Showing that the education of the self has three stages: obedience, self-control and Divine Vicegerence

RR 12

Setting forth the inner meanings of the names of Ali

RR 13

Parable of a young man of Merv who came to the saint Ali Hujweri—God have mercy on him—and complained that he was oppressed by the enemies

RR 14

Parable of the bird that was faint with thirst

RR 14

Parable of the diamond and the coal

…

Parable of the Shaykh and the Brahmin, followed by a conversation between Ganges and Himalayas to the effect that the continuation of social life depends on firm attachment to the characteristic traditions of the community

RR 15

Showing that the purpose of the Muslim’s life is to exalt the Word of God, and that jihad (war against unbelievers), if it be prompted by land-hunger, is unlawful in the religion of Islam

RR 16

Precepts written for the Muslims of India by Mir Najat Nakshband, who is generally known as Baba Sahrai

RR 17-18

Time is a sword

RR 19

Invocation

RR 20

Dedication to the Muslim Nation

RR 21

Prelude

RR 21

Showing that a nation is formed by the mingling of individuals, and owes the perfecting of its education to prophets

RR 22

The Pillars of the Muslim Nation

RR 23

• The First Pillar: Unity

RR 23

• Dialogue between the arrow and the sword

…

• Emperor Alamgir and the tiger

RR 23

• The Second Pillar: Prophet-hood

RR 23

• Bu Ubaydah and Jaban: the Islamic concept of brotherhood

RR 23

• Sultan Murad and the architect: the Islamic concept of equality

RR 23

• The Islamic concept of freedom: the secret of the incident of Kerbala

RR 23-24

Showing that since the Muslim nation is founded upon Unity and prophet-hood, it is not bounded by space

RR 25

Showing that country is not the foundation of nation

RR 25

Showing that the Muslim nation is timeless, since its survival has been divinely promised

RR 26

Showing that a nation is organized only through a constitution, and the constitution of the Muslim nation is the Quran

RR 26

Showing that in times of decadence, conformity is better than speculation

RR 26

Showing that the national character acquires power by following the Divine Law

RR 26

Showing that the national character acquires beauty by following the manners of the Prophet

RR 26

Showing that a nation requires a physical center, and the center of the Muslim nation is the Holy Kabah

RR 26

Showing that true solidarity comes from adopting a common ideal, and that the ideal of the Muslim nation is preservation and propagation of Unity

RR 26

Showing that the expansion of national life depends upon controlling the forces of the universe

RR 26

Showing that the perfection of national life is when a nation becomes aware of its selfhood just like an individual, and that the propagation and perfecting of this awareness is only possible through preservation of national history

RR 26-27

Showing that the continuance of the species derives from motherhood, and that preserving and honoring motherhood is the foundation of Islam

RR 28

The perfect role model for Muslim women is Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter

RR 28

Address to Muslim women

RR 28

Commentary on the Chapter ‘Unity’ from the Quran, summarizing the substance of this masnavi

RR 29

• Say: He is God, the One

RR 29

• God is Self-subsistent

RR 29

• He has no offspring, nor was He begotten by anyone

RR 29

• And there is none like Him

RR 29

Petition to the Mercy for All Worlds

RR 30