Sayings of 'Abd al-Rahman Jami: Sufi quotations
Contents
’Abd al-Rahman Jami (1414-1492), of Herat, Naqshbandi poet and theosophist, is the author of the Gardens of Love and one of the last great polymaths of Persian civilisation.
’Abd al-Rahman Jami: a man who sells miracles…
A man who sells miracles in order to be adulated is nothing but a charlatan. He who buys them from him, even if he does not bark, is nothing but a dog. A Sufi has no need to traffic in the marvellous.
’Abd al-Rahman Jami: take only the path of union
O you who journey on the Path, do not speak at every turn. Take only the road that leads to union with the Supreme Lord. The things of this world breed disunion: do not seek the heart’s union in the hoarding of things.
’Abd al-Rahman Jami: every thought that is not remembrance
O my heart, how long will you go seeking perfection in the schools? How long these lessons on the principles of wisdom and geometry? Every thought that is not remembrance of God (dhikr) is but a decoy. Have fear of God: how long these vain solicitations?
’Abd al-Rahman Jami: only Your own praise is worthy of You
Lord! We cannot articulate Your praise nor proclaim Your glory up to Your Height. All that, in the book of creation, is praise and glorification refers back to Your majesty and Your grandeur. What can our hands and lips express in thanksgiving and praise befitting You? You Yourself say what You are. The jewel that pays You homage is the one You Yourself have cut. In the immensity of Your greatness, the world is but a drop from the ocean of Your generosity. Is it not beyond our strength to praise You? Only Your own praise is worthy of You.
Jami
God said to His friend: You are the stranger, I am your homeland.