The story of the wind which destroyed the people of ‘Ád in the time of (the prophet) Húd, on whom be peace.

Húd drew a line round the believers: the wind would become soft (subside) when it reached that place,

855 (Although) it was dashing to pieces in the air all who were outside of the line.

Likewise Shaybán the shepherd used to draw a visible line round his flock

Whenever he went to the Friday service at prayer-time, in order that the wolf might not raid and ravage there:

No wolf would go into that (circle), nor would any sheep stray beyond that mark;

The wind of the wolf’s and sheeps’ concupiscence was barred because of (by) the circle of the man of God.

860 Even so, to those who know God (‘árifán) the wind of Death is soft and pleasant as the breeze (that wafts the scent) of (loved) ones like Joseph.

The fire did not set its teeth in Abraham: how should it bite him, since he is the chosen of God?

The religious were not afflicted by the fire of lust which bore all the rest down to the bottom of the earth.

The waves of the sea, when they charged on by God’s command, discriminated the people of Moses from the Egyptians.

The earth, when the (Divine) command came, drew Qárún (Korah) with his gold and throne into its lowest depth.

865 The water and clay, when it fed on the breath of Jesus, spread wings and pinions, became a bird, and flew.

Your glorification (of God) is an exhalation from the water and clay (of your body); it became a bird of Paradise through the breathing (into it) of your heart’s sincerity.

Mount Sinai, from (seeing) the radiance of Moses, began to dance, became a perfect Ṣúfí, and was freed from blemish.

What wonder if the mountain became a venerable Ṣúfí? The body of Moses also was (formed) from a piece of clay.