Explaining how it may happen, (though) rarely, that a disciple sincerely puts his faith in a false impostor (and believes) that he is a (holy) personage, and by means of this faith attains unto a (spiritual) degree which his Shaykh has never (even) dreamed of, and (then) fire and water do him no hurt, though they hurt his Shaykh; but this occurs very seldom.

But exceptionally comes (the case of) a disciple to whom, because of his (spiritual) illumination, that falsehood (of the impostor) is beneficial.

He, by his goodly purpose, attains unto a (high) degree, although he fancied (the impostor to be) soul, and that (soul) proved to be (only) body.

2285 (It is) like trying to find the qibla in the heart (depth) of night: the qibla is not (found), but his (the seeker’s) prayer is valid.

The impostor has a dearth of soul within, but we have a dearth of bread without.

Why should we conceal (our poverty) like the impostor and suffer agony for the sake of false reputation?”