Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 4.djvu/370

340 of the faithful, that is, sociableness, and (10) Seeking knowledge, that is, the praiseworthy way.’ (Q.) ‘What are the roots of Islam?’ (A.) ‘They are four in number, to wit, sincerity of belief, truth of purpose, observance of the limit [prescribed by the Law] and keeping the Covenant.’ Then said she, ‘I have one more question to ask thee, which if thou answer, [it is well]; else, I will take thy clothes.’ Quoth he, ‘Speak, O damsel;’ and she said, ‘What are the branches of Islam?’ But he was silent and made no reply; and she said, ‘Put off thy clothes, and I will expound them to thee.’ Quoth the Khalif, ‘Expound them, and I will make him put off his clothes for thee.’ ‘They are two-and-twenty in number,’ answered she, ‘to wit, (1) holding fast to the Book of God the Most High (2) taking example by His Apostle (whom God bless and preserve) (3) abstaining from doing evil (4) eating what is lawful and (5) avoiding what is unlawful (6) restoring things wrongfully taken to their owners (7) repentance (8) knowledge of the Law (9) love of [Abraham] the Friend [of God] (10) and of the followers of the Revelation (11) belief in the Apostles (12) fear of apostacy (13) preparation for departure (14) strength of conviction (15) clemency in time of power (16) strength in time of weakness (17) patience under affliction (18) knowledge of God the Most High and (19) of what His Prophet hath made known to us (20) gainsaying Iblis the accursed (21) striving earnestly against the lusts of the soul and gainsaying them and (22) guiltlessness of believing in any other god but God.’

When the Commander of the Faithful heard her words, he bade the doctor put off his clothes and hood; and he did so and went forth, beaten and confounded, from the Khalif’s presence. Thereupon arose another man and said