The first part of the original work is entitled “Things that pertain to worship”; the second part, “Things that pertain to practice”; the third part, “Things that destroy the soul,” i. e., the vices; the fourth part, “Things that deliver the soul,” i. e., the virtues. The contents are as follows:
“Things that Pertain to Worship”
I. The Book of Knowledge, which has seven divisions:
- 1. The Benefits of Learning.
- 2. What Kind of Knowledge is Forbidden and Permitted.
- 3. Theological Learning and Nomenclature.
- 4. Conditions of Debate and Controversy.
- 5. The Relation of Teacher and Pupil.
- 6. The Dangers of Learning.
- 7. The Mind and its Uses.
II. The Book of Dogma, which has four divisions:
- 1. The Moslem Creed.
- 2. Degrees of Faith.
- 3. God, His Being, Attributes, Work.
- 4. Faith and Islam.
III. The Book of the Mysteries of Purity, which has three divisions:
- 1. Purification from Unclean Objects.
- 2. Purification from Unclean States.
- 3. Purification from Unclean Matters that cling to the Body (finger-nails, ears, etc.).
IV. The Book of the Mysteries of Prayer, which has seven divisions: