Qasimul Anwar (1356-1433 CE) is a little known poet and mystic, who was born near Tabriz, in Iran, and settled in Herat, Afghanistan. In this poem, he tells us that for those who attain direct experience of the Eternal, all laws and regulations become meaningless.

Before the Mosque and Temple

Before the mosque and temple
Came to be,
We existed with You
In another plane.

No need for a message
To be passed to us.
When we are together
We need no intermediary.

Let not the mention of the other
Come on your tongue;
It’s not the way for people of the heart
To speak of others but the Friend.

Sobriety is not necessary
When you tread on the mystic path;
Here each atom in the universe
Is intoxicating, drunk.

O puritan, don’t pronounce
That this is bad and that forbid;
Every good thing is allowed
To those who are good.

Qasim beware, and rein
In your speech.
It’s best
Let the Pir of Love
Speak of the rest.

Tr. Mahmood Jamal