Abdul Karim al-Qushayri (986-1072 CE) was born into a privileged Arab family near Nishapur, in Khorosan, and, appropriate to his position, was given an education that included chivalry, weaponry and proper courtly behaviour. In Nishapur, however, his life changed when he met the Sufi shaikh Abu Ali al-Daqqaq, eventually becoming his student, his son-in-law and his spiritual successor. Qushayri was an influential teacher and scholar; for a taste of his poetic thought, see the quatrain posted here.

It has been said, “The moment is a sword.” Just as a sword cuts, so the moment prevails in what the Real makes happen and completes. It is said, “The sword is gentle to touch, and whoever handles it gently is not harmed by it. Whoever handles it roughly is cut.” The same goes for the moment; whoever submits to its command is saved, and whoever fights against it is toppled and destroyed.

Translation Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut