Rumi's Masnavi - Therefore ’tis black villainy to go (turn away) from the Soul (Reality) towards the smoke for the sake of (indulging) the phantasies (illusions) of the (animal) soul.

Therefore ’tis black villainy to go (turn away) from the Soul (Reality) towards the smoke for the sake of (indulging) the phantasies (illusions) of the (animal) soul.

In explanation of the saying of the Prophet, on whom be peace, “There is no monkery in Islam.”

“Do not tear out thy feathers, but detach thy heart from (desire for) them, because (the existence of) the enemy is the necessary condition for (waging) this Holy War.

When there is no enemy, the Holy War is inconceivable; (if) thou hast no lust, there can be no obedience (to the Divine command). 575

There can be no self-restraint when thou hast no desire; when there is no adversary, what need for thy strength?

Hark, do not castrate thyself, do not become a monk; for chastity is in pawn to (depends on the existence of) lust.

Without (the existence of) sensuality ’tis impossible to forbid sensuality: heroism cannot be displayed against the dead.

He (God) hath said ‘Spend’: therefore earn something, since there can be no expenditure without an old (previously acquired) income.

Although He used (the word) Spend absolutely, (yet) read (it as meaning) ‘Earn, then spend.’ 580

Similarly, since the King (God) has given the command ‘Refrain yourselves,’ there must be some desire from which thou shouldst avert thy face.

Hence (the command) ‘Eat ye’ is for the sake of the snare (temptation) of appetite; after that (comes) ‘Do not exceed’: that is temperance.