His renown and rank in this Path (of Ṣúfiism) were very high. He explained the principles (_uṣúl_) of Divine truth with exceeding subtlety, so that Junayd said: “`Alí is our Shaykh as regards the principles and as regards the endurance of affliction,” i.e. in the theory and practice of Ṣúfiism; for Ṣúfís call the theory of this Path “principles” (_uṣúl_), and its practice consists entirely in the endurance of affliction. It is related that some one begged `Alí to give him a precept (_waṣiyyat_). `Alí replied: “Do not let your wife and children be your chief cares; for if they be friends of God, God will look after His friends, and if they are enemies of God, why should you take care of God’s enemies?” This question is connected with the severance of the heart from all things save God, who keeps His servants in whatever state He willeth. Thus Moses left the daughter of Shu`ayb[53] in a most miserable plight and committed her to God; and Abraham took Hagar and Ishmael and brought them to a barren valley and committed them to God. Both these prophets, instead of making wife and child their chief care, fixed their hearts on God. This saying resembles the answer which `Alí gave to one who asked what is the purest thing that can be acquired. He said: “It is that which belongs to a heart made rich by God” (_ghaná al-qalb billáh_). The heart that is so enriched is not made poor by having no worldly goods nor glad by having them. This subject really turns on the theory regarding poverty and purity, which has been already discussed. `Alí is a model for the Ṣúfís in respect to the truths of outward expressions and the subtleties of inward meanings, the stripping one’s self of all property either of this world or of the next, and consideration of the Divine providence. Footnote 53: Moses is said to have married one of the daughters of Shu`ayb. See Kor. xxviii, 22-8, where Shu`ayb, however, is not mentioned by name. CHAPTER VIII. CONCERNING THEIR IMÁMS WHO BELONGED TO THE HOUSE OF THE PROPHET. 1. ḤASAN B. `ALÍ.