Know, O Murid, that the first thing you must do to save your soul is to seek a teacher who will show you your faults and free you from your self-will. Even if you have to travel to the farthest places. I will tell you, God willing, what you should do while you seek this teacher until you find him.

When you have found him, follow him and be sincere in your service. He who is present sees better than he who is absent. Be before him as a dead man before the one who washes him, and do not object to him even if you see that he violates the Shariah, for man is not infallible.

Do not conceal from him anything that goes on within you, whether praiseworthy or blameworthy, whether from yourself or others. Do not sit in his place, do not wear his clothes and sit before him only in a respectful state, as a servant sits before his master. If he commands you to do something, examine it carefully until you understand what he is asking you to do. Do not act hastily without understanding what he means. Do nothing without reason and do not ask him the reason for his instructions.

If you describe one of your states to him, be it a dream or something else, don't ask him what it means. If you approach him on a subject, do not expect an answer and do not take into account what others say about it. If you know that someone is his enemy, for God's sake avoid him and don't talk to him.

If you see someone he loves and praises, love that person and fulfill her needs. If your sheikh divorces a woman, do not marry her. Never enter your sheikh's private area and do not spend the night with him in his house or in a place where he sleeps. Sleep near him where you cannot see him but can hear him when he calls you. Do not advise him in your affairs, because this contradicts your principle of only wanting what your sheikh wants.

If something comes to your mind, don't do it and follow what your shaykh tells you to do. Some shuyukh tell you to do something even though they don't really want to do it, which harms you. They tell you not to do something that benefits you and harms them. Let go of your thoughts and don't do anything that comes to your mind, because your sheikh has already given you enough tasks.

Do not object to his actions and do not ask him why he does this or that. Serve and help anyone he prefers to you. Do not sit anywhere without being sure that your sheikh sees you. Always be respectful and do not walk in front of him at night. Do not look him in the face too often, as this can reduce respect.

Do not spend too much time with him, but stay in your retreat or behind his door so that he can find you when he needs you. Do not fulfill anyone's request, even your father's, without consulting your sheikh. When you meet him, kiss his hand, bow and follow his instructions. Take care of his reputation.

When you bring him food, place it completely in front of him and stay behind the door. If he calls you, answer, otherwise let him eat in peace. When he is finished and allows you to eat, take your share and don't give any of it away. Don't think badly about him eating alone, even if it's a lot of food.

Avoid doing anything that could anger him. Pay attention to the Shuyukh's cunning, because they sometimes test their students. If you make a mistake and he does not punish you, be careful because he may have lost faith in you. If he rebukes you for the smallest of mistakes, rejoice in his attention and blessing. The friendlier he is, the more respect you should show him.

If your sheikh travels and leaves you behind, stay in the place where he was sitting and greet him at the times you normally saw him. Respect him in his absence as you would in his presence. If you see him go out, do not ask him where he is going and do not interfere in his decisions. If he asks you for advice, leave it to him, because his questions are not out of neediness, but out of love and wisdom.

If he stays in one place, don't ask why and don't think about why. If he goes away from a place he often visits, don't remind him and don't interpret his words other than literally. Follow his instructions, even if they seem wrong to you. Follow his orders without interpretation, because true leadership lies in unconditional obedience and not in correct interpretation.

Do not pray in a place where you turn your back on him when he is present. Fulfill both duties of respect. Spread his words only with his permission and do not observe him eating, sleeping or doing other ordinary activities unless he invites you to do so. Be careful with your language, even if he invites you to eat or sleep with him. These invitations should not be used as an opportunity for intimacy, as they diminish respect.

This is how you should behave, O Murid, when you find your Sheikh. Until then, while you seek him, repent of your sins, reconcile with those you have hurt, and weep over your past mistakes. Be in the constant company of the knowledge that you are certain of your sins, but the acceptance of your repentance is uncertain. Always maintain complete ritual purity and pray after each renewal of prayer washing. Observe the five daily prayers and pray voluntarily in your home.

The text comes from the work of Ibn Arabi