Gülistan: Önsöz — Şükür ve İlahi Merhamet

Gratitude is due to God, the Almighty and Majestic, whose obedience brings one closer to Him, and whose thankfulness adds to His bounty. Every breath that enters extends life, and as it exits, it refreshes the soul. Therefore, in every breath, two blessings are present, and for every blessing, a debt of gratitude is due. His rain of mercy reaches everyone without measure, and His table of bounty is spread everywhere. He does not tear the veil of His servants' honor because of their flagrant sins, nor does He cut off the provision of those who consume His sustenance because of their shameful errors. He has commanded the usher of the morning breeze to spread the emerald carpet of spring, and has ordered the nurse of the spring cloud to nurture the daughters of plants in the cradle of the earth. He has dressed the trees in the festive New Year robe of green leaves, and has placed the cap of blossoms upon the heads of the branches. The sap of the reed has become sweet honey through His power, and a date seed has become a towering palm through His cultivation.