Source text:
Dear reader,
My counsel to you is to desist from keeping me company on this journey unless you are able to reach its end with me. I adjure you in the name of love and truth, even the name of God who embodies the essence of all love and truth, not to take a single step with me if you are unable to divest yourself of the dense veil of heritage that your ancestors bequeathed to you, and which obscures from us sunlight during the day and the light of the planets during our nighttime trek. Detach yourself from the strata of generations and rove with me until we reach the mecca of truth. Once there, clothed in pilgrims’ garb, you shall find your inherited clothing, as well as some new clothes besides. You shall then go back to your original habit, dressed in what you have always been used to and go your way; or you might substitute that costume with certain clothing that, albeit not luxurious, it has not seen wear and tear. Be that as it may, I shall not forget that you have found sustenance in my vineyard, quenched your thirst from my water jug, and went to sleep inside my tent. You are my brother. Should we part company, it would be on amicable terms, just the way we joined company. May peace be upon you and upon all our travel companions.
Ameen
Beirut, 1 December 1910
(translation: Rula Baalbaki)