Better than a mother, and kinder than a father.

Having compassion on mankind, and wholesome as water, A kind intercessor, and one whose prayers were heard. Benevolent to the good and the bad, and a firm ally, Better than a mother, and kinder than a father. The Prophet said, "To you, O blessed ones, I am as a father, affectionate and indulgent; For this cause, that you are all portions of me." Wherefore should you tear away the parts from the whole? If the part be severed from its whole it is useless; If a limb be rent from the body it dies. Till it is again joined to its whole, 'Tis a dead thing, and a stranger to life.