In Section 21 of the Golshan-e Raz, Mahmud Shabestari employs the metaphor of an almond to explain the three fundamental stages of the Sufi path: Islamic law (Shari'at), the spiritual path (Tariqat), and ultimate truth (Haqiqat). He likens Shari'at to the protective outer shell (pust) of the almond and Haqiqat to the inner, nourishing kernel (maghz). Tariqat is described as the intermediary state or path connecting the two. Shabestari explains that while the shell is essential for protecting the raw kernel, once the seeker's kernel matures and they attain direct certainty, the shell naturally breaks away. This illustrates the Sufi concept that outward ritualistic forms are transcended upon fully realizing and uniting with the inner Divine Truth.