In this tale from Attar's Elahi Nameh, Ayaz explains why he chooses to kiss Sultan Mahmud's feet rather than gaze upon his face. This serves as a metaphor for the Sufi seeker's approach to the Divine. While the Sultan's face represents divine beauty and the spiritual favors sought by the masses, the feet represent the lowest point of servitude. By choosing the feet, Ayaz demonstrates that true, exclusive devotion (Ikhlas) is found in absolute humility and ego-annihilation, choosing pure servitude over the pursuit of spiritual reward or visions.