In the Hadiqat al-Haqiqah, Sanai critiques superficial asceticism through a dialogue between a wise man (dānā) and an ascetic (zāhid) who has isolated himself on a mountaintop. When the ascetic admits that his lower self (nafs) remains his constant companion day and night, the wise man explains that physical isolation is futile. This narrative illustrates the Sufi principle that true renunciation (zuhd) cannot be achieved merely by fleeing physical society; rather, the ultimate spiritual struggle is the internal conquest and discipline of the nafs.