The Seventh Word

As for the other medicine, it consists of making supplication with gratitude and qanāaContentment with what one has., and relying upon the mercy of Razzāq-i RahīmAllah, the Provider of sustenance Whose mercy encompasses everything.. Indeed, how can neediness be painful and burdensome for the guest of Jawwād-i KarīmAllah, the Infinitely Generous and Bountiful One., who has spread the entire surface of the earth as a table full of blessings and has scattered the spring season over that table like a bouquet of flowers? Just as appetite increases the taste of food, so too does neediness increase the delight arising from the blessings bestowed. Just as he seeks to increase his appetite, he will also seek to deepen his awareness of his neediness.

Therefore, perfected believers were content with their neediness. Do not misunderstand this. It does not mean displaying one’s poverty before people and thereby assuming the attitude of a beggar, but rather recognizing one’s neediness before Allah and making supplication to Him.

As for the ticket, it consists of fulfilling the religious obligations, especially the prayer, and refraining from the major sins. Indeed, ahl-i shuhūdSpiritually elevated people who, by Allah’s grace, can perceive certain unseen realities. and ahl-i kashfSpiritually elevated people who, by Allah’s permission, can perceive certain matters of the unseen. are unanimous that the provision, the light, and the means of transport for that dark and long road toward eternity can only be secured by obeying the commands and prohibitions of the Qur’an. Science, philosophy, and art, by contrast, have no value on that road. Their light reaches only as far as the grave.

Indeed, O my lazy nafsThe aspect of the soul associated with lower desires and negative traits.! If you possess sound reason, you will understand how little is asked of you, how easy and light it is to pray five times a day and refrain from the seven major sins, and how important and immense their results, fruits, and benefits are.

And to that devilish man who urges you toward sins and dissipation, you will say the following:

“If you can kill death, remove transience from the world, abolish the powerlessness and neediness of humanity, and close the gate of the grave, then tell us and we shall listen. Otherwise, be silent! In the great place of worship —the universe— the Qur’an has the right to speak. Let us listen to it, be illuminated by its light, act according to its guidance, and recite it continually. Indeed, it is the one that speaks and the one that must be listened to. It is the truth that comes from the Truth, speaks and shows the truth, and spreads true wisdom.”