Blessings of Khilafat — Page 172
172 That is: they have hearts, but they do not benefit themselves therewith. They have eyes, but they avail themselves not therewith. They have ears, but they do not use them to their advantage. They have all these things, but lack human wisdom. Instead, they only possess such wisdom as is found in animals. When faced with fear, they take to their heels, but are unable to find means to protect themselves in future. This means they prostrate at the Divine threshold when faced with fear and trepidation and manage to protect themselves against such suffering, but are unable to protect themselves permanently. They turn to God only when they are hit with some calamity. Fourth Rank After this stage, one enters another stage where he becomes more conscientious. This is a stage that lies at the midpoint. There are three more stages after it, and three before it. At this stage, man becomes a conscious being and is fully aware and cognizant of his actions, though at times he is completely overtaken by Satan. This means that sometimes he is drawn towards vice and sometimes towards good; but he is not easily overpowered by vice, for he has developed the ability to recognize evil. About this state of man, God says: 23 23 S u rah al-A‘r a f , 7:202