The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 266
266. Essence of Islam II. God's will becomes the purpose of his life. At this stage. God Almighty appears very near as He has said: 92 نحْنُ أَقْرَبُ اِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ 2. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. . In that condition a person is like ripe fruit which falls of itself from the tree. In the same way, all the low relationships of such a person come to an end and his relationship with God becomes so strong that he draws away from creation and is honoured with the converse of God. Almighty. For achieving this rank, the doors are still open as they were open before, and God's grace bestows this bounty upon the seekers today as He bestowed it before. But this path is not found through mere words and this door is not opened by useless talk and boasts. . There are many who desire but there are few who find. . The reason is that this rank depends upon true endeavour and true sacrifice. You can go on talking till Judgement. Day without avail. To step out in sincerity on to the fire of which people are afraid is the first condition of this path. If there is not practical eagerness, it is vain to talk of it. In this connection God Almighty says: وإذا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَانّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ اِذَا دعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ 93. When My servants inquire from thee concerning Me, tell them I am close. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls Me. So they should seek to attain my nearness through prayers and be guided. [Islāmi Uşūl ki Philosophy, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 10, pp. 394-396] 92. Qaf, 50:17 [Publisher] 93 Al-Baqarah, 2:187 [Publisher]