The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page xxiv
should go and have some rest, for it was the month of. June and the heat was intense. I retired into an upper room and a servant began to massage my feet. Presently I fell into a light slumber and the revelation came to me: وَ السَّمَاءِ وَ الطارق. We call to witness heaven where all decrees originate and we call to witness that which will happen after sunset. . I was given to understand that this revelation was by way of condolence on behalf of God Almighty, as my father would die that very day after sunset. Holy is Allāh! How. Glorious is He that He conveyed His condolence on the death of a person who had died sorrowing over his wasted life. Most people would be surprised at this interpretation of mine that God Almighty condoled with me. It should, however, be remembered that when God, glorified be His name, treats someone mercifully, He deals with him like a friend. We read in the traditions that on certain occasions. God Almighty laughed. This also is an expression of the same type. . When I received this revelation, which presaged the death of my father, the thought passed through my mind, due to my humanity, that some of the means of income, which were available to my father, would now be closed and we might be confronted with difficulties. Thereupon I received another revelation: الَيْسَ اللهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ. Is not Allāh sufficient for His servant?. This revelation conveyed great comfort and satisfaction to me and it found its firm place in my heart. I swear by God. Almighty in Whose hand is my life that He has fulfilled this comforting revelation in a manner that was beyond my imagination. He has provided for me as no father could have provided for anyone. I have been the recipient