The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 219
The Holy Prophetsa 219 beneficence and useless is the existence which has no grace. There are only two lives which are worthy of praise. One is the life of the Ever-Living and SelfExisting God, Who is the Source of all beneficence; and second is the life which is beneficent and points to God. . We can show that such was the life only of the Holy. Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] to which heaven has borne witness in every age and does so today. He who does not lead a beneficent life is dead and not alive. I call God to witness that He has furnished to me proof of the everlasting life and full glory and perfection of our master Muḥammad [peace and blessings of. Allāh be on him] to whom all obedience is due, and through following him and loving him I have seen heavenly signs descend upon me and I have found my heart filled with the light of certainty. I have witnessed so many divine signs that through their manifest lights I have beheld my God. [Tiryāq-ul-Qulub, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, Vol. 15, pp. 139-140]. To the degree that the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] appears in the extreme of meekness and humility, to the same degree does he seem to be aided and illumined by the support and light of the Holy. Spirit, as he has demonstrated in action and conduct. The circle of his lights and blessings is so vast and extended that its sample and reflection is visible eternally. The. Divine grace and bounty that is descending in this age is obtained only through following and obeying him. I say truly that no one can be held to be righteous and the winner of the pleasure of God Almighty, nor can he be the recipient of the bounties, blessings, understandings, verities and visions which are bestowed at the highest degree