The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 220
220. Essence of Islam-1 of the purity of the soul, till he is completely lost in his obedience to the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of. Allāh be on him]. This is affirmed in the Word of God as it is said: 130 قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ الله ). I am the practical and living proof of this Divine promise. You will recognize me through the signs of those who are loved by God Almighty and are His friends which are set out in the Holy Qur'ān. [Malfūzāt, Vol. I, pp. 203-204]. The necessary consequence of following in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] the essentials of which are his love, respect and obedience, is that a person becomes the beloved of God and his sins are forgiven, and if he has swallowed the poison of sin, that poison is rendered harmless through the antidote of love and obedience. As a person can get rid of a disease by the use of medicine, in the same way, a sinner can be purified of sin. As light dispels darkness and an antidote destroys the effect of poison and fire consumes, in the same way true obedience and love prove their effect. As fire consumes in an instant, the eager doing of good for the manifestation of God's glory acts like fire in consuming the fuel of sin. . When a person believes sincerely in the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] and accepting his greatness, follows him with eagerness, love and obedience, so much so that through perfect obedience, he arrives at the stage of non-existence, he, on account of 130 "Say, If you love Allāh, follow me: then will Allāh love you. '―. Al-e-'Imran, 3:32 [Publisher]