The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 54
54. Essence of Islam-IV ment of people. Their true purpose is to draw people towards God and they are ultimately recognized through this very spiritual power. The light that endows them with the power to attract others may not be perceived by those who would try to test it and it may even lead them to stumble; still, that light by itself draws such people as are worthy of being drawn and thus reveals its miraculous effect. . The special friends of God are known by the following signs: (1) They are bestowed a pure love of the Divine which cannot be perceived by people of this world. (2) Their hearts are governed by a sort of fear, due to which their obedience takes the subtlest form, and they are afraid lest the Eternal Friend is displeased. (3) They are bestowed extraordinary steadfastness, the manifestation of which surprises the beholders. (4) When someone persecutes them and persists in so doing, he is suddenly subjected to the wrath of that Most Powerful One, Who is their Guardian. (5) When someone becomes their true friend, and devotes himself to them in full loyalty and sincerity,. God Almighty draws such a one to Himself and bestows His special mercy on him. (6) In comparison with others, their prayers are accepted in such large numbers as can hardly be counted.