An Introduction to the Hidden Treasures of Islam — Page 218
218 of a column. These are spiritual experiences which are not within the ken of worldly people, but there are also those in the world who are bestowed knowledge of such matters. . . . Another benefit that I derived from this exercise was that I discovered that, on need arising, I could endure starvation for a long period. I also feel that if a stout wrestler were to compete with me in enduring starvation, he would die long before I would need any nourishment. I also feel that till a person’s body is inured to such hardship, he is not capable of experiencing the higher spiritual mysteries. But I would not advise everyone to embark upon such an exercise, nor did I undertake it on my own volition. I adopted it under divine direction that was conveyed to me in a clear vision. . . ( Kit a bul-Bariyyah , p. 180-182 footnote, R uha n i Khaz a’ in , vol. 13, pp. 198-200 footnote)