The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 160
PREFACE ESSENCE OF ISLAM 159 descent of God's word, it illumines the entire expanse of the heart with the light that is known as Islam. At this stage of perfect cognition, Islam ceases to be a mere word; rather, all its essential reality, that I have described, is attained. The human soul, in utmost humility, lays its head before the Divine Presence. Then, from both sides, are heard the words: 'Whatever is mine is yours. That is, the soul of the servant declares and affirms: ‘O my Lord, what- ever belongs to me is Yours. And God Almighty responds, giving glad tidings: 'O My servant, all that is with Me—the heavens, the earth, and all else is with you. ' It is this exalted station that is indicated in the verse: قُلْ يُعِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَّحْمَةِ اللهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا Part Number 24, Surah az-Zumar— Meaning that: 'Say: O My servants who have committed excesses against your own selves, you should not despair of the mercy of Allah, God Almighty will forgive all sins. ' In this verse, instead of which means, 'Say, O servants of God Almighty, the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was commanded to say meaning, ‘Say, O my servants. The secret behind revealing this verse in this form is indeed that God Almighty wishes to convey the good news of His limitless mercies and thus comfort those who are broken-hearted because of their excess of sins. Thus, Allah, glorified be His eminence, intended in this verse to present an example of His mercies, and to show His serv- ant the extent to which He honours His faithful servants with special favours. By adopting the form [Say, O my servants], in effect, God said: 'Behold this beloved Messenger of mine! Observe the rank that this eminent servant has arrived at through his perfect obedience to Me, that now, all that is Mine is his; the person who desires salvation 1. Surah az-Zumar, 39:54 [Publisher]