—that very distinctive trait. This much is not hidden from any fair-minded, knowledgeable observer. Had it not been that speaking the truth is an obligation, whereas fanaticism for any individual is mere caprice, I would have refrained from mentioning this; but the truth must be spoken whether it pleases or pains, and Allah’s help is sought.

Now that you know this—may Allah support you—guard his heart, for a man such as this may be proclaimed great in the heavenly kingdom. Strive, by every means possible, to earn his good pleasure; draw his affection toward you and his love for you with whatever you are able, for such a person is a shaheed, and the martyrs of the age rank behind one like him. Should you obtain his love, I hope for you thereby a special favor which I conceal and do not disclose. The more perceptive among you may sense it, and perhaps my soul will one day allow me to mention it, lest (2) I withhold my counsel from you.

That special favor is this: that you be granted a share of his uniquely Muhammadan portion with Allah. Such a gift flows only by means of the shaykh’s love for the disciple, and of the disciple’s winning the shaykh’s love through his courteous conduct (3) with him, his guarding of the shaykh’s heart and thoughts, and his deliberate effort to attract the shaykh’s affection and love. I therefore hope that you will obtain, through this, a portion of what lies between him and Allah Almighty—over and above what you acquire (4) from his outward knowledge, his benefits, and his guidance, Allah willing.

I further hope that, once you open between yourselves and your Lord the door of rectifying (5) your dealings—by safeguarding that moment with Allah Most High, renouncing all but Him within it, and by carrying forward the effect of that—