to Him take the place of the soul’s passing thoughts and wishes, permeating it little by little as those thoughts once did, until they are entirely overcome, overwhelmed, and dispelled. All one’s thoughts, inner stirrings, and wishes then concern what the Lord loves: drawing near to Him, humbly entreating Him, seeking His pleasure and favor, and remembering Him. This remembrance is like that of a devoted lover whose beloved has shown him kindness and whose love fills his breast. His heart cannot turn away from remembering Him, nor his soul from loving Him.
Once he reaches this state, how could he consent to fill the dwelling of his thoughts and heart with thoughts of his envier and oppressor, ways of taking revenge on him, and schemes against him? Only a desolate heart, uninhabited by love and reverence for Allah and the pursuit of His pleasure, has room for this. Rather, if a fleeting suggestion of such thoughts touches him and passes outside his door, the guards of his heart call out to it: “Beware of trespassing on the King’s sanctuary! Go to the inns where anyone who comes may enter and stay. What business have you with the sovereign’s residence, where he has posted a guard, stationed sentries all around, and built an enclosing wall?”
Allah Most High relates that His enemy, Iblīs, said:
38: 82, 83 “By Your might, I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen servants among them.”
Allah Most High said:
15: 42 “Indeed, you will have no authority over My servants.”
And He said:
16: 99, 100 “Indeed, he has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who, through him, associate others with Allah.”
Concerning Joseph, the man of truth—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—He said:
12: 24 “Thus We turned evil and indecency away from him. Indeed, he was one of Our chosen servants.”
How great is the happiness of one who enters this fortress and comes within the guard’s protection! He has indeed sought refuge in a fortress where those who shelter are free from fear, where none who seek refuge are left unprotected, and where no enemy can hope to approach them.
“That is the bounty of Allah, which He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is the Possessor of great bounty.”
The seventh means is to repent wholeheartedly to Allah of the sins that have given one’s enemies power over him. For Allah Most High says:
42: 30 “Whatever affliction befalls you is because of what