keeping him in mind and remembering him, even if he is unaware of it. It is also said, “So-and-so has only Allah and His Messenger in mind.”

Moreover, it is well known that knowledge, remembrance, love, and esteem may be reciprocal. If someone knows, remembers, loves, and esteems Zayd, Zayd may likewise know, remember, love, and esteem him. This also holds true with regard to Allah Most High, as stated in the report: “If any of you wishes to know his standing with Allah, let him consider Allah’s standing in his heart, for Allah accords the servant a place with Him corresponding to the place the servant accords Him in his heart.”

Allah Most High has said, as related from Him by His Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Whoever remembers Me within himself, I remember him within Myself. Whoever remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a gathering better than theirs. Whoever draws near to Me by a handspan, I draw near to him by a cubit. Whoever draws near to Me by a cubit, I draw near to him by a full armspan. Whoever comes to Me walking, I come to him running.”

He also said, “My servant continues to draw near to Me through voluntary acts of worship until I love him,” because voluntary acts of worship