as you are.’ Then he turned towards us and said, ‘I shall tell you what kept me from you this morning. I rose during the night, performed ablution, and prayed as much as had been decreed for me. Then I grew drowsy in my place of prayer until I fell into a deep sleep. Suddenly, I beheld my Lord in the most beautiful form. He said, “O Muhammad!” I replied, “At Your service, my Lord.” He said, “What are the highest assembly disputing about?” I replied, “I do not know.” This was repeated three times. Then I saw Him place His palm between my shoulders until I felt the coolness of His fingertips between my breasts. Everything became clear to me, and I understood it. He said, “O Muhammad!” I replied, “At Your service.” He said, “O Muhammad!” I replied, “At Your service.” He said, “What are the highest assembly disputing about?” I replied, “The deeds that expiate sins.” He said, “What are they?” I replied, “Walking on foot to congregational prayers, remaining seated in the mosques after the prayers, and performing ablution thoroughly under difficult conditions.” He said, “Then what else?” I replied, “Feeding others, speaking gently, and praying at night while people are asleep.” He said, “Ask.” I said, “O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, abandon evil deeds, and love the poor; and I ask You to forgive me and have mercy on me. If You intend to send a trial upon a people, take my life without my being led astray by it. I ask You for love of You and love for those who