through a connected chain of transmission whose reliability has been questioned.

Concerning the words “Neither eastern nor western,” he said: “His likeness is that of a tree surrounded by other trees: it is green and flourishing, untouched by the sun under any circumstances, whether at sunrise or sunset. Such is the believer: he has been told that trials will befall him, and he has indeed been tested by them, but Allah Most High keeps him steadfast through them. He has four qualities: when given something, he is grateful; when tested, he is patient; when he speaks, he speaks truthfully; and when he judges, he judges justly. Among other people, he is like a living man walking among the graves of the dead.”

Concerning “Light upon light,” he said: “He lives amid light in five respects: his speech is light, his deeds are light, his entrance is light, his departure is light, and his ultimate destination on the Day of Resurrection is light—Paradise.”

Then He set forth the parable of the disbeliever, saying:

“As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage on a level plain, which a thirsty person mistakes for water. But when he reaches it, he finds nothing there; instead, he finds Allah there, who settles his account in full. And Allah is swift in reckoning.” (39) [al-Nūr 39]

He said: “Such is the disbeliever on the Day of Resurrection: he thinks that something good awaits him with Allah, but he finds nothing, and Allah causes him to enter the Fire.” He said that Allah Most High also set forth another parable of the disbeliever.