the nature of being in the Presence: there is nothing there but withering beneath waves of awe. Allah Most High said:

‘When they attended it, they said, “Listen attentively.”’ [Surah al-Ahqāf 29].”’”

I say: These words concern the states of those who engage in listening. They speak of listening without qualification, encompassing both its lawful and innovated forms, although they more closely describe the state associated with innovated listening. They describe only some of their states, for their states are many times more numerous than this. As for citing the verse as evidence, that calls for discussion which is beyond the scope of this passage.

He said: “Abū ‘Uthmān al-Hīrī said: ‘Listening takes three forms. One is for spiritual aspirants and beginners, who seek through it to evoke noble spiritual states; yet there is fear that they may fall into temptation and ostentation.

The second is for the sincere, who seek to advance in their spiritual states and listen to what accords with their states at the time.

The third is for those among the knowers of Allah who remain steadfast. They do not prefer their own choice over Allah’s concerning the movement or stillness that comes upon their hearts.’”

I say: These words speak of listening without qualification and encompass both categories.