commanded to do so. Yet He, glorified be He, does not bring it about in them, nor does He love anyone who brings it about in them. A distinction must therefore be drawn between the sphere of commands and prohibitions and that of divine decree and predestination, even though the actions performed by servants are subject to commands and prohibitions.

As for the heart’s states and breaths, states are the transformations of the heart, while breath is the air that carries sound. Breath and the states of the heart are the subtlest aspects of faith.

Abū al-Qāsim said: “The True One bound their feet with abandonment, chose distance for them, and removed them from the station of nearness. Thus they are held back.” Verses conveying this meaning have been recited:

I yearn for the one I love, yet what can I do
When my master regards me with displeasure?