and turn people away from the path of Allah.” None of Allah’s prophets or close servants had a body hidden from people’s sight. Yet the true condition of the hearts of many of them—their closeness to Allah, profound knowledge and faith, and pure spiritual states—may remain hidden from people. Thus, in towns, in mosques and among people at large, there may be close servants of Allah whose true state most people do not know. As the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Many a dishevelled, dust-covered man, dressed in two worn garments and turned away from doors, would have his oath fulfilled by Allah if he swore by Him.”

That is, among those whom people regard with aversion because of their shabby appearance, there may be someone whose oath Allah fulfils. This appearance, however, is not a necessary characteristic. Rather, closeness to Allah is as we have explained in connection with His words:

“Indeed, the close servants of Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve—those who believed and were mindful of Allah.”

Allah’s close servants are therefore the believers who are mindful of Him, in every lawful walk of life.

Likewise, the account of the man whose entire body grew hair like a goat’s is false and impossible. Admittedly, some misguided ascetics neglect the Sunnah until hair grows thickly over their bodies. Such a person should be instructed to do what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was commanded to do: trim the moustache closely, pluck the armpit hair, shave the pubic hair, and the like. If he believes that guidance other than that of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is more perfect than his guidance