him some benefit and ward off some harm from him. Although this, too, is made possible by Allah Most High, they do it only for what they themselves gain from the servant, unless their action is for Allah’s sake.

When they love him, they seek to fulfil their own purpose through that love, whether they love him for his inward or outward beauty. When they love the prophets and the friends of Allah, they seek to meet them, for they wish to enjoy seeing them, hearing their words, and the like. Likewise, whoever loves someone for his courage, leadership, beauty or generosity must receive his own share of benefit from that love; were it not for the pleasure he takes in it, he would not love him. If they bring him some benefit, such as service or wealth, or ward off some harm, such as illness or an enemy—even through supplication or praise—they seek something in return, unless their action is for Allah’s sake.

The soldiers of kings, the slaves of an owner, the hired workers of a craftsman and the assistants of a leader all seek only to achieve their own purposes through the person they serve. Most give no thought to benefiting him, unless they have received instruction and moral training from another source—in which case this belongs to the religious sphere—or there is a natural disposition toward justice and kindness arising from reciprocity and compassion. Otherwise, their primary aim is their own benefit. This is part of Allah’s wisdom, through which He has secured the welfare of His creation, apportioned their livelihood among them in this worldly life, and raised some above others in rank:

“so that some may employ others in their service.”

Once this is understood, it becomes clear that a created being’s primary aim is not to benefit you, but to benefit himself through you. This may even cause you harm if he does not observe justice. Thus, when you call upon him, you have called upon someone more likely to harm you than to benefit you.

The Lord, glorified be He, wills your good and your benefit through you, not His own benefit from you. This brings you benefit without harm. Reflect upon this: keeping this aspect in mind prevents you from placing your hope in a created being or