If a person reflects on his own condition and that of all people, he will find that these two things are inseparable from them: the soul must have something in which it finds reassurance and which is the ultimate object of its love; this is its deity. It must also have something it trusts and relies upon to attain what it seeks; this is its source of help, whether that is Allah or someone else.
This may take an all-encompassing form, which is disbelief, as with someone who worships other than Allah absolutely and appeals to other than Allah absolutely. Such are the worshippers of the sun, the moon, and other things, who ask them to fulfil their needs and turn to them in times of calamity. It may also take a particular form among Muslims, as with someone so overcome by love of wealth, love of a person, or love of leadership that he becomes its slave. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“Wretched is the slave of the dirham! Wretched is the slave of the dinar! Wretched is the slave of the cloak! Wretched is the slave of the plush garment! If he is given something, he is pleased; if he is denied it, he is resentful. May he fall into misery and be brought low! If a thorn pierces him, may he fail to remove it!”
Likewise, someone may be overcome by confidence in his standing and wealth, believing that the leader or other person he serves, the assistant or soldier or other person who serves him, his friends, or his possessions are what bring him a particular benefit and ward off a particular harm. He therefore relies upon them and seeks their help. The source of help is the one called upon and asked.
How often worship entails seeking help! Whoever the heart relies upon for its provision, support, benefit, and protection from harm, it submits to him, humbles itself before him, obeys him, and loves him on that account, even if it does not love him for his own sake. Yet this state may come to dominate it until it loves him for his own sake and forgets what it originally sought from him. This happens to many who love wealth or love someone through whom they attain honour and power.
As for someone whom the heart loves, desires, and seeks, it may not seek his help or rely upon him unless it perceives his ability to secure what it desires—as when a lover perceives that the beloved is able to bring about their union.