most people. This is what actually occurs. The secrets of the True One remain between Him and His friends, and most people do not know. We have already demonstrated that the title ghawth (succour-giver) is altogether invalid; this includes the ghawth of the non-Arabs, the ghawth of Mecca, and the seventh ghawth.

Likewise, the expression “Seal of Allah’s Friends” is invalid and has no foundation. The first to mention it was Muhammad ibn ʿAlī al-Hakīm al-Tirmidhī. A number of people have claimed this title, each asserting that he is the Seal of Allah’s Friends, including Ibn Hamūyah, Ibn ʿArabī, and certain misguided shaykhs in Damascus and elsewhere. Each claims to be superior to the Prophet, peace be upon him, in certain respects, besides making other statements of unbelief and falsehood. All this stems from their ambition to attain the leadership of the Seal of Allah’s Friends, since the leadership of the Seal of the Prophets had eluded them. But they are mistaken.

The Seal of the Prophets is the best of them because of the evidence establishing this, whereas the same does not hold for the seal of Allah’s friends. The best friends of Allah in this community are the earliest pioneers among the Emigrants and the Helpers. The best of this community after its Prophet is Abū Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, followed by ʿUmar, may Allah be pleased with him, then ʿUthmān, may Allah be pleased with him, then ʿAlī, may Allah be pleased with him. Its best generation is the generation among whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent, then those who followed them, then those who followed them.

In reality, the seal of Allah’s friends is the last God-fearing believer to live among people. He is not the best or most excellent of Allah’s friends. Rather, the best and most excellent of them is Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, followed by ʿUmar. After the prophets and messengers, the sun has never risen or set upon anyone better than these two.