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Once it is clear that the servant—and every created being—is dependent on Allah and in need of Him, not of anyone besides Him, it follows that he can find sufficiency neither in himself nor in anyone other than his Lord; for that other being is also dependent on Allah and in need of Him. Among the sayings transmitted from Abū Yazīd—may Allah have mercy on him—is:

“A created being seeking help from another created being is like a drowning person seeking help from another drowning person.”

Shaykh Abū ‘Abd Allāh al-Qurashī is reported to have said:

“A created being seeking help from another created being is like a prisoner seeking help from another prisoner.”

This is only an approximation; in reality, it is like nonexistence seeking help from nonexistence. For unless the True One creates strength and power in the one whose help is sought, that being has nothing of his own. He, glory be to Him, says:

“Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?”

And He Most High says:

“They intercede only for those with whom He is pleased.”

And He Most High says:

“But they cannot harm anyone through it except by Allah’s permission.”

The term “servant” encompasses two meanings. The first refers to one who serves Him involuntarily, as He says:

“There is no one in the heavens and the earth who will not come to the Most Merciful as a servant.”

And He says:

“To Him all those in the heavens and the earth have submitted, willingly or unwillingly.”

And He says:

“Originator of the heavens and the earth”

“All