(1 And He—glorified is He—is distinct from the heart of al-Hallāj and from all other created beings (1) 1), so how could the heart (2) of al-Hallāj, or anyone else, contain the Essence of the Real?! Moreover, the jinn enters the human body and takes control (3) of all its limbs. (4 The possessed person is unaware of what the jinn says and does through his limbs (4) 4). The jinn is not merely in his heart, for whatever inheres in the heart is only an accident among accidents, not an existent thing subsisting in itself. Thus, the jinn cannot be in his heart—that is, his spirit.

These people may claim (5) that the Essence of the Real inhered solely in his heart. Yet this is impossible even of a created being (6), so how could it be true of the Creator—majestic is His glory?!

Some of them may cite the statement of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“When the imam says, ‘Allah hears whoever praises Him,’ then say, ‘Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.’” (7)

For Allah said through the tongue of His Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—“Allah hears whoever praises Him.” It is therefore said to them: The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—did not mean what you mean by indwelling