states through which Allah raised him in rank, on account of his acknowledgment of the utter need inherent in servitude and the perfection of Lordship] (1).

Freedom from all need is one of the exclusive attributes of Lordship. As for the servant, [his perfection] (2) lies in his need for his Lord, his servitude to Him, his poverty before Him, and his utter dependence upon Him. The more (3) perfect his servitude is, the greater his excellence. Whatever proceeds from him that makes repentance and seeking forgiveness necessary is among the things that deepen his servitude, dependence, and humility.

It is well known that their sins are not like the sins of others. Rather, as it is said:

“The good deeds of the righteous are the sins of those brought near to Allah.”

Each, however, is addressed (4) according to his rank. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“Every child of Adam is a sinner, and the best of sinners are those who repent often.” (5)

The loss of trust and repulsion that he mentioned may arise from persistence in wrongdoing, committing it frequently, and the like. As for minor lapses accompanied (6) by repentance and seeking forgiveness, [or what occurs through some form of—