necessitated by the position and the duty. Any qualities this sort that you see in me are not mine, so do not suppose I possess them; they belong to the position.
T h e S e c o n d P e r s o n a l i t y : Through Almighty God’s grace, a personality is given me at the time of worship when I am turned towards the divine court; it displays certain marks. These arise from knowing one’s faults, realizing one’s want and impotence, and seeking refuge in utter humility at the divine court, which are the basis and meaning of worship. Through this personality, I know myself to be more wretched, powerless, wanting, and faulty than everyone. If the whole world were to praise and applaud me, it could not make me believe that I am good or possess perfection of any sort.
T h e T h i r d : I have my true personality, that is, the faulty personality of the Old Said, that is, certain veins of character inherited from the Old Said. Sometimes it inclines to hypocrisy and desires rank and position. Also, because I do not come from a noble family, inferior qualities are to be observed, like my being frugal to the point of miserliness.
My brothers! I am not going to describe the many secret faults and ills of this personality, lest I chase you away altogether.
My brothers, since I am not someone capable and of high position, this personality of mine is very far from the character demanded by the duties of herald and of worship; it does not show their traits. Also, in accordance with the rule, “No ability is needed to receive God’s gifts,” Almighty God has compassionately demonstrated His power in me so that He employs my personality, which is like that of the lowest common soldier, in serving the mysteries of the Qur’an, which resembles the highest position of field marshal. Thanks be to God a hundred thousand times! The soul is baser than everything, and the duty higher!
All praise be to God, this is a bounty from my Lord!