the future on the side of post-eternity, which resembles a boundless ocean. Whether it wanted or not, it would be cast into the ocean.
While in that truly strange and sorrowful state of mind, help reached me from belief and from the Qur’an; the verse, “But if they turn away, say: ‘God suffices me, there is no god but He; in Him do I place my trust – He the Sustainer of the Throne [of Glory] Supreme!’” came to my assistance, like a safe and trusty boat. My spirit boarded the verse with complete confidence and joy. I understood that besides its explicit meaning, an allusive meaning had consoled me so that I had found tranquillity and serenity.
Yes, its explicit meaning says to God’s Noble Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace): “If the people of misguidance turn away, shun your Shari‘a and practices and do not heed the Qur’an, do not worry. Say: Almighty God is enough for me. I place my trust in Him. He will raise up others in their place who will follow me. The throne of His rule encompasses everything; the rebellious cannot escape outside its bounds, nor do those who seek assistance remain unaided.” While its allusive meaning says this:
“O man! And O leader and guide of mankind! If all beings leave you and depart for non-existence on the path of transience; if living beings part from you and hasten down the road of death; if people abandon you and enter the graveyard; if the people of neglect and misguidance do not heed you and fall into darkness; do not be anxious. Say: Almighty God suffices me. Since He exists, everything exists. Those who have departed have not gone to non-existence; they have departed for another of His realms. Out of His infinite generosity and from among His innumerable soldiers, that Owner of the Sublime Throne sends others in their place. Those who have entered the graveyard have not been annihilated; they have departed for another world. He will send other officials in their place. And He can send obedient servants who follow the true path in place of those who fall into misguidance. Since it is thus, He takes the place of everything. Nothing can take the place of His favours, His regard.”
This allusive meaning caused the three awesome corpses which had filled me with terror to take on another form. They became a wisdom-displaying passage, an instructive excursion, a journeying for the performance of duties, a demobilization and a charging with duties, whereby the universe is shaken up, and comes and goes.