The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 219
The Holy Prophetsa 219 beneficence and useless is the existence which has no grace. There are only two lives which are worthy of praise. One is the life of the Ever-Living and Self- Existing God, Who is the Source of all beneficence; and second is the life which is beneficent and points to God. We can show that such was the life only of the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be on him] to which heaven has borne witness in every age and does so today. He who does not lead a beneficent life is dead and not alive. I call God to witness that He has furnished to me proof of the everlasting life and full glory and perfec- tion of our master Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be on him] to whom all obedience is due, and through following him and loving him I have seen heav- enly signs descend upon me and I have found my heart filled with the light of certainty. I have witnessed so many divine signs that through their manifest lights I have beheld my God. [Tiryāq-ul-Qulüb, Rūņānī Khazā'in, Vol. 15, pp. 139-140] To the degree that the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be on him] appears in the extreme of meekness and humility, to the same degree does he seem to be aided and illumined by the support and light of the Holy Spirit, as he has demonstrated in action and conduct. The circle of his lights and blessings is so vast and extended that its sample and reflection is visible eternally. The Divine grace and bounty that is descending in this age is obtained only through following and obeying him. I say truly that no one can be held to be righteous and the win- ner of the pleasure of God Almighty, nor can he be the recipient of the bounties, blessings, understandings, veri- ties and visions which are bestowed at the highest degree