prostrating with his magnificent wings in the divine presence before the sublime throne. [^3] And at the same moment he is present in innumerable places and is relaying the divine commands. One task is not an obstacle to another. Thus, it is through this mystery that the Prophet Muhammad (Upon whom be blessings and peace), whose essence is light and whose nature is luminous, in this world hears at the same time all the benedictions recited for him by all his community, and at the resurrection will meet with all the purified at the same time. One will not be an obstacle to another. In fact, some of the saints who have acquired a high degree of luminosity and are called Substitutes (abdāl) have been observed in many places at the same time and the same person has performed numerous different acts at the same time.

[^3]:See, Bukhārī, Bad’ al-Khalq, 6; Adab, 41; Tawḥīd, 33; Muslim, Īmān, 346; Tirmidhī, Tafsīr al-Sūra 16:6.

Indeed, just as such things as glass and water act as mirrors to physical objects, so the air and ether and certain beings of the World of Similitudes are like mirrors to spirit beings; they become like means of transport and conveyance with the speed of lightning and imagination. The spirit beings travel in those pure mirrors and subtle dwellings with speed of imagination. They enter thousands of places at the same time. Despite being restricted particulars, through the mystery of luminosity impotent and subjugated creatures like the sun and semi-luminous beings restricted by matter like spirit beings may be present in numerous places while being in one place, thus becoming like absolute universals and with a limited power of choice being able to perform many matters simultaneously.

Thus, what thing may hide itself from address of oneness which is within the manifestation of the attributes and acts of the Most Pure and Holy One through His universal will, absolute power, and all-encom-passing knowledge? The Most Holy One, Who is far beyond and exalted above matter; free and exempt from any restriction or limitation and the darkness of density; of the sacred lights of Whose names all these lights and luminous beings are but dense shadows; and of Whose beauty all existence and all life and the World of Spirits and the World of Similitudes are semi-transparent mirrors; Whose attributes are all-encompassing and Whose qualities, universal? What matter could be difficult for Him? What thing can be concealed from Him? What individual can be distant from Him? What person can draw close to Him without acquiring universality?