infinite weakness and impotence of human beings, and understand how heavy are the burdens of life and responsibilities of living, and awakens in him a serious wish for rest and a sincere desire to go to another world.

The Fourth: Through the light of belief, it shows to the believer’s heart that death is not execution but a change of abode; that the grave is not the mouth of a dark well but the door to light-filled worlds; and that for all its glitter, the world resembles a prison in relation to the hereafter. To be released from the prison of this world and enter the gardens of Paradise, and pass from the troublesome turmoil of bodily life to the world of rest and the arena where spirits soar, and to slip free from the vexatious noise of creatures and go to the presence of the Most Merciful is a journey, indeed, a happiness, to be desired with a thousand lives.

The Fifth: By informing the person who heeds the Qur’an concerning the knowledge of reality it contains, and through the light of reality the world’s true nature, it makes him realize that love for the world and attachment to it are quite meaningless. That is, it says the following to humanity, and proves it:

“The world is a book of the Eternally Besought One. Its letters and words point not to themselves but to the essence, attributes and names of another. In which case, learn its meaning and grasp it, but ignore its decorations, then go!

“The world is also an arable field; [^2] sow and reap your crop, then preserve it. Throw away the chaff and give it no importance!

[^2]:See, al-Ghazālī, Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn, iv, 19; al-Sahāwī, al-Maqāṣid al-Ḥasana, 497.

“The world is also a collection of mirrors which continuously pass on one after the other; so know the Being Who is manifested in them, see His lights, understand the manifestations of the names which appear in them and love the One they signify. Sever your attachment to the fragments of glass, which are doomed to be broken and perish!

“The world is also a travelling place of trade. So do your commerce and come; don’t chase in vain the caravans which flee from you and pay you no attention. Don’t weary yourself for nothing!

“The world is also a temporary exhibition. So gaze on it and take lessons. Pay attention, not to its apparent, ugly face, but to its hidden, beautiful face which looks to the Eternal All-Beauteous One. Go for a pleasant and beneficial promenade, then return. Don’t weep like a silly child at the disappearance of scenes displaying fine views and showing beautiful things, and don’t feel anxious!

“The world is also a guesthouse. So eat and drink within the limits