THE FOURTH DISCOURSE On spiritual death

When you are dead to the creation, it will be said to you: "May God have mercy on you," and God will make you die out of the desires of the flesh. And when you die out of the desires of the flesh it will be said to you: "May God have mercy on you." Then He will give you death in your will and desires; and when you are dead in your will and desires it will be said to you: "May God have mercy on you," and He will restore you to (a new) life. Then you will be given a life after which there is no death, and you will be enriched with a wealth after which there is no poverty. And you will be awarded a gift after which there will be no obstruction, and you will be made happy with a happiness after which there will be no sorrow and misery, and you will be blessed with a blessing after which there will be no adversity; and you will be equipped with a knowledge after which there will be no ignorance; and you will be given a security after which there will be no fear; and you will be made to prosper so as not to be unlucky; and you will be honoured so as not to be dishonoured; and you will be made near (to God) so as not to be kept away; and you will be exalted so as not to be lowered; and you will be honoured so as not to be abused; and you will be purified so as not to be polluted any more. Then the fulfilment of all hopes and the (flattering) remarks (of people) will assume reality in your case. You will then become the philosopher's stone so much so that you will elude being recognised (in your elevated position), and you will be so exalted that you will have no like of yourself, unique so that you will have no peer and no equal. You will become unique and peerless, most hidden and most secret. You will then become the successor of every messenger and prophet of God and every truthful man {siddiq). You will become the finishing point of all saintliness {wilayat) and the living saints will flock to you. And through you will difficulties be solved and through your prayers will the clouds, rain and the fields yield harvest; through your prayers will be removed the calamities and troubles of the rank and file of people (in the country) — even of those living in the frontiers, of the rulers and the subjects, of the leaders and the followers and of all creatures. So you will be the police officer (so to speak) for cities and people. The people will traverse distances and hasten towards you and they will bring gifts and offerings and render you service, in every condition of life, by the permission of the Creator of things. The tongues of people will (at the same time) be busy everywhere with applause and praise for you. And no two persons of faith will differ with regard to you. 0! the best of those who live in populated areas and those who travel about, this is the grace of God and God is the Possessor of mighty grace.