Those who are living in Hell are happier there
than they would be in this world, for in Hell their
awareness turns to God, while in this world they
forget. Nothing is sweeter than the awareness of
God. Therefore, their desire to return to this
world is to work and carry out deeds so that they
can witness the manifestation of Divine grace, not
because this world is a happier place than Hell.
Hypocrites are consigned to the lowest place in
Hell, because they were shown the faith but their
unbelief was stronger. They did nothing with the
gift they were given. Their punishment is more
severe so they can become aware of God. To the
unbelievers, faith never came. Their unbelief is
not as strong, and so they become aware through
less punishment. Between pants with dust upon
them, and a carpet with dust, the trousers only
need one person to shake them a little to become
clean, while it takes four people shaking the rug
violently to rid the carpet of its dust.
The inhabitants of Hell cry:
“Pour upon us water, or of that
God has provided you…”
God forbids their desire for food or drink,
therefore this saying means, “Pour upon us from
what you have found, and shines upon you.”
The Koran is like a bride who does not show
her face to you even when you draw aside the veil.
The fact that you have examined her, and yet have
not attained happiness or mystical unveiling, is a
sign that your act of trying to remove her veil has
itself repulsed her, so that she appears to you as
ugly. She says, “I am no beautiful bride.” The
Koran shows itself in whatever form it pleases.
But if you do not try drawing aside the veil, and
seek only the Koran’s good pleasure, watering its
fields, attending it from afar, working upon what
ever pleases it best, then it will show you its face
without any effort at drawing aside the veil.
Seek the people of God, for God does not
speak to every one, just as the kings of this world
do not speak to every weaver. They have appoint
ed viziers and deputies to show the way to the
king. God has also chosen certain servants, so
that whoever seeks God can find God in them. All
the prophets have come for this reason—only
they are the Way.
