The evidence for this is that you see a man who loves a dog, another a cat, and another a bird; and most of that which they love in humanity, for they are departing toward it in metamorphosis (al-Masukhiyya). Among people are those who love the cattle, the birds, and all else that has appeared in humanity; indeed, a man among them may become so fond of a beast that he cannot endure being away from it for a single hour, and it becomes dearer to him than his family and children. A man among them may take upon himself great exhaustion, profound affection, and intense toil until he attains what he loves in the beast out of immense love for it. This is only because of what his soul has become accustomed to; so when he is transferred into its likeness, he does not feel lonely or terrified. Thus, in their state of metamorphosis, they eat, drink, and frolic because they had become accustomed to it during their human state, as a gentleness from their Master and a kindness toward them despite their disbelief and rebellion against Him.

[12] Supporting this narration is what was narrated by Abu 'Ali Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Malik al-Basri, who said: The Bedouin narrated to me from 'Abd Allah al-'Ala', from Abu al-Haytham, from Hashim, from al-Mufaddal—peace be upon him—from the Knower (al-'Alim)—exalted is His might—that he said: "O Mufaddal, 'the people' are those who find intimacy with God."