Thus, he becomes acquainted with the nature of cattle and grows accustomed to being with them.

Likewise, the one who submits [to the truth] after the ordeal (Mihnah), Allah makes him a distinguished merchant who enters upon kings, intending to transfer him [to the state of] a king. According to this description, everyone who is intended to be transferred to a lower state shall not return to a higher one. Do you not see some dogs, how a king singles them out to the point that he seats the dog upon his prayer mat and tucks it into his sleeve? That is because the ordeal (Mihnah) has ended for it in its canine state, and He intends for it to become a king."

I said: "My Master, I have learned what I did not know." He said: "There remains for you more of the knowledge of the Progeny of Muhammad (Al-Muhammad), O Mufaddal; ask for attainment (Balaghan)." I said: "My Master, I ask You for attainment."

The words of the Almighty: {So when they perceived Our punishment, at once they [began to] flee from it} ¹ .