and its mines, and we are the Witness and the Witnessed for the one who seeks Him."

And from him, Exalted Glory, that he said: "We are the indication for the one who perceives the expression, and we are the goal for the one who seeks the end. Our manifestation is unlimited, and our limit is uncounted.¹ With us the follower catches up, and to us the extremist returns. We are the Great News (al-naba’ al-‘aẓīm), and from us was the Ancient Cause."

And it is reported from al-Sayyid Muḥammad, Exalted Glory, that he said: "Duty upon you is the knowledge of me, and it is not upon you the knowledge of that 'Other'."

These reports made it mandatory for every knower, scholar, and rational person not to seek the knowledge of One whose knowledge cannot be reached, whose goal cannot be attained, and the perception of whose attribute cannot be finished. Rather, the scholar worships Allah through the knowledge of the Existent, the Manifest, established by manifestation, so that he does not attempt what is not within his capacity.’

The King asked: ‘Do His manifestations occur with one name or with different names and distinct attributes?’ My Master said: ‘Even if His names differ and His attributes are exhaustive, their distinction does not create a gap or a separation between them and Him. The difference in names and attributes is only due to the difference of the worlds, their variation, and the diversity of their actions, religions, forms, and times. As for the Meaning (Ma‘nā) and His Light, they do not differ. Likewise, His names—Exalted and Sanctified be they—do not differ.’ The King asked: ‘How can I infer that?’ He said: ‘By His saying, Exalted Glory: «Say, "Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call—to Him belong the best names." And do not recite [too] loudly in your prayer or [too] quietly but seek between that a