then the second evening prayer, which is the manifestation of al-Ḥasan; then the morning prayer (al-Ghadāh), which is the manifestation of al-Ḥusayn."

The King said: "And the night prayer?" He said to him: "The manifestation of Muḥsin, and he is the Hidden Person (al-shakhṣ al-khafiyy). We were only commanded to hide the night prayer to verify his person."

The King said: "On what meaning do you perform the night prayer from its beginning to its end, showing fear and anguish, buying and selling your souls, and denying yourselves the pleasure that has been permitted to you? Do you hope thereby for reward from Allah, or do you fear His punishment?" My Master said: "We hope thereby for His reward and we dread His punishment."

The King said: "What crime have you two committed, and what sin have you two earned, that you should fear His punishment?" My Master said to him: "I have not known, since I recognized Him, that I have opposed Him, nor have I committed a sin or disobeyed Him." The King said: "Are you not among those who say that Allah, Exalted Glory, is Just in His judgment and equitable toward His creation?" My Master said: "I say nothing other than that."

He said: "It is the way of the Wise and Just One not to punish one who has not sinned or opposed Him. He has described Himself with pardon, mercy, and forgiveness, saying, Exalted Glory: «The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their exaltation. Indeed, He was ever Forbearing and Forgiving.»¹ The Powerful One does not pardon except those who have committed crimes and erred. He, Exalted Glory, said: «It is He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask Him to do so] that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And ever is