I have heard the word of Allah — Exalted Glory —: «Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, after that, throughout the land, were transgressors»1."
He said: "I want you to make known to me what you were saying at the end of the assembly, to what state you were leaning, and what religion you followed." Abu al-Tahir said: I said to him, "O my master, that which I have realized and become certain of, I am not able to reveal, nor shall I say it or spread it, for you have commanded me thus and cautioned me, and I see it as correct." He said: "You must mention to me something I may know of you." Abu al-Tahir said: So I wrote with my finger upon my palm: ''Ali,' then I returned and closed my palm. He said to me: "'Ali?" I answered him: "You said it. May Allah keep you firm with the firm word in the worldly life and the hereafter; indeed, He is Hearing, Answering."
I leapt toward him to kiss his feet, but he prevented me. He stood on his feet, took me, and pressed me to his chest, kissing me between my eyes. He turned to the books he had, showed them to me, and said: "Take from them what you wish." I stayed with him until I performed the second Hajj. He provided me with provisions, gave me the maidservant, the young boy, and something to carry them on, while I did not carry my own luggage. I returned to my country with this young boy and the maidservant. I have not ceased performing Hajj every year on foot; I begin by visiting the one in Kufa, then travel to Mecca, heading toward my Sheikh as a vow I made upon myself in thanks to Allah — Exalted Glory — for what He favored me with, until you came to me. He has written two letters to me, saying: 'I have known of a land beyond India that cannot be reached except after crossing a wilderness that takes a