And just as the stomach, when food falls into it, takes its purity and essence and issues it to the limbs, thereby reviving, growing, and refreshing them, so too the Inward Luminous Knowledge, when it falls into the heart, issues its substance and essence to the rational soul (al-nafs al-natiqa), reviving, refining, substantiating, illuminating, and igniting it. Thus, if faith is strengthened in the heart, gnosis (ma'rifa) is strengthened, actions become good, the soul becomes tranquil, and it draws support from the light within the heart; then the light extends until it connects with the light of Allah, Mighty and Majestic; thus, he becomes connected, inseparable from Him. Whenever faith is strengthened in the heart and deeds are improved, the lights shine forth, the veils (al-hujub) are lifted, and Wisdom and Divine Knowledge become manifest to the believer. If he supplicates to Allah, Mighty and Majestic, his prayer is not veiled; if he speaks, he speaks by the light of Allah; and if he walks, he walks and is illuminated by the light of Allah. Whether he traverses land or sea, fears a grave matter, or aspires to a great endeavor, the light of Allah is with him—protecting him, delivering him, surrounding him, and guarding him. If he sees a beast or a predator, it is terrified and awed by him; if a ruler sees him, he honors, elevates, and reveres him; and if an envious or obstinate person sees him, Allah grants him victory over them by His light, to which he is connected... etc.

I say: This statement is sufficient for whoever contemplates it with the eye of insight ('ayn al-basira). This is because the stomach