and it is the gateway to the realm of the dominion ['alam al-malakut]. It has been said: 'Allah never sent down a scripture but that it contained: "O man, recognize your soul, and you will recognize your Lord."' And it has been said that there was found written upon the gate of the city of Harran in Syriac script: 'Whosoever recognizes his soul becomes divine [ta'allaha].'"

[138] And a wise sage said: "He has surely attained mastery who occupies a position wherein he is sought after for the recognition of his soul."

[139] And he also said: "Begin with your own soul, then with those whom you sustain."

[140] And our Master, the Commander of the Faithful—His glory is mighty—said in Nahj al-Balaghah: "Whosoever recognizes his soul has surely recognized his Lord."

[141] And he—His glory is mighty—also said: "Whosoever recognizes his soul and what it encompasses of light and darkness has surely recognized his Lord through the light of wisdom."

[142] And he—His glory is mighty—also said: "Whosoever is incapable of recognizing his soul is even more incapable of recognizing his Creator."