Section on the Modality of the Initiation and Creation of the Believers

And the State of Their Progression Through the Hierarchical Degrees, and Their Ascent via Acts of Obedience and Gnosis into the Bosom of the Supreme Spirit

[171] It is narrated from Jabir ibn Yazid al-Ju'fi, on the authority of the Splitter of Knowledge [Baqir al-'Ilm]—His glory is mighty—that he said: 'Verily, Allah the Exalted created the souls of the believers from a single, unified Light—neither variegated nor subject to alteration. And He—majestic be His Name—manifested Himself to that Light in His absolute luminous nature [bil-nuraniyyah]. Consequently, the Light recognized Him, affirmed His divinity, called out to Him, held intimate communion with Him, and responded to His cosmic call. He then reinforced it with a Spirit proceeding from Himself, whereby that Light transformed into a pure, radiant, and spiritual soul [ruhan ruhanivyatan safiyatan].

Furthermore, He—majestic be His Name—selected for that Light physical dwellings [buyutan] which He purified and sanctified, and hearts which He guided and clarified.