Discourses on Philosophy by Seven Sages (Mabahith fi al-Falsafah li-Sab'at Hukama'):

A sage said: "When you conceptualize the forms of beautiful sensory things within particular souls (al-anfus al-juz'iyyah), these souls become similar and attuned to the Universal Soul (al-nafs al-kulliyyah), yearning toward it and desiring to join it. Thus, when the soul departs from the physical framework (al-haykal al-jasadani), it ascends to the kingdom of heaven (malakut al-sama') and joins the Highest Assembly (al-mala' al-a'la). At that moment, it becomes certain of permanent subsistence (al-baqa') and safe from annihilation (al-fana'), finding the pleasure of pure, unblemished life."

One of them asked: "And what is the Highest Assembly?"

He replied: "The people of the heavens and the inhabitants of the celestial spheres."

The questioner asked: "How could they possess hearing and sight?"

He responded: "If there were no one in the world of celestial spheres and the vastness of the heavens to perceive those orderly movements, look upon those virtuous bodies, and hear those delightful melodies,