It entails affirming servitude (‘ubūdiyya) to him, for he is the First Light that appeared from Him and did not separate from Him. Through him, He brought existence into being, made him His Kiblah (Ka‘batahu), and obligated prostration toward him. Yet, he remains His humble servant, while the Meaning (al-Ma‘nā) is exalted above him.

Knowledge of the Protégé of the Protégé (Walī al-Walī):

As for knowing the Protégé of the Protégé: it is the knowledge of the Gate of Mercy (Bāb al-Raḥma) and the Lamp of Darkness. He is the Light of His Light and the Sign of His Decree.

Knowledge of Iblis and His Beginning:

As for knowing Iblis and what his beginning was: his beginning was from the Darkness of Objection—the objection of the angels in their response to the test given to them when He said: {“Indeed, I am making upon the earth a successive authority (Khulīfa).” They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and