God Most High has said, "Is the reward of virtue aught save virtue?" . . . Know, O man, that the covenant of servanthood is incumbent upon you, and that the covenant of Lordship is incumbent upon His magnanimity, as He Most High has said, ". . . and fulfill your covenant, I shall fulfill My covenant."
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in relationships with the divine and the importance of fulfilling one's commitments.
Ibn Ata Allah highlights the idea that living virtuously is rewarded with virtue in return, indicating a reciprocal relationship between the individual's actions and divine grace. The quote also stresses the duty of human beings to uphold their commitments as part of their servanthood, while God, in His generosity, promises to honor His own covenant with those who are faithful in fulfilling theirs.
In practice
In a sermon on moral integrity, a speaker might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of honorable behavior.
Whosoever is determined to seek guidance and follow a path of right conduct must search for a shaykh from amongst those who have realization, one who follows a path methodically, who has abandoned his passions, and who has firmly established his feet in the service of his Lord.
Actions are but lifeless forms whose soul is the secret of sincerity in them
Extinction is the beginning of the path: it is traveling to God Most High. Guidance comes afterwards. What I mean by guidance is the guidance of God, as described by the Friend of God, Abraham: "Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me."
. . . persist in that invocation until the unity of the world is subsumed for you in a single sphere, so that with the eye of your heart you will see naught in the two worlds save the One.
The most excellent of those who perform good deeds are those who most often remember God in all situations.
If you do not think well of Him because His qualities are beautiful then think well of Him because of the way He treats you.
Intelligence flourishes only in the ages when belief withers.
I am in no way different from anyone else, that my predicament, my sense of aloneness or isolation may be precisely what unites me with everyone.
You can't have occupation and human rights.
The accent of a man's native country remains in his mind and his heart, as it does in his speech.
A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.
The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.
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