Aslam

Some say that these things are mere examples, but God has reserved for the pious what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no heart has conceived. Some say that man knows nothing of Paradise except its attributes and names. Others hold that some are mere patterns and some are identical with the realities which these names signify. Likewise others hold that limit to the knowledge of God is one's inability to reach it. The object of secret knowledge is to remove the covers of doubt over these things from mind and the appearance of such light therein which clears everything like day light. It is possible owing to the light of heart. It is like a mirror through which one can see clearly everything that falls on it if is cleared of all impurities therein.
The science of the heart is that by which these impurities are

36 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP Vol-I

removed from the heart as these impurities ar impediments or obstacles ,td the knowledge of God's attributes. The mode of clearing them is the abstinence from low desires and passions ancl following the ways of the prophets. Thus to whatever extent the heart is cleansed and made to face the truth, to that same extent will it reflect its reality, this cannot be attained without discipline and efforts. This secret science cannot be written in books, but it can be gained by experience as a gift of God. About this science, the Holy. Prophet said: this is such a knowledge which is like a hidden things. None can grasp it except those who know God. Don't despise such learned man whom God has given a portion of it, as God does not despise a man on whom He gives * gift.

The second kind of practical religion is the praiseworthy and blameworthy sciences of the states of the heart. Its praise- worthy qualities are patience, gratitude, fear, hope, contentment, as- criticism, God-fear, generosity, recognition of the gift of God Under all circumstances, good faith, good conduct, truthfulness and sincerity. To'know the limits of these attributes, their real nature and the means whereby they are attained, their results and their signs are included in the Science of the hereafter. The blame-worthy evils are the following-fear of poverty, displeasure over pre-decree, envy, hatred, hypocrisy, flattery, hope for living long, pride, show, anger, enmity, greed, miserliness, self-conceit, to honour the rich, to look the poor with contempt, haughtiness, vanity, boasting, loss of fear of God, expression of piety, lukewarm support for truth, secretly fostering erurtity with outward of friendship, revenge, deceit, breach of trust, harsh treatment, contentment with the world, oppression, loss of shame and kindess. These are the faults of the mind, roots of evil deeds and miseries.