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Why was the Ascension necessary?
Question: Almighty God is nearer to one than one's jugular
vein, closer to everything than itself, and absolutely free of corporeality and
space. Therefore, while all saints can converse with Him in their hearts, why
did the sainthood of Muhammad have to make a long journey (the Ascension) to
talk with God?
Answer: We shall discuss this profound mystery via two
comparisons from The Twelfth Word, which concern the mystery of the Qur'an's
miraculousness and of the Ascension.
First comparison: A king holds two kinds of conversations and
interviews, and has two modes of address and favor. One is that he converses
with an ordinary subject or citizen about a particular matter or a special need
over a private phone. The other is that under the title of supreme sovereignty,
in the name of supreme kingship and on account of ruling the country, as well as
to publish and promulgate his commands, he converses with one of His envoys
connected to those affairs or with one of His high officials related to those
commands, or speaks to him by means of a magnificent royal decree manifesting
his majesty.
As in the comparison, the Creator of this universe, the Master of existence
in its external and inner dimensions, and the Lord of eternity has two kinds of
conversing and speaking and two manners of favoring. One is particular and
private; the other is universal and general. The Ascension shows Muhammad's
sainthood in a form more universal than, and much superior to, all other
sainthoods. It is the Prophet's being honored with the conversation and direct
address of Almighty God through His Name Lord of the universe and His title of
Creator of existence.
Second comparison: |
