If God afflicted one with forgetfulness [of the true nature of] his egoself, of witnessing its baseness and insignificance; it is evidence of the beginning of God's chastising him from having turned away from Him. Then, on account of his deficient perception of his own frailty and forgetfulness of God's omnipotence, he becomes ever more insolent. For such a one there is no hope for well being, for there is no sign [in him] of well being and support. The signs of support are those that God - be He exalted - has taught us in His book, in his words dealing with the traits of those who have gained His pleasure saying : Surely God gave you support and aid at Badr and you were [among the] lowly [3:123]. Here God clearly made apparent the signs of his support (nusra) and turn of good fortune (dawla). Therefore one who does not seek wellbeing and support through lowliness and utter need will never attain them. To pursue God's favour through [attaining] power is to contend with God's Lordship; and anyone who contends with the Lord is brought low. Abu Yazid al-Bistami - foremost of the gnostics of his time, of exalted station and lofty rank, well known for his ascetic practices, detachment, and journeys - relating of himself, as I heard 'Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Ja'far say that Al-Hasan ibn 'Allawayah said, "When Abu Yazid was asked what he most desired from the world, he replied, "That I might see myself through the eye by which people see me."

The Stumblings of Those Aspiring (Zalal al-fuqara') Syaikh Abu Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sulami Al-Naysaburi