We got up and resumed our journey. The road was good
and it was easy going. On both sides were dense trees laden with fruits and a lake of cool
and sweet water flowed alongside the path. A pleasant breeze further refreshed the mind.
It was as if we were beholding the very image of the Beauty of God.
The journey passed without any problems worth
mentioning. It had been so easy that we were not in the least tired or travel-weary when
we reached the third station. Each of us was given a separate palace for our stay. The
bricks of these palaces were of silver and gold.
The palaces were elaborately equipped and furnished
and not a single thing was lacking. The delicate crockery, exquisite flooring and murals
were unbelievable, The servants were beautiful, well-mannered, eloquent and well-dressed.
They were busy, moving all around us, making arrangements for our comfort, as if they were
the very pictures described in Quran:
"Around them circle beautiful, ever living boys (servants)"
and when you see them, you will imagine them to be spread pearls and when you behold, then
you will behold bounties and a large power."
I felt shy asking such people for service. Suddenly, I spotted a large
mirror and in it I saw the sublime station to which by his grace the Exalted Allah had
elevated me. I felt high on being so honoured and rested back comfortably.
Night fell and the palace became illuminated. Careful scrutiny revealed
that the light was emerging from the branches of the trees. This light was so bright that
a thousand of our electric bulbs would not be able to match it. The palace and the gardens
were bright with this light. I was wondering at this spectacle when a voice called out
verse 35 of Soor-e-Noor Allah is the light of the Heavens and the Earth. The similitude of
this light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as if it
were a shining star, lit from a blessed tree. the olive, neither of the East nor or the
West, whose oil glows forth (of itself) though fire did not touch it; light upon light;
Allah guides unto his light, whomsoever he wills."
I at once realised that the tight was of the tree of Muhammad (S.A.)
and his progeny and this city, the city of love. Only those people were allowed to stay
here who had the ultimate love for Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny. Here the residents
were busy, recalling the sublime qualities of Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny and asking
God to send his peace and blessings upon them as through them only the human race had
acquired knowledge of Allah and the correct ways to worship him.
Here we were in great comfort. Out hearts were full of thankfulness to
God for his grace and bounty, and to Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny for having guided us
towards the correct path. On the gate was a sign saying in bold letters "The love of
Ali is such a quality that in its presence no sin can harm.""
(This tradition is believed universally by all
Muslims. It means that anyone who truly loves All, does not sin because naturally he tries
to fallow his ideal in thoughts and deed. Hence Ali's love acts as a shield against
committing sins. If one finds himself to be proclaiming love for Ali but also committing
sins, he should closely observe and question this love as to whether there really is true
love in his heart and if so, is it just for the name "Ali" whether it is for
Alis qualities, habits, the style, ideals, thoughts and deeds. Are all these
acceptable to him and do these appeal to him, because "ALI"
represents these and not merely a historical name.)