From the clamor of the earth, I sought respite, and at last, the night deigned to speak. I asked, ‘O Night, what has become of us? Have I forgotten you, or have you, me?’ And Night replied, ‘O wayfarer, we are witnesses to the realms, would we ever stray from our appointed place? Have you known a night that did not fall? For ages beyond measure, we have dwelt here. If you seek the forgetful one, look within yourself.’
I said, ‘O Night, my peerless companion, my testament, my witness. You speak truth. What can I say? I have indeed forgotten you. Yet, this fleeting world clung to my skirts, and when it released them, it seized my arm. When my arm was freed, it assailed my ears and eyes. I found no path to break free and reach your tranquil embrace. Ugliness, above all, pursued me. Wherever my gaze or hearing turned, it lay in wait. Despair held me captive. My hand could not find the pen, nor my eyes, your face.’
‘O wayfarer, despair is not your solitary burden. Behold me, the day pursues me, and I it. But know that what you perceive as despair is the very essence of existence. Every despair births its own solace. My solace is the day, and its, me. Complain not overmuch; journey awhile. Let the world’s marred visage not trouble you. For you know the source of whispers, that cunning deceiver, who at times dons the guise of thought, at others, the form of man. Yield not to whispers. Remember, to fear aught but the Power that set us here is to share His sovereignty. Then, you too become ephemeral.
Contemplate that day when I shall merge with the day, when all divisions dissolve. Throngs of fleeting forms traverse the Araf, and those who feared His creation more than the Creator are gathered. But in vain, for those they feared and those they embraced as allies stand among them, heads bowed, awaiting judgment. Neither denial nor affirmation holds sway then. Will they not be asked, with a voice that shatters the very air, “Where are they whom you feared besides Me, whom you made partners with Me, who caused you to forget Me?” All the fearsome and the fearful await judgment in that throng. “Where are the rulers of the earth?” they are asked. All await judgment. Know this, and let it sink deep within you.
Do not, like all that is transient, share your fear. Fear only Him, and the day when we shall all return to Him. On the path of truth, be not among those who twist their tongues or falter. Remember, you are not the judge, nor any other, but fear the true arbiter! Fear the day when all shall be overturned!
Even the pen you hold fears God; fear only God, not your pen. Fear the day when your pen may bear witness against you when you stand before Him. But beware, do not be among those who share their pens with false gods! And do not worship your pen! Every pen shall testify on the day of reckoning, a witness to the hand that guided it.
Peace be upon you, O wayfarer, peace be upon you.