Whilst drinking from the vessel of true love

Whilst drinking from the vessel of true love

Abū Bakr al-Kattānī said,

“A discussion about maḥabbah (love of Allāh, in this context) took place in Makkah during the Pilgrimage month. The Shaykhs who were present spoke about this matter, and al-Junayd was the youngest of them. They said to him, ‘O ʿIrāqī, what do you have to say?’ So he bowed his head and tears were flowing from his eyes, then he said,

‘A servant should overcome his soul;
And be continuous in the remembrance of his Lord;
Establishing the rights of his Lord;
Focusing upon Him with his heart;
The late of fear letting ablaze his heart;
Whilst drinking from the vessel of true love;
And certain realities become unveiled for him.
So when he talks, it is due to Allāh.
When he speaks, it is from Allāh.
When he moves, it is by the Command of Allāh.
And when he is serene, then it is from Allāh.
He belongs to Allāh, is for Allāh, and is with Allāh.’
So the Shaykhs started to weep and said, ‘How can that be increased upon. May Allāh reward you with good, O crown of the knowledgeable ones!’.”

(Madārij as-Sālikīn, 3/9)