Whoever comes to know that his Lord is absolutely free of all needs, will come to know himself to be absolutely in need; whoever comes to know his Lord for absolute will and power, will know himself for his absolute inability to do anything [without Him]; and whoever comes to know his Lord for His total greatness and might, will come to know himself for his total lowness and subjection; and whoever comes to know his Lord to have perfect knowledge, wisdom and decision-making, will come to know himself without any knowledge.

A slave’s knowing his ever-desperate need of Allah is the fruit of this acquired knowledge, the place where [he] finds happiness and success in this world and the Hereafter.