any of the charismatic gifts known to the common people, he cries out to God because of it and asks God to veil him through customary things, and not to distinguish him from the common people by something for which he would be pointed out—except knowledge. Knowledge is what is sought and through it benefit occurs, even if one does not act upon it. For “those who know and those who do not know” are not equal [al-Zumar 39:9]. The learned are thus safe from deception.
God Most High’s charismatic gift to His servants belongs only to those who come to Him from created things and from their own selves, because they have not seen the face of the Real in either. The most splendid of the charismatic gifts with which He honors them is knowledge specifically, for this world is its proper abode. As for other things, such as breaking customary orders, this world is not their proper abode. Such a thing cannot validly be a charismatic gift except through divine notification, rather than merely through breaking customary order.
Since it is valid only through divine notification, that is knowledge. The divine charismatic gift is thus only the knowledge of Him, Mighty and Majestic, that He bestows upon them.
(Knowledge Is the Highest Charismatic Gift)
Abu Yazid (al-Bistami) was asked about folding up the earth. He replied, “It is nothing, for Iblis crosses from east to west in a single instant, yet he has no standing with God.” He was asked about passing through the air and said, “Birds pass through the air, and the believer is better before God than a bird. How can something in which a bird shares be counted a charismatic gift?” In this way he gave reasons concerning everything we have mentioned.
Then he said, “My God, some people sought You for what they mentioned, so You occupied them with it and fitted them for it. O God, whatever You fit me for, fit me for something of Your things.” He means: of Your secrets.
He sought
