Desiring His Face

{Be patient with those who call to their Lord in the morning and evening, desiring His Face. And do not let your eyes look beyond them…} Sura Kahf: 28.

Look at how Allah (most high) honored them by commanding His prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to remain patiently with them. They did not attain this rank because of their remembrance in the morning and evening, but by that which is more noble than that, which is that they desired the noble face of Allah. Their desire brought the honoring. When they wanted the face of He who {all will perish except His face} (28:88), He ordered the best of His creation (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to not let his eyes pass beyond them. They, though they long for Him who is beyond their sight, will find the joy of their eyes in he whose gaze at them honors them. When they see him, their sadness goes, and their faith increases. When he sees them, he strengthens them and raises them. A light-giving lamp who illuminates their hearts. A witness who gives them glad tidings that bring them the greatest joy, and a warner who cautions them and warns them. He calls them to Allah, by Allah, if they come to him or he comes to them. {If, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you and asked Allah for forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked for forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah…} Because he (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the prophet of repentance and the prophet of mercy, He (most sublime) said: {…they would have found Allah accepting of their repentance, most merciful} (4:64).