How God most High answered favourably the prayer of Moses, on whom be peace.

He (God) said, “Yes, I bestow the Faith upon him, and if thou wish I will bring him to life at this moment;

Nay, I will at this moment bring to life all the dead in the earth for thy sake.”

Moses said, “This is the world of dying: raise (them to) that (other) world, for that place is resplendent.

Inasmuch as this abode of mortality is not the world of (real) Being, the return to a borrowed (impermanent) thing is not much gain.

Strew a gift of mercy upon them even now in the secret chamber of assembled in Our presence.”

(I have related this story) that you may know that loss of the body and of wealth is gain to the spirit and delivers it from bane.

Therefore be a purchaser of (ascetic) discipline with (all) your soul: you will save your soul when you have given up your body to service (of God).

And if the discipline come to you without free choice (on your part), bow your head (in resignation) and give thanks, O successful one.

Since God has given you that discipline, render thanks: you have not done (it); He has drawn you (to it) by the command, “Be!”