The Ahmadiyya Gazette, July 1994

Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Allah says: Whoever is at enmity with one whom I befriend should beware of having to do battle with Me. When a servant of Mine seeks to approach Me through that which I like best out of what I have made obligatory upon him, and continues to advance towards Me by dint of voluntary effort beyond that prescribed then I begin to love him. When I love him I become his ears by which he hears, and his eyes with which he sees, and his hands with which he grasps, and his feet with which he walks. When he asks Me I bestow upon him and when he seeks My protection I protect him. (Bokhari)

Anas relates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Allah says: When a servant of Mine advances towards Me a foot, I advance towards him a yard, and when he advances towards Me a yard, I advance toward him the length of his arms spread out. When he comes to Me walking, I go to him running. (Bokhari)

Ayesha relates: the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stood so long during his voluntary Prayer at night that the skin of his feet would crack; so I said to him: Messenger of Allah, why do you stand so long in Prayer when Allah has suppressed in you in the past and for the future all inclinations towards sin? He answered: Then should I not wish to be a grateful servant of Allah? (Bokhari and Muslim)