What do you want?

I saw in a vision that the Resurrection had taken place. People were rushing forward: some were clothed, others naked; some were walking on their legs, others on their faces. Then God came in the darkness of thick clouds, accompanied by angels, seated on His throne which was being carried by angels. They placed the throne to my right. While all this was happening I experienced no fear or anxiety or fright.

Then God placed His palm upon me to make me know what my situation had been in this world; thanks to the authentic hadith I understood his intention and I said to Him: 'Lord, kings demand accounts of their subjects because they are poor and need what they take from them for their treasury. But You are rich. Tell me then what You will add to Your purse by demanding accounts of created beings?'

He smiled and replied: 'What do you want?'

— 12th century, by Ibn 'Arabī, from the Book of Visions (Kitāb al-mubashshirat), from: Helmut Ritter, Das Meer der Seele