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Ruzbihan Baqli – The Unveiling of Secrets – The Diary of a Sufi Master [translated by Carl Ernst]

107. The Ranks of Angels

My heart heard from the criers of the hidden his saying (glory be to him)

"By those who are set in ranks, those who drive away with reproof, and those who recite a remembrance" [Qur’an 37:1-3).

I considered the meaning of the verse, but I did not know what God most high intended by this speech.

I saw the presence filled with angels as though made of hyacinth and ruby, standing in rows like Turks before sultans. So I knew the meaning of the saying of the Most High,

"By those who are set in ranks."

Then I saw the Truth (glory be to him) reveal to them lightnings of majesty, beauty, glory, and greatness. If every atom from the throne to the earth were a tongue for me, I would be unable to describe the Most High, from his perfect beauty and loveliness.

When he manifested himself some billowed over others, some were raised above others, some eclipsed others, and some drove others away, from their over-whelming longing for God (glory be to him), for they wished to be near him. So I knew the meaning of his saying,

 "Who drive away in reproof”.

When they approached him, they were overwhelmed by intoxication and rapture, and the words of drunkards ran off their tongues, like boasting, ecstatic expression and unknown expressions such as I say in ecstasies of intimacy.  And I knew the meaning of his saying

 “Those who recite a remembrance”.

That is the station of awe in intimacy, and happiness in love and longing in sweet union.