Those Nearer to God

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Jesus (a.s.), the son of Mary (a.s.) met three people while travelling.  They were pale and thin with fasting.  He asked them, “What has caused this state in you?” 

They answered, “Fear of the Punishment of God.” 

Jesus (a.s.) replied, “God has Taken it upon Himself to Lessen your fear.” 

He continued on a ways and came across three more who were pale and thin with fasting, even more than the last.  He asked them, “What has caused this state in you?” 

They answered, “Desire for God’s Rewards.” 

Jesus (a.s.) replied, “God has Taken it upon Himself to Give you what you long for.” 

Still on his travels, Jesus (a.s.) came across yet another three who were pale and thin with fasting.  Their faces shone as if they were lit from within so he asked them, “What is the cause of your state?” 

They answered, “We love God, the Mighty, the Glorious.” 

Whereupon he replied, “You are the nearest and nearer still!”