A child asked the Sufi sheikh, “Would you tell me the state I am in?”
The sheikh replied, “A seed must be planted at the correct time. When it begins to grow, its roots creep into the earth, embracing it in all directions. Soon the plant grows into a tree, and the tree grows bigger, flowers, and bears fruit. When the fruits emerge, they have no real connection to the earth; although the tree is connected to the earth, the fruits have a connection to man and to all of creation.

“My child, your life is like that, too. Though you have grown so tall, like a tree, the connection and attachment of your mind, thought, and desire is to the earth and the world. This is your present state.

“However, my child, you have a connection in your qalb, in your heart, which thinks of and seeks God. Let me describe to you the means to develop that connection. Follow this direction clearly.
“No matter how many connections you may have to the earth, if you want to search for God, if you want to go on the path to God, you, your prayer, and your worship must be in a state similar to a tree: although a tree is attached to the earth, it gives its fruits to all. Even though you are fixed to the earth, like a tree, your intention must be like the fruits in the tree: your prayers, devotion, worship, qualities, and actions must be connected to God, and you must perform the unselfish duty that benefits all lives. Then you will fare well on the path to God.”