It is told that a certain learned and devoted Sufi kept vigils every night, and for forty years never allowed himself to sleep. Then it happened that one night he did fall asleep, and in his slumber God came to him in a dream.

“O Lord,” the Sufi cried, “I was seeking Thee in nightly vigils, but I have found Thee in sleep! Was I in error?”

God answered, “O Friend, you have found Me by means of those nightly vigils. If you had not sought Me there, you would not have found Me here.”