Daoud saw a mountain, a flame, the sun. None of those were God. At last he saw the blackness of the spaces between the stars. There in the infinite lightlessness was the dwelling place of God, like the Black Stone in the Qa'aba. He saw the darkness that veiled God, and he locked the idea of God in his mind.
"Now, hold the thought of God, and drink."
Saadi held a silver cup to his lips. The liquid was sweet and thick. He swallowed, and it burned the lining of his stomach.
"What is it?"
"Wine mixed with hashish."
Daoud was shocked.
Filth, spiritual poison!
Saadi himself had taught him that. And now Saadi had tricked him into sipping the vile stuff.
He swayed on his knees, feeling dizzy and angry. Saadi held up a warning hand.
"Remain in the Presence of God. He will protect you from the ill effects of the poison. This is the practice."