Why Is a Spiritual Guide Needed When Allah Is Closer Than the Jugular Vein?

Question

If the Gracious Lord is closer [to man] than his jugular vein, why is a support [i.e., a spiritual guide] needed?

Answer

Because there is neither [direct] perception of Him, nor is the way to such perception known. How many people there are who do not even know their own jugular vein — how then will they come to know [His other] attributes and qualities?

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.