Human (3)

When a man took a look at himself, and considered the judgement of the Gentle, the Knower, Who, when He created the body, specified for every organ its position and assigned to it its function. Imagine the stores which Allah designed to gather the waste material and hold it, so that it does not stay in the body and spoil the rest of the organs. The wisdom of his development and the abundance of  parts, without any looseness or disharmony! If a goldsmith or sculptor had made a statue of gold, silver or copper and then wanted to enlarge it, could he do that without first breaking the statue and recasting it?

In contrast, Allah develops a child's body and its external and internal organs and all its parts, preserving all the time its appearance and shape, not disintegrating, not loosening, and not diminishing. Even more telling is the shaping of the embryo in the womb, where no eyes see it, and no hands touch it and no machines handle it! When he emerges he is a normal human being, with all that is requisite for his survival and progress in life: organs, senses, internal mechanisms, limbs, vessels, nerves, ligaments, membranes, and bones; all of various shapes, sizes, functions and positions; the flesh, fat, and brain with their intricate structure and subtle creation, revealing unfathomable judgement and splendid craftsmanship! It is all developed by the Best Creator from a drop of almost worthless liquid!

The world is a village and a believer is its chief. Everyone is eager to work in his interest, and everybody has been directed to serve him and endeavour to run his errands. The angels, who are bearers of the Compassionate throne, and those around it, pray in his favour; the actors who are assigned to accompany him protect him; the angels who are entrusted with rain and plants work hard to ensure that he gets his allotted earning, and they work for that; the orbiting bodies of heaven are obediently moving to fulfill his needs; the sun, moon, and stars run dutifully in their orbits so that he may refer to them in setting his times and schedules, and in taking care of the expenses of his property; space is subservient to him - its winds, air, clouds, birds and the rest of its creatures; the earth is all controlled to be in his service, to fulfil his needs - its land, mountains, seas, rivers, trees, fruits, plants, animals and all that exists on it.

When a man took a look again of himself; reflecting on the great wisdom of the All-Knowing Creator as attested by his creation. Thought of the senses which are like windows from which to observe things around him. He saw how the Lord had caused most of them to be in the head, like lights placed at the top of a light-house, to explore things. He did not place them in organs that are exposed to rough jobs like the hands and feet: otherwise they would have received injuries that result from actions and movements; nor in organs in the middle of the body, like the belly or the back, for it would be uncomfortable for him then to turn to things and perceive them. Because no other organ is fit to hold the senses, the head was deemed to be apt to hold them, being the fittest and finest part of the body. It is the shrine of the senses.
Then observed the wisdom of making the senses five, to counterpart the five types of stimuli, and so no stimulus is left without a sense organ to react to it. Vision reacts to visible things, hearing reacts to audible things, smell reacts to the various scents, taste reacts to the various tastes, and touch reacts to tactile stimuli. Is there any perceptible thing left without a sense to perceive it? If there were, man would have been given a sixth sense to react to it. As the rest of things can be reacted to by the internal organs, He bestowed on him the internal senses. This system is so comprehensive that they say of a deep thinker: he uses his five to counter six, meaning that while he has only five senses, and the directions are six, his mind is so active that it helps the five senses to cope with six directions in his eagerness to search for answers."

Then physician smiled, he uttered, "Glorified be the Lord, who bestowed on man all aspects of honour: mind, knowledge, expression, speech, appearance, good looks, impressive aspect, fair stature, the acquisition of sciences through inference, reflection, and the upholding of righteous, decent ethics, such as loyalty, obedience and responsiveness. There is a world of difference between his state as a drop of clotted blood inside the womb, and his state when the angel will come to greet him in the Gardens of Eden! Our Lord! Accept this from us. For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing."

"It is He who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot; then He brings you out as a child; then [He develops you] that you reach your [time of] maturity, then [further] that you become elders. And among you is he who is taken in death before [that], so that you reach a specified term; and perhaps you will use reason." - [QS.40:67]

[Part 1]
[Part 2]

Bahasa

Reference :
- Capt. Anas Abdul-Hameed Al-Qoz, Men and The Universe - Reflections of Ibn Al-Qayyem, Darussalam

Human (2)

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala also adorned the mouth with teeth, a handsome and agreeable sight to look at, a vital contributor to human survival and the tool of nourishment. Some of the teeth are tools of grinding, and some are tools of cutting. The Almighty made firm their roots, and gave sharpness to their edges. He gave them a white colour, and arranged them in two straight well-arrayed rows, like a necklace of pearls in their whiteness, purity and splendour. Curved over the teeth are two walls, the lips, which have a number of benefits and functions. The Lord has willed that the lips have an agreeable colour and shape, a nice position and appearance. He destined them to be a keeper of the mouth, a final and finishing station for the uttering of sounds, in the same way that the soft palate is the starting station and the tongue is the middle station.

The tongue is the most active organ in the production of letters, since it functions as the mediator. In His infinite wisdom, Allah disposed that the lips are just flesh, without bone or nerves, so thai a human may use them for sipping drinks, and have no difficulty in opening and closing them. He confined movement to the lower jaw which, as the lighter jaw, is more adapted to movement, and also because the upper contains precious organs that should not run the risk of movement. He destined humans' throats to be of infinite variety in narrowness and width, coarseness and smoothness, softness and hardness, and in length and shortness. In consequence of this, there is an endless variety of voices, in such a way that very rarely do any two voices resemble each other. An offshoot of this is that we believe a blind person's witness is legal, since he can distinguish people from their voices in the same way that a sighted person can distinguish them from their looks: the possibility of confusing sounds is similar to the confusion of looks. 

Allah adorned the head with the hair, making of it a cover that is essential for the head; and adorned the face with hair at various locations and of various shapes: there are the brows, which protect the eyes from what might descend on them from the skin of the head; and He made them curved, agreeable to see. The eyelids are adorned with eyelashes, A male's face is further adorned with the beard, which gives integrity, dignity and venerability to the man; and his lips are also adorned with the moustache above and the beard below.

The hands are another wonderful creation of our Lord. They are a human's main instrument, weapon, and the means for earning a living. The arms are long enough to reach all parts of the body, and the palm is wide enough to fold and spread. It is provided with five fingers, and each finger is further divided into three phalanges, except the thumb which has two. The four fingers are placed in such a way that the thumb faces them, and so it can meet any of the fingers. It does that splendidly well. The hand can.

No two fingerprints of any two humans are identical in the whole world, or over the span of history. No two people in all the billions of humans now on the surface of the earth have identical fingerprints, and none will have in all the future of mankind. There is a law of biology, which is that nature, a creation of Allah, never repeats itself in the sphere of plant, animal, or man. The secret of fingerprints is accounted for by a hundred features of the fingerprints, by which their details are so numerous that it would be quite overwhelming to imagine the possibility of two prints being identical, whether between two persons or between two of any of the ten lingers of the same person. Not even twins have identical because of this fact, be efficient in spreading and tightening, and in doing what it has to do.

No other position of the fingers can be imagined to be as good, not if all mankind from the earliest times until now met to think of an alternative position. Glorified be He Who destined the hand to be in this form: He could as easily have chosen to make it like one plate, and a human would in that case not been able to carry out many tasks and actions and exact jobs like writing. He spreads his hand, and it will be a plate on which he puts things, and he closes it, over a club or another tool of strength; or he half-spreads it, and then he will have a scoop, which can be filled with a variety of things.

Then look at yourself, and think : Who took such great care of you - since you was a foetus in the belly of your mother, in a place where no hand could extend help to you, and no eye could reach you? You had then no way of seeking food or fending for himself. Who caused the mother's blood to supply you with the nutrients that you needed, as a plant is nourished by nutrition-rich water, and how was that blood turned into milk? He sustained you in the narrowest of places, least capable of providing or gratifying his needs; He supplied you until His creation was consummated and brought to its perfect destination. When your skin was judged to be strong enough to be exposed to air, your eyes strong enough to meet the light outside, and your bones were sturdy enough to withstand the touch of hands and life on earth, your mother had the labour that ushered him out into the world of ordeals, with all its attendant hardships.

It was then that your mother's womb ejected you in a way as if it had never embraced you, as if it had never held you from the day it accepted you as a drop until the day of ejection. It once used to enjoy having you in its fold, and now it screams in pain, and complains to the Lord about the burden that is you. So Who allowed you in it in the first place? Who made it enfold you and protect you until you grew to the right stage? And then He opened that gate and expanded it, for you to exit in the twinkling of an eye? You were not suffocated with its narrowness, and you were not held by the hardship of your passage through it.

In His vast judgement, Allah willed that man emerge from his mother's belly knowing nothing, a blank that has no intellect, no comprehension and no knowledge. This is really His mercy, since man, in his frailty, would not stand thinking, comprehension and knowledge: they would have shattered him. He rather evolved that gradually in him, step by step, so that it does not overwhelm him should it come in one blow. It grows in him little by little until it is fully grown.

That he entered this world as a dullard who understands nothing, who knows nothing about what people engage in, has been sheer mercy and deep judgement; since he encounter things with his feeble mental power and without prior knowledge of things, and then his mental power and knowledge grow steadily and slowly, until he became familiarized with things. Man practices things, and gradually overcome his bewilderment at them; then he stops being surprised and amazed at them; he begins to receive them with confidence, acting on them and taking control of them. There is even more to it than this. Who, then, is keeping such a close watch over man, keen to attend to his progressive needs, requisites, desires and tools at the time of their arising, not before and not later?

Part 3

Bahasa

Part 1

Human (1)

"From the very moment of creation, mankind is on a journey. He is a traveler and is not allowed to halt except when he reaches either Paradise or Hellfire. The wise one among them is the one who knows that traveling is based on hardship and danger. It is usually hard to seek pleasures and relief during it, which are to be acquired after it is completed. Every footstep and every moan made during this journey will not stop him. It is proven that the traveler is preparing supplies, which will take him to his final end. And if he halts, sleeps, or rests, he is doing so while preparing himself to complete his journey, " the Swan continued her story.

"And so, the day turned to dawn when they reached a village. The coachman said, "We stay at a lodge not far from here, young man! Tomorrow, after breakfast, we continue our journey."
Moments later, after performing Isha prayer at a mosque accroos the lodge, when he was about to return to his room, the young wayfarer saw the coachman sitting with a man. The coachman called him, saying, "Young man, come here, this is my brother, he is a physician." They shook hands and then engaged in a light conversation until the physician said, "O young man, know that the first man was first created from clay, and that his seed was made from a draught of despised fluid. That he was created from a handful that Allah collected from all parts of the earth, so that it contains the good and the evil, the easy-going and the intolerant, the liberal and the miserly. It was Jibreel who took this handful, then it was fermented until it turned to mud, then Allah fashioned man as He deemed fit. Then He breathed into him of His spirit, so that he was a human of flesh and blood, talking and reasoning. Later on Allah had His angels prostrate themselves before man, and taught him the names of everything.

That man was blessed with intellect, knowledge, understanding, eloquence and speech. He was privileged with the quality of modesty. He was privileged with two means of expression, the oral and the written. He was endowed by Allah with the power of acquiring knowledge by several means. He was distinguished with certain motives and impulses that serve to accomplish what is good for man. Man was distinguished with strength, desire and will. Man is distinguished from the other creatures in appearance and shape. Man is an indivisible whole: composite of soul, mind and body. He was not created without purpose. Allah's commandments are to be permanently observed until the day man meets His Lord. With all those amazing gifts, Allah has urged mankind, His servants, to reflect upon Him, one will indeed be led to learn about Allah, about His Oneness and attributes of perfection; to learn about aspects of His might as attested by the absoluteness of His power, the infinite nature of His wisdom; by His mercy, generosity, clemency, kindness, justice, grace, anger, reward and punishment - it is through reflection on these facts that He willed His servants to know Him, and it is for this reason that He exhorted them to reflect upon His signs. A human is urged to reflect and ponder.

Now, let us see how Allah has brought together the male and the female and sown love in their hearts. See how with both desire and affection Allah leads them as if on a journey to a meeting that is the cause of the creation and forming of the child. See how the liquids from male and female mingle against all odds, and consider how they run filing from organs and paths that lie far apart until they come together at the same spot; how they settle at a firm lodging (i.e. the womb), protected from infection by the outer air, from the cold weather of the world, and from exposure to a possible mishap or catastrophe that may smite them. Consider then how the Lord transformed this whitish cloudy droplet into a blackish -red dot; how He then transformed it into an embryonic lump, very unlike the previous clot in colour, quality, and shape; how He transformed this into unclothed bones, unlike the embryonic lump in shape, appearance, size, touch and colour.

Now, consider how He caused those apparently homogenous and equal parts to specialize into nerves, bones, vessels, sinews, some hard, some soft, and some partly hard. Sec how Cod has tied them all very firmly in the most compact form; how the bones are covered with flesh that clothes them all and dings to them and protects them; how the bones in turn give the flesh the necessary strength and ability to move - the service is reciprocal: the bones give the flesh solidity, and the flesh gives the bonesprotection! See how Allah formed the human in the best shape, how He placed the ears to hear and the eyes to see, the mouth, the nose, and all the rest of sense organs that serve as channels to the outer world; how He made the arms and the legs, gave them the needed power and extension, how He provided their ends with fingers and toes; how the fingers and toes are further divided into phalanges; how the inside of the body contains organs like the heart, the stomach, the liver, the spleen, the lungs, the womb, the bladder, the intestine, each performing its own task and its own function.

Consider now the exceeding wisdom embodied in the creation of bones to be a framework and bulwark for the body. You can see how the Lord has determined their different sizes and forms; some small, some big; some king, some short; some curved, some circular; some thin, some thick; some solid, some hollow. Consider how bones have been interlocked, some in the form of tendon and mortise, some just touching end to end. See how their forms are varied in a way that is adapted to their functions: the molars for instance are designed to grind, and so they have a flat surface; while the incisors are designed to cut, and so they have a sharp thin edge. Since man needs to move the whole of his body and alternate parts of it carry out whatever work he needs to accomplish, the bones have not been made as one cohesive mass; there are rather many bones with joints that link one to another in a way that facilitates movement. Each joint is of the size and form that serves the task it is meant to perform.

Consider how all these joints and organs are firmly built, and how they are connected with tendons and ligaments that extend from one end of the bone and then reach to the next bone to support the first, and see how the bone has a protrusion that exactly fits a recess in the bone that links to it, so that when the human needs to move that particular pari, the whoie mechanism responds splendidly to his desire, which is only possible because of those joints. Consider the head and the large number of bones that it contains. It is said to contain fifty- five bones, varied in shape, size and function. See how Allah has mounted it on the trunk, rather like a rider mounted on his animal. In its position above the torso Allah has disposed it in the right place to contain four of the five senses: hearing, vision, smell, taste, and touch; and the site of all perception.

Man endowed with senses. The sense of vision has been placed at the front of his head, so that it functions as a sentry, guard, and pilot for the body. He made each eye of seven layers, each layer with a particular quality, size and function. If any of these layers should be missing, or if it were moved away from its place or its shape, then the eye would stop seeing.

Allah created for man the sense of hearing. The ear is indeed a splendid creation! It performs what is required of it to perfection. The outer ear is made hollow, similar to a shell, so that it may collect sound, and then convey it to the outer ear canal The outer ear is also important for feeling the movement of any insect so that a human may quickly remove it. It has convolutions, grooves and windings that enable it to catch incoming air and sound, and funnel it to the outer ear canal after softening it. Its particular shape helps to lengthen the way for an invading insect, so that it may not reach the outer ear canal before the human has taken notice or woken and then checked its progress.

Allah also provided man with the mouth, choosing for it the most suitable location, endowing it with abilities and instruments of taste and speech, and with tools of cutting and grinding that overwhelm an observing person. Look at the tongue, one of the signs that point to the Lord: it is an interpreter of the king of organs (the heart), that expresses what the heart wishes to convey or declare, in the same way that the Lord willed that the ear should be a messenger that keeps the heart briefed and informed. The ear is the courier that conveys the news to the king of organs, a counterpart to the tongue, a courier and messenger that transmits what the heart wishes to make known.

Bahasa

Part 2

The Vegetation, A Reflection

The coachman stopped his chariot in the yard of a homely house, then said, "We rest here, young man! This is my brother's house, a farmer. After performing salat and have our meals, we'll take a rest for a while. You can see a vast garden in the backyard of this house. " Having said so, the coachman took the young wayfarer into the house, and introduced him to the farmer, owner of the house.
After performing salat and had their meals, they rested in the farmer's backyard. It was vast and variety of plants were there. The farmer said to the wayfarer, "You can also see the signs of Allah from the various plants on this earth, young man." The young wayfarer said, "How, tell me!" The farmer said, "Allah commands us to watch plants at the time of the appearance and ripeness of fruits, to the overwhelming marvel and extraordinary feat of bringing out fruits from among wood and leaves; and then the transformation of fruit from acridity, bitterness and sourness to the bright appealing colour and the sweet delicious taste; in this is a sign indeed for believers. Indeed, it is beyond us, beyond all past and all future generations, to try to exhaust the significance of Allah's glaring signs in the universe that point to Allah, the only true God, who has no partner, and no one like Him, no one as great, perfect, appreciating, or gentle like Him; it is beyond us to just give justice to the tiniest fraction of all that. It does not follow, however, if such target is unattainable, that we should desist from pointing out some samples that alert man to what lies beyond."

The farmer paused, and said, "O young man, reflect on the Divine mercy as revealed in the growing of provisions, vegetables, grains and fruit, gradually emerging in a slow succession! It is a blessing that they do not grow all at the same time, for if they were to grow like this on land, or if they did not grow on branches and stalks, much harm would take place, and many benefits that accrue from their emerging gradually would be missed. For each season and period requires fruits and plants that are not required in other seasons and periods; some period are hot, some cold, and some moderate; each season is so for the benefits of plants that are precisely adapted to it.
Besides the above benefits, Allah also invested crops with extra benefits, as noted in grains' husks, timber and wood, leaves, blossoms, palm leaves, palm branches, and other parts of crops; to say nothing of fodder and forage, supplies for building, ship building, saddles, utensils and so forth.
Observe the benefits of blossoms and the picturesque sight that is ecstatic to watch; regard the spectacular form of trees, their magnificent shapes that are a strong reminder of the their Originator and Maker Whose handiwork reveals His utmost compassion and wisdom! The blossoms are a wonderful thing when you think of their budding on wood, and when you observe on the same wood the green leaves! They are followed by many fruits of all colours, types, forms, sizes, tastes, scents and benefits and functions! Reflect on all these being stored in that wood, the trunk and the twigs and branches before their emergence! The tree is like a mother to them, but who could bring forth the amazing forms, the perfect symmetry, the marvelous colours, the luscious tastes, the fragrant scents and the spectacular sight?

Consider the calculation ol the Gentle, the All -knowing! Like people and animals, trees are in constant need of nourishment; unlike animals, however, they have no will and mouths, nor can they move to seek food. Therefore, their roots have been inserted in the earth, so that they absorb nutrients from the soil, and then pass them to their branches and boughs, which distribute the nutrients in their turn to leaves and fruit, each absorbing its allotted amount, never exceeding it. Nutritious matter and water are delivered to the various parts along paths and ways that are most precisely made, picking that matter from below, and transmitting it to branches, which take it in the way an animal takes its food with its mouth; then they distribute to each part what it needs; no part is denied anything of its due, nor does it exceed it.

Reflect on the deep wisdom of creating tree leaves. You see in the single leaf veins that criss-cross on the whole of its surface in a way that bewilders an observer! Some veins are thick and line the leaf longwise and sidewise; and some are fine, weaving in between the thick ones, in a very intricate pattern. If humans were to emulate the network of even a single leaf, they would not complete the veins in a whole year; they would also need tools, skills and treatment that beat their means. Observe, then, how Allah grows leaves, in a few days, that cover the trees and bushes all over the earth, on both planes and mountains, without the need for support or assistance, without tools or treatment. It is evidently His power, operative on everything in the universe, and His ability that no barrier can obstruct.
Think, also, of the wisdom of the Gentle, the All -knowing when He willed the leaves to be an adornment to trees, a covering and shelter to fruits, and a protection to them from any destruction that may interrupt their ripeness! It is for this reason that if a tree is stripped of its leaves, the fruit will decay and lose its appeal. Regard how the leaves protect a frail budding fruit from drying! After a tree is fruitless, the leaves still protect the weak twigs from heat. When it is cool, and sunlight is no longer harmful to boughs and twigs, the Lord strips the tree of its leaves, and leaves it bare, in preparation for clothing it again with a fresh, nicer apparel. So glory be to the Lord of the worlds, Who knows the falling place and budding place of each and every leaf; no leaf grows, nor does it fall without His notice, If human beings realized, while watching those leaves in their variety and multiplicity, that they glorified the Lord, together with the fruit, twigs, branches and trees, they would discover aspects of their charm that they had not been aware of; they would perceive them with new senses, and would realize that they were created for a noble purpose, not in vain!

Consider the wisdom involved in the stones and kernels placed inside the dates and other fruits! Have you thought of the many benefits and functions of the stones, which play a part similar to that of a skeleton to the animal's body, giving solidity to the body of the fruit; otherwise it would be flabby and tender. Without the stone, a fruit would split and rot, and would be quick to decay. A stone to the fruit is, as we said, like the skeleton to animals, and the fruit itself is like flesh clothed over bones, in animals. Stones are also useful for the preservation and reproduction of the species. In case the tree loses substance or decays, the Lord provided the stone, to be a substitute from which, if sown in the ground, a new tree may grow. Stones and seeds are also used as fodder for animals. Many materials, ointments, drugs, dyes and other things are made from them as people learn more about them; but the potential uses are even more! You ought to reflect long on the wisdom of Allah's creation of the seeds and stones, which serve many functions; and He clothed them with the delicious pulp that man enjoys eating.
Reflect on the fertility and production that Allah endowed crops with, so that from one grain seven hundred grains may grow. If a grain produced only one grain, there would not be produced enough to resow in the ground, to feed people, and for the farmer to save for himself until the next harvest. Instead, what is sown is from the surplus yield, and the farmer finds enough to feed himself, to feed others and to use for farming.

Reflect also on the depth of Divine Wisdom as revealed in the dispensing of fruit and vegetables at the right and appropriate times. They are made available to people when they most relish them! They welcome them as a thirsty person welcomes water; they help themselves to them delightedly and eagerly, as one receives a beloved traveller. If the summer's fruit were to come in the winter, it would arouse not little dislike and lack of appetite on the part of eaters; not to mention its harmful and sickening effect on bodies. In the same way, if the spring fruit were to grow in autumn, or the autumn fruit in spring, it would not have excited the pleasure it naturally excites; people would not find it tasty or luscious as they find timely fruits. You see how fruits that linger beyond their season are found unpalatable and unappetising. You should not think that this is no more than the power of habit; quite the contrary, habit has accepted this because it is the will of Providence that it is basically in accord with what is beneficial; His the mercy of the Wise, the All -knowing!

Then the farmer said, "O young man, all creatures echoing the hymns of praise, they perform 'tasbeeh, praise to Allah at a particular time, at the break of the day, or at twilight. Is it conceivable here that they point to Allah at that time and not at another?
It is incumbent on him who has sense to let his mind envision the blessings and bounties! Should he not review them again and again in hope of discerning the purpose of their existence? Why he has been created? What is expected of him? What is required of him, being endowed with those blessings?

Reviewing Allah's blessings and bounties to His servant leads to the success and happiness- such review cannot but lead the human to increase in his love, thankfulness and praise of the Lord; he will doubtlessly obey Him more, realise his own shortcoming more dearly, and his extreme shortcoming in doing what he should do. Praise be to Allah. And Allah knows best."

"And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe." - [QS.6:99]

Bahasa

Reference :
- Capt. Anas Abdul-Hameed Al-Qoz, Men and The Universe - Reflections of Ibn Al-Qayyem, Darussalam

The Wildlife, A Reflection

"O young man!" said the coachman to the young wayfarer. "One class of the signs of Allah is the creation of animals, with all their qualities, species, appearances, uses and services, colours, and other unseen wonders. Some creep on their belly, some walk on two feet, some on four; some have their defence in their feet, the claws; some in the beaks, like the eagle, the Egyptian eagle, and the crow; some in their teeth; some have horns by which they ward off those who seek to subdue them; some, the lion for instance, have enough power to defend themselves without arms, their power being their weapon; some use defecation for defence. The species of animals are so numerous that their number exceeds a million, insects being the majority. The Qur'an reiterates many of the signs, stresses them time and again, exhorting humans to reflect on them with insistence. This is in fact one of the most basic of the Qur'anic themes.

Consider the impressive wisdom invested in the Lord's bestowing on animals hearing and vision to enable them to go about their interests and, eventually, to give their services to man. If they were blind or deaf they would not be of use to man. On the other hand, He denied them the intellect that man has, despite their big bodies; this is of course how they can be domesticated by man, who guides
them and directs them wherever he likes. If they had intellects, with their extra size, they would for sure have disobeyed man, and would have defied his control. As it is, they have been given such understanding and perception as would serve to realize their needs, and eventually the needs of the species they are destined to be controlled by; on the other hand, they have been made to lack the intellect and understanding that gives man superiority over them; and this also underscores the priority and prestige of man. Observe how man leads them and subdues them despite their bulk, while he would not have been able to control them without that subduing. You see how the camel, with its great bulk, is led by the little boy, humble and meek. If the camel were to attack the boy it would crush it like an egg and tear its limbs apart!

Consider the wisdom embodied in the provision of tools of manipulation to animals and man. Since man was created to practice many industries like masonry, sewing, writing and so forth, he was provided with a flat round hand and fingers that enable him to hold, spread, fold, unfold, gather, scatter, join something to another; the animal, on the other hand, was not destined to practice similar industries, and so it was not provided with a hand and fingers similar to a human's. Because some animals, like wild animals, are carnivorous, they were provided with slender, close-built hands with claws or talons adapted to the catching of preys, not for industries. This is so in carnivores; herbivores, on the other hand, are destined not to catch other animals, nor do they have an industry; and so some have hooves that protect them from the roughness of land while they are roaming the meadows grazing; some have dose -built hooves with an arch like human feet, so that they may be placed on the ground; they are destined to carry and transport, and do not need claws or canine teeth for obtaining food, and so they do not have them.

Consider the creation of carnivorous animals, the wisdom embodied in their having sharp teeth, strong daws and large mouths. They have been provided with arms and tools that are adapted to catching preys and eating. That is why you see the birds of prey with sharp beaks and talons like hooks. That is also why the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited eating all beasts with fangs and ail birds of prey, due to its being offensive, aggressive and destructive. As an eater takes on qualities from the stuff he eats, man would take on the traits of the birds of prey were he to eat their meat and would be aggressive and destructive like them. That is why the Muslim ummah is forbidden to eat that flesh. The hyena, on the other hand, though having canine teeth, is not forbidden to eat, as it is not considered by any nation as a predator: prohibition is confined to animals with the two qualities of having fangs and being a predatory animal. It is not said that this is conversely applied in the case of predatory animals without fangs, as they arr absolutely non-existent.

Consider also the legs of animals and the great wisdom they represent. How the Lord destined that they are in pairs, two or four, not odd. An animal can walk and run, and in this way can go about its interests, which would not be possible had its legs been odd. A walker lifts some legs and supports itself on others; a biped animal lifts one leg and supports itself on the other, and a quadruped lifts two and supports itself on the other two, the two on the opposite side, because if it were to lift two legs on the same side and support itself on the other, it would not be steady on the ground at the moment of lifting its legs, and it would be hopping like a bird, which is harmful and tiring to the animal, though not to thebird. It is dear that if man walks this way for some distance he will be exhausted and fatigued, unlike his normal walking which is the appropriate way for him. Wisdom has determined that he moves his right arm with his left leg and holds back his left arm and his right leg, then he shifts to the other side, which is the easiest and most convenient way of walking for the biped.

Regard also the deep judgement behind having the backs of transport animals level like a roof built on columns, which is convenient for riding, and for carrying loads. Camels, in contrast, are different, for their backs are humped, having that arched form; for they are designed for extra heavy loads and are provided with special strength, II is known that domes endure weights that level roofs do not endure - it is even said that the idea of making domes came from the backs of camels. Observe also that as the camel is provided with long legs, its neck is also made correspondingly long, so that it can reach grass while the camel is standing. The camel would not have been able to graze if its neck were short. Another reason its neck was made long is that its length balances the burden on the back once the animal starts to go ahead. The situation is somewhat similar to the one you see in the length of the bar of the bar-scale - it is even said the bar-scale was invented in imitation of the camel, by observing the length of its neck and the weight of its burden; you see how it extends its neck as it goes ahead with the burden, as if it were deliberately balancing it.

Consider how the bodies of animals of lower species have been covered with that hairy, furry, woolly skin; how birds have been covered with feathers, and how some animals have been provided with a strong and tough shell, like the tortoise; some have feathers that are like spears; and see how in every case the covering is adapted to the animal's need for protection from heat, cold, and from enemies that seek to harm it. Since animals are unable to obtain clothes, manufacture garments and coats of arms, they have been supplied with clothing and covering that are permanent, with tools and arms that they can use in self-defense, with hooves, pads and cloven feet in place of shoes and sandals, so that they have their permanent shoes and drinking vessels. The horse, the mule and the donkey were privileged with hooves because they were created to trot, run and race; hooves are also used as weapons, in place of talons, claws and fangs, when these animals want to revenge themselves against their adversary. Reflect, then, on this kindness and mercy: since they are dumb animals that are senseless and have no hands that are adapted for manipulation and defence, and have no share in what humans have of fabrication, knitting and subtle skills, they have been provided with their natural cover, so that it accompanies them as long as they live; and have been provided with weapons and tools that help them defend themselves, so that they can fulfill the wise purpose of their creation.

As for man, he has skill and a hand that is adapted for industry, so it can knit and spin; he can wear apparel that he can change at will. Clothing is a distinguishing mark that sets man apart from the lower animals, in the same way that the Lord distinguished man in nutrition, dwelling, expression, mind and comprehension. Apparel and body- covering vary in accordance with the variety of situation and occasion; as dictated by industry, peace and war, settling and travelling, health and illness, sleep and wakefulness, and luxury. For every aspect of these, a distinguished apparel and body -cover are used, peculiar to it, adapted only to it. There is no apparel that fits all those aspects, that does not vary with the variation of situation. In this, man has been honoured and raised above all other animals.

Regard now the exceeding wisdom represented in the particular shapes of the animals' faces. Observe how the eyes are in front of the face; that enables an animal to see in front of it more than any other direction, which helps it protect itself and its rider, avoid running into a wall or falling down a hole. Animals' eyes are in a position similar with that of a standing person, because eyes function as scouts of the animal. Their mouth is a slit below the nose, which helps them bite and hold the fodder. If it were at a level with the nose and above the chin, as it is in man, they would not be able to pickup anything with it from the ground: do you not see how man picks up food with his hand not with his mouth? As an animal does not pickup its food with its hand, its mouth is a cut at the bottom of the head, which enables it to put it onto the fodder, pick it up and then masticate it. Its lips are like man's, but adapted to its particular needs; they help it reach things near and far. The functions of the tail are a mystery to some people; they do not perceive any of its many advantages. It is in fact like a lid over the anus and a covering to the animal's genitals, covering them and hiding them. In addition, the line along an animals belly, between the anus and the upper part, is a filthy place, where flies and mosquitoes swarm and annoy the animal; and the tail performs here the part of a whisk or a fan that scares the insects away. Another function is that a beast has relief in wagging it to the right and left: It stands on all fours, and its legs are busy carrying the weight of the body, so that they cannot budge or shuffle, and hence it find relief in wagging the tail. There might be, besides, other functions that humans' minds fail short of discerning, and the reader might deny them unless he sees them at the critical time; there is for instance the animal's wallowing in the mud, when nothing helps to get it out more than taking it by its tail.

There is also a very curious wisdom associated with domestic animals, wild animals, predatory animals and animals in general: that you do not see anything of the remains of their dead despite their great number. They are not so few as to be hidden from sight; scarcity is definitely not the cause. They are said to be more numerous than humans. You may take example from what exists in the wilderness, antelopes, deer, cows, wolves, tigers, all kinds of reptiles and insects in their abundance, the many species of birds which are many times as numerous as humans; but you hardly ever come across their carcasses in their dens, habitations, burrows or meadows; along their tracks, near their drinking-places, hiding places or resorts, or places of ambush; except if any of them gets assaulted unprepared, devoured by a wild animal, or shot by a hunter, in a way that it does not have the chance, nor any of its group, to hide itself at death, to have its carcass concealed. This is a proof that when an animal feels the approach of death, in contrast with sudden demise, it lies where no one can reach its body, and buries its body before death occurs. Otherwise, the desert would be filled with the carcasses of dead animals, the air would be polluted with them, and they would be a great source of trouble to people and a plague would spread among mankind.
Many rich morals can be drawn from the life of those animals which you despise and underestimate! Many a sign in them exists about the Creator's kindness, mercy and wisdom. It is an amazing instance of the smartness of animals that if the fox falls to obtain food, if it does not succeed in catching a prey, it fakes death and bloats its belly, so that a bird thinks it is dead and alights on its body to eat of its meat. Then the fox suddenly pounces on the bird and catches it. So, who inspired it with this trick and subtle way of catching their preys, which is their sustenance? Who provided it with this trick as a compensation for its lack of strength and ability. Who but the Gentle, the Knowing compensated it with cunning for its lack of strength and ability?"

The coachman silenced for a moment, and said, "It is extremely rare that two persons are identical in every way. This is very unlikely to occur, while it is not so in the case of all species of animals, domestic, wild, birds, and so on. You see a herd of antelope, a flock of sheep, a herd of camels or cows, so resembling each other that you have to contemplate them for a long time to discover a distinguishing mark between one and the other. Humans, in contrast, vary widely in shape and physical build, in such a way that rarely do any two seem identical in even one feature, not even in tone of voice, not in one utterance. The wisdom of this should be clear, since people need to get acquainted with each other, distinguishing each for what he is in appearance and apparel, so that they can deal with each other. If such differences were not there, immense chaos and disturbance would arise; there would be no chance of distinguishing the plaintiff from the defendant, the creditor from the debtor; a man would not be able to distinguish between his wife and other women. Who is it, then, that made the differences in features, shapes, and voices, differences that no words can describe, and no eloquence can express? Is that the work of nature?

Then the coachman said, "O young man, reflect on Allah's wisdom in His creation and commandment, in what He created and in what He decreed; and you will discover in all that a great source of wisdom that speaks of a foolproof system that never fails, nor does it have any loophole. Some people perceive the wisdom of commandment more than they notice the wisdom of creation - these are the select among Allah's servants, who have well comprehended what Allah ordained of injunctions and religion, and realized His wisdom in what He excelled in designing. Their minds and intellect testify that the basis of what they see is deep wisdom, mercy and benefit for the humans in their worldly and hereafter lives. This class of people, however, are of countless levels that only Allah can reckon. Some humans notice the wisdom of creation more than they notice the wisdom of injunctions, and of this class are the majority of physicians who dedicate their thought to the extraction of the benefits and uses of animals and plants, their potentials and what they can serve, individually and in combinations. Their share in perceiving the wisdom of commandment is equal to or less than the jurists' share in perceiving the wisdom of creation.

Another class are blessed with noticing creation and commandment in accordance with their potential and ability: They notice in what they see the exceeding wisdom that overwhelms minds; and as they observe creation and the many aspects of wisdom it implies, they increase in faith, knowledge and endorsement of what the messengers taught. When they consider His commandments and the exceeding wisdom they imply, their faith and submission to the Lord are increased. They are not like those who have been blinded to the Maker by what He made, or blinded by the stars from realizing the star- Maker; those whose vision is blinded, who are barred from the Lord with a thick veil. If these last-mentioned put their knowledge to good use, they would be among the most staunch of believers, having witnessed Allah's wisdom. His most stunning signs, the wonders of His craft that point to Him, to His knowledge, power, and wisdom that is not available to others. It is, however, of Allah's wisdom that the minds of the majority of this group do not avail their privileged place; they are barred from knowing Him, are stopped at the external aspect of the worldly life, unmindful of the hereafter. These minds are unworthy of being acquainted with Him, His names and Attributes, and the secrets of His religion and legislation, being of base interests, mean and petty. But bounty is in the Hands of Allah, and He extends it to whoever He wills, for Allah is the expender of great bounty. But in this regard, what humans have access to is infinitesimal as compared to what is hidden from them. Indeed, what each and every single human has acquired of knowledge, relative to what they ignore, is equal to the sip of a little bird, relative to the sea. But even so, this is no reason for turning our backs to what we can learn and being desperate about it: a thinking human will find in what he perceives an indication of what lies beyond. And Allah knows best."

"And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered." - [QS.6:38]

Bahasa

Reference :
- Capt. Anas Abdul-Hameed Al-Qoz, Men and The Universe - Reflections of Ibn Al-Qayyem, Darussalam

The World, A Reflection (2)

The man with fedora continued, "Since Allah's wisdom willed that, the earth, its planes, rugged lands, mountains and deserts, are all destined to give benefits of all sorts, to be the substance for creating diverse creatures, the earth is bound to have affinity with a mother that bears in her belly babies of every sort. It gives birth, for the benefit of men and animals, known or unknown to them, ejecting from inside it whatever its Lord allowed it to bring out; and at a later time to reclaim all that it had brought out. He willed that it be a provider for living things as long as they live on its surface, and then, once they die, to reclaim them and to fold them in its belly.
It takes responsibility in this way of the living things while they live and after they die. And then, when the appointed day, the Resurrection, has arrived, and the earth is heavy with conception, delivery is imminent, and the labour is due, its Lord and Creator commands it to bring out what is in its belly, to be unloaded of its burden; and so it puts out humans from its belly to its surface; then it says: "Here is what You entrusted to me, my Lord." It puts out, by the will of the Almighty, it's treasures, reveals its mysteries, and gives witness about its children, of the good deeds and bad deeds they had done.
Because winds blow around the earth, penetrate into its cavities, cause steams to be trapped in it and blow into it, without outlets, the Almighty willed that the earth occasionally 'breathe', resulting in violent earthquakes, which inspire His servants with fear and awe, driving them to repent and give up wrongdoing, supplicating to Him and penitent of their misdeeds.

Observe now air and the benefits it has for living things. It is the essence of life; it sustains living things internally since they breathe it, and externally by protecting their bodies; it carries sound and delivers it to near and far places, acting as a messenger or herald whose job is to convey information and messages. Air is the bearer of odours in their diversity, conveying them from place to place, so that a human receives an odour realizing its source by noting the wind's direction, in the same way as air conveys sounds. It is the bearer of cold and heat which are essential for the survival of animals and plants. Observe also the functions of winds as they blow over land and sea, and the mercy or torture they foretell.
Consider how much the wind has served the clouds until they rained! There is first the 'raiser', the wind that raises the cloud, which suspends it between the earth and the sky. There is then the 'transporter', that transports the cloud, carrying it on its back the way a camel transports a water-bag. Another wind is 'the collector', the wind that gathers bits and pieces of cloud into a big mass. This is followed by the 'fertilizer' that acts in the way a male fertilizes a female, but it is with water that the wind fertilizes - without it, the cloud is dry, without water.

The next wind is the 'driver', the wind that drives clouds wherever it is commanded to drive them, where they release their water. A different wind, the 'dispersed, dispersing the clouds, stretching them around the sky, so that when it rains, it does not pour the water in a mass; for if it does, it would destroy dwellings, plants and animals; so the 'dispersed is designed to keep clouds spread in a way that they rain in drops. There arc winds that fertilize plants and trees, without which they would be barren; the winds that propel ships, without which ships would be immobile on the surface of the sea. Some other functions of the wind are that it cools water, helps people in kindling fire, and dries what people want to dry.
On the whole, all that lives on earth, plants and animals, can survive only because of the winds. If Allah had not put them in the service of His servants, plants would wilt and animals would die; edible things would go bad, and pollution and rotting would be unbearable. Do you not see that when the wind subsides for long, great distress and affliction are flagrant, to a point that people do not survive if this condition lasts too long? If this happens animals will be sick, healthy people will no longer be healthy, and sick people's condition will deteriorate; fruits will go bad, plants will rot, and there will be contagion in the atmosphere. So glory be to Him Who made the blowing of wind a source of nourishment, mercy, blessing and a bounty from Allah!

Note also a finer point about air in relation to sound, that sound results from the friction of bodies: it is not the friction itself, as some assume, but the outcome of friction once a certain object collides with another and then it moves away from it; so it results from collision and the following separation, Sound results from this, and air transmits it, delivering it to people's hearing, and this serves them in so many ways in their lives day and night.
Very loud noises happen as a result of people's activities and dealings, so that if the sound that ensues from all of that were to stay in the air, there would be a great density of noises in the atmosphere, and the harm would be unbearable! People would have great difficulty trying to muffle the noises in the air to be able to hear badly needed sounds - in the same way as they wish used paper were blank to be used for useful writing. It is the mercy of the Most Mighty, the Wise, that willed that air should be like invisible paper that takes in as much voice as is needed, and then erases it with the will of Allah, so that it becomes pure and blank, ready for receiving new information at all times.

Regard also the outstanding mercy of cold and heat as vital things for the life of animals and plants! Observe how each displaces the other gradually and bit by bit until it completely dominates! If cold or heat were to displace each other in a sudden way, it would have been harmful and fatal for organisms and plants, the same as when a man comes out of an extremely hot bath to an extremely cold weather. The way heat and cold take place has no other reason but the care, wisdom and mercy of Allah! If you say, "The slow and slack way that heat and cold displace each other is a result of the sun's slow motion in ascending and descending, you will be asked: And what causes the slow motion of the sun?"
If you answer, the reason is the great distance between its rise and its setting, you will have to deal with the next question: And why this great distance? And so on. You will have to answer question after question every time you give a cause until you end up with one of two attitudes: either stubborn denial and claiming that it is mere coincidence, without a controller or maker; or recognition of the Lord of the Worlds, a submission to the Eternal Fount of all being, a resolve to be among the sensible and thinking humans. There is no midway place between the two camps at all! So do not let your mind be deluded.

Reflect also on the creation of fire, how it is kept in waiting and how it is lighted. If it were ablaze all the time, like the continuity of water and air, it would burn the world; it would spread beyond control, and so much mischief and harm would result. If it remained a potentiality, never actually coming into existence, humans would miss many benefits that are realized because of the fire. The wisdom of the Most Mighty, the All Knowing, therefore, determined that fire should be potentially present in materials, that a human can bring it out whenever he needs, preserve it with fuel, like wood, and let it burn as long as he needs; when he no longer needs it, and ceases to supply it with fuel, it subsides with the will of its Lord, its Originator, which saves the trouble of its preservation and the harm of its continuity. So glory be to Him, who created it and put it in the control of humans in the most striking and admirable balance, combining enjoyment of its benefits, having control of it, and keeping secure from its dangers.
We praise Allah, the Tremendous! He acquainted us with Himself, with His signs, guided us with His marvels, and saved us the need for guidance from mortals. He reminds us with the fire of this world of the fire of the Hereafter, so that we may take caution, beware of it and take refuge in Him from the Fire. He adds that the fire is a provision for 'muqween', that is travellers who take rest in an uninhabited land, where the need is keen for fire, for lighting, cooking, baking, warming, dispelling loneliness and other functions.

Notice the wisdom displayed in privileging man with the use of fire in preference to all animals! Apart from man, animals are not in need of fire. If man were to be without fire, the effects would be grave and very unfavourable in all matters of life and in his interests. Other animals, in contrast, have no use of fire, nor do they enjoy its services. To refer to just one of the many uses of fire, a use that is seemingly trivial, but is really vital in the life of human beings, let us notice the use of the lamp. This device is commonly used by people to perform any of the tasks they choose to perform at night. If they were deprived of this device, humans would have to spend half of their life as inactive as the dwellers of tombs.
Who would be able to write, sew, perform a craft or do any activity in dark nights? How would an ill person behave at night? How would he manage without light to obtain medicine or to extract blood or to take any other action on his ailment? Consider the amount of light that is radiated by the tiny wick, how it lights quite a big circle around you, enabling you to see what is near and what is far! Consider, also, how if every creature of Allah's were to take a light from your light it would not weaken or grow fainter! As for the benefits of fire in cooking foods, preparing medicines, drying what is only usable after drying, analysing what has to be analysed, condensing what needs to be condensed and combined to make it useful; all these and many other uses are more than can be figured out.

Think again of the fire, how it naturally rises up! If the surrounding atmosphere did not check it, it would rise and rise; it is rather pulled down in the same way as a body that has weight is attracted down; and if, on the other hand, nothing checked its downward attraction it would go down and down. So who is it that arranged that the fire should rise to a determined level, and arranged that its descent should have a limit at the desired point? Who but the Most Mighty, the All-Knowing?
Consider Allah's wisdom revealed in the rareness of the two precious metals, gold and silver; observe the failure of the best minds among humans to artificially produce these two metals, their utter inability to emulate Allah's creation in this, despite their zeal and utmost endeavour to achieve this end. They only succeeded in producing imitations of the two metals. Had they succeeded in producing the identical gold and silver, great chaos would happen in the world, as gold and silver would be available to men in great abundance, until they become as cheap as palm leaves and pottery; in which case they would cease to serve the interest they are created to serve. Their ampleness would make them of little value, and they would no longer be used as the price for valuable property and goods, services and weaponry for fighters.

Men would refuse to be employed, since everyone would be a possessor of gold and silver. If Allah were to make all of His creatures rich, He would have virtually made them all poor, for who would let himself be employed in menial jobs which are absolutely essential for life? So glory be to Him who deemed that the rarity of gold and silver be a basis for establishing an organized system in the world! On the other hand, He did not make them as rare as red sulfur which is almost impossible to obtain, for in such little quantity they would be absolutely useless! He rather created them and laid them in such quantity as is deemed right by His judgement and mercy, for the convenience of His creatures.

Think also of the marvelous wisdom embodied in Allah's bringing within access of His servants what they most badly need, His compassion in fitting the availability and abundance of things to the extent they are needed. The more human beings need something, the more abundant it is; the less they demand it the less it is abundant; and when they need it in moderate amounts, it is available in moderate amounts - it would not in that case be too common nor too scarce.
All depends on the extent and diversity of needs. Take for example the four essentials, earth, water, air and fire. See how commonly available they are. Observe the huge amount of air Allah has created, and how commonly available it is everywhere you go. That is because land animals cannot survive without it; and so it is accessible to animals wherever they happen to be, since they cannot do without it for a moment. Had it not been there in great quantities in all lands and territories, people and animals would suffocate because of smoke and vapour that keep forming and spreading.
Observe, too, the wisdom of Allah when He caused the wind to expel smoke and vapour; when they rise into the atmosphere, the wind carries them to where they are transformed to cloud or fog, and the world is rid of their nasty effects."

The man with fedora then said, "O young man, can all human beings, if they work as a united group, transform smoke into clouds or fog, or can they blow them away from people where they would cease to be a source of danger to them? If Allah so willed. He could have held the wind from blowing away smoke, and so it would become denser and denser on the surface of the earth, causing the demise of multitudes of humans and beasts. And Allah know best."

"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], "Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire." - [QS.3:190-191]

(Part 1)

Bahasa

Reference :
- Capt. Anas Abdul-Hameed Al-Qoz, Men and The Universe - Reflections of Ibn Al-Qayyem, Darussalam

The World, A Reflection (1)

The birds gathered again. There was something interesting in these birds of Kampong Bayan, like the colors of their feathers, sometimes, there were differences of opinions among them. But the disagreement was ousted by the brotherhood in faith. They realize that the differences could be faded by space and time, but not the brotherhood in faith. The brotherhood of faith, accompanied by knowledge, wisdom and greatness of heart, could resolve differences of opinion among them. And as usual, Parrot began their meeting by saying, "Assalamualaikum, O my brothers and sisters!"  "Wa'alaikumussalam!" the birds responded. Parrot then said, "Praise be to Allah, the Compassionate, Who created man, and taught him utterance; may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet (ﷺ), his family, his companion, and those who follow him untill the Day of Judgement. O my brothers and sisters, last time, our sister, Swan, told the story of the young wayfarer. So, are there any of you willing to share a story?" Sparrow said, "I'd like to hear about the young wayfarer!"

Parrot turned to Swan. Swan nodded, stepped forward and said, "And so, the young wayfarer continued his journey. Every story has an ending; in this life, every ending is just a beginning of another story. One day, the young wayfarer was sitting on the deck of a ship, and enjoyed the vast expanse of the horizon. "Assalamualaikum!" someone greeted. "Wa'alaikumussalam!" he replied. He turned back, an old man with a fedora hat on his head and a nice suite, was standing, smiling at him. The fedora man said, "May I sit beside you, O young man?" The young wayfarer smiled and said, "Of course, please!" After sitting, the fedora man said, "O young man, know that Allah has urged His servants to reflect upon Him, one will indeed be led to learn about Allah, about His Oneness and attributes of perfection; to learn about aspects of His might as attested by the absoluteness of His power, the infinite nature of His wisdom; by His mercy, generosity, clemency, kindness, justice, grace, anger, reward and punishment - it is through reflection on these facts that He willed His servants to know Him, and it is for this reason that He exhorted them to reflect upon His signs."

The young wayfarer was stunned. He said, "I was reflecting on the creation of this world, the composition of its parts. I found that this world is having organized by the best system; all that inevitably points to the perfect ability of Allah, His omniscience and the infinity of His wisdom and kindness! Please tell me more about this, O man of knowledge!" The fedora man said, "In the Quran, there are many verse mention about a number of the sign of our Creator, so that they may be a reminder of further signs. One set of such signs are related to the creation of man. If you reflect on the creation of this world, the composition of its parts, its organization having the best system; all that inevitably points to the perfect ability of Allah, His omniscience and the infinity of His wisdom and kindness! If you looked at the world, you would find it like a constructed house, well-equipped with all its appliances, provisions and supplies.

The sky is its roof, raised above the world; the ground is its floor, mattresses and carpets; well-adapted for the convenience of the dwellers; the sun and the moon are glowing lights above it; the stars are sparkling over it like decorative lamps, signals for the traveller around this world. The minerals and gems stored beneath it are like treasures and hoards, or like well-stuffed storages prepared for any who needs them; the plants in their variety and abundance fulfill man's requirements, the animals in their diversity offer him so many services; some are riding-animals, some milk-giving animals, some meat-providing animals; some animals provide clothing, furniture and tools, some guard man as they are ordained to do, guarding him while asleep, set against what may cause him harm or danger. Were it not for the control of man over certain fierce creatures that repulse other creatures, there would be no hope of survival for the human being.

Man is given a royal status in the world; he is authorized to dominate those creatures, to employ them in carrying out his orders and directions. In all this we can witness the most evident indication that the world is the creation of a Wise, Omnipotent and Omniscient Lord, Who designed it to the best design, ordered it to the most perfect discipline; we can perceive that the Creator is impossible to be more than one, that He is the One God, with no god but He. It is manifest that if there were another god in the heavens or the earth their system would be ruined, and their system would be thrown out of order, and their habitability would come to a stop. If the body is impossible to admit two equal and coordinate souls, how is it conceivable that the great universe could have two sovereign Lords.

One of the most striking signs and capturing miracles of Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, is the seas which surround dry land, in the form of inlets and bays from the great ocean which engulfs the entire land. The rest of the land is submerged under water. It is only the Power and Will of the Almighty Allah that holds water from submerging land and rising over it to rise like this is in fact in the nature of water. There are no explanation of this but to attribute it to divine wisdom and the eternal mercy of Allah Who willed that circumstances should be smoothed for the land animals to exist. This is a truth, but it should lead one to submit to the Ability of Allah; to His Will and Destiny; to His Knowledge, Wisdom and all His Attributes of perfection.

The sea and all the wondrous creatures in it, displaying a very wide diversity of species, shapes, sizes, functions, benefits and harm, and colours. There are in the sea animals that seem like mountains, so huge that nothing on earth compares with them. There are, besides, so many species that have no counterparts at all on land. In addition to that are its precious stones, pearls and corals. You see how a pearl is encased in a casket, the shell, that serves as a nest for it, providing it with protection and safety. Some pearls are hidden, never touched by hands.

Observe how the coral has grown at the bottom of the sea out of solid rock below water, similar to a tree. The sea also contains other things like amber and valuable things that are thrown out by the sea, or are fished out. Observe also the miracle of the ships which sail the sea, cutting their way through it without the need for leader or driver - their leading force being only the wind that Allah directs to run them. If that leading force were held back, then the ships would stay idle on the surface of water.

If you regard the earth and its creation, you will see that it is one of the most striking of Allah's miracles and wonders. He made il a resting place, spread out for mankind, constrained it to serve His servants, supplied it with their provisions, food and means of survival. He provided it with ways that allow them to move around seeking their needs and manipulations; stabilized it with mountains, which act like pegs that hold it, so that the earth does not sway with its inhabitants. He stretched it, paved it, levelled and flattened it and spread it out, extended it in all directions, made of it a receptacle for living creatures that will last as long as they last; made it a shroud for the dead that envelopes them in its belly once they are buried - its surface is for the living and its interior is for the dead. Its vital importance may be attested by the frequency of its mention by Allah in His Scripture. He urged His servants to contemplate it and reflect on its creation.

Observe, then, the land when it is barren, neglected and dead; and see then how, once Allah lets down rain, it will quiver, sprout, rise, and become resplendent with growth, growing all kinds of marvellous crops. It brings out plants wondrous in appearance and quality, plants that please observers. It produces provisions diverse in quality, amount, shape, colour, and benefits; fruit, vegetables, medical plants, grazing plants for animals and food for birds. You see how He causes the same rain to fall on various tracts of land, but each grows plants that are diverse in colour, shape, ordour, taste and benefit, despite the identical supply and locale.

Regard, too, how Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala stabilized the earth with the high-rising, solid, established, and hard mountains. He established them well, elevated them, and destined them to be the most solid part of the earth; so that they do not erode over the ages and by the work of successive rains and winds. He crafted them well, placed them carefully, and provided them with diverse and ample benefits, minerals and springs; then he guided men to discover those minerals, inspired them to extract them, taught them how to make from them coins, jewelry, decoration pieces, clothes, arms and the various other useful tools. Without guidance from the Almighty, men would never have had the knowledge of that or the ability to manipulate it.

One of Allah's wondrous signs is the air, suspended between the sky and the earth, perceived by contact when it moves, its physical existence sensed but not seen. It exists between the sky and the earth, with birds soaring in it, flapping their wings in it, in the same way as sea animals swim in water. Its waves sometimes roll violently the same way as a sea's waves do.

When Allah wills, the air moves mercifully, a harbinger of favour, plenty, and auspicious portent for humans, an impregnating factor for clouds, causing them to bear water, in the same way as a male impregantes a female to bear a child. Such mercy- bearing winds are called: heralds, winnowers and emissary winds. Winds of torture, on the other hand, are called tempestuous, hurricane, in the sea, fatal and fierce, in land. When Allah wills, He causes the winds of torture to blow, bringing devastation and suffering, a scourge against whomever He wills of His servants. It may bring destruction, bad omen and havoc wherever it passes.

Regard, too, how Allah lodged water in the earth, and then by its action caused to grow a myriad of plants. Some plants nourish, some season the food; some are digestive, some enfeeble, some are lethal poison, some are sickening; some heal diseases, some cause a chill, some cause heat; a certain plant, as it reaches the stomach, suppresses bile at its source; another as it settles in the stomach turns to bile; another repels phlegm and blackbile; another transforms to one of these; one stimulates blood to flow, another represses it; one causes sleep, another dismisses it; one causes elation, one causes its reverse, and so on and on. There is no end to the wonders of plants; there is not a leaf, a branch or a fruit but contains a miracle that beats the understanding of men to encompass or comprehend it in full.

Reflect also on the earth, how it is held stable, from the day Allah created it, so that it forms a habitation and settling place for animals, plants and objects. It is by this that animals and men are enabled to move about on it, pursuing whatever they like of their interests and needs; taking rest when they like, and going to sleep on it, getting refreshment enough to resume their endeavours.

If it were unstable or swaying they would not be able to find peace or comfort upon its surface; no building would stand on it, and no industry or commerce could be performed; agriculture or craft would not be possible. How could humans lead a happy life with the ground swaying beneath their feet? You may take an inkling of what such a state can cause by observing the devastation caused by earthquakes, despite the brevity of time they last. You see how, when this happens, humans are forced to desert their homes and flee from them.

Think also of the great wisdom embodied in the earth's being soft and solid at the same time. If it were too soft, sloppy like mud, no structure could be built, and no animal could walk on its surface; it would cease to be habitable. If it were too hard, like a stone, it would not be suitable for cultivation or planting; it would not be possible to plow it and sow it; it would not be possible to bore wells in it or to erect structures on its surface. It is neither hard like stones, nor sloppy like mud. By the wisdom of its Creator, it is perfectly balanced, a convenient place for animals, in a moderate state between softness and hardness, in a way that realizes all interests.

Think now of the mountains, an amazing marvel, indeed they have so many benefits that no one but their Creator and Raiser can reckon. Snow falls on them, and stays at their peaks, supplying men with drinking water until it expires. It melts slowly, forming gushing streams, rivers and brooks. From this, a variety of plants, fruits and medical crops grow in hills and lawns that are different from the plants of planes and deserts. If there were no mountains, snow would fall on level ground, melting there in a short time, serving no benefit. Besides, it would cause torrential floods which would destroy everything in their way. This would cause great hardships for people, and a lot of bad consequences that could not be averted.

Caves, depressions and supports in their peaks and crests serve as castles and strongholds. They also are used as shelters for humans and animals. Stones are hewn from mountains and chiseled for various buildings and structures, and for grinding. Minerals and precious stones are hidden beneath them, varying from gold, silver, copper, iron and lead to aquamarine, emerald and many other minerals which no human can count in full. Some minerals are so precious that a handful of them is more valuable than many times their equivalent in gold. They are of such great benefits that no one but the Creator, glorified be His name, can reckon.

Mountains break the rage of violent winds, soften their sharpness, and prevent them from lashing on the areas beyond them with their full force. Therefore, you find the dwellers in their shade sheltered from violent, harmful winds. They divert floods descending in their beds, directing them to the right or to the left. Otherwise, floods would have destroyed all in their way. Mountains, in this case, are functioning like ramparts and safeguards.

They work as landmarks that indicate ways. They do the functions of man-made signs that direct travellers. A mountain is called a landmark or a banner since it sticks out like a sign. Medical plants and herbs grow on them; what grows on mountains does not grow on planes and deserts, while what grows in planes and deserts does not grow in mountains. In each, there are benefits and uses that no one but the Omniscient Creator can count. Mountains can be used as a fortress to take refuge in against enemies."

The fedora man paused, looked at the horizon and said, "O young man, one benefit is the one mentioned by Allah in His Book, that He had made them as pegs of the earth, stabilizing it, and anchors, like the ships. This is an extremely valuable benefit and they serve a precious function in that connection. If you regard them and reflect on their amazing creation from that aspect, you find that they perfectly serve the purpose they were created for. If they had been higher and more perpendicular like a wall, they would have been hard to climb and much of their benefit would have been missed. It is clear that the most useful and beneficial shape of mountains, the most adapted to serve the needs of humans, is the shape willed by Allah.

So glory be to Him Who privileged whatever He choose from among men as from among mountains. Some mountains have been designated to be like magnets to hearts, as if hearts have a relation to them. Those hearts are moved whenever the particular mountain is mentioned, and long to visit it; in the same way, certain men are privileged with Allah's grace, and favoured with His blessing, honoured with His love, in a way that He loves them, and so do His angels and His believing servants, and they are generally gladly received wherever they go."

(Part 2)

Bahasa

While the Soul Gently Weeps

"When did the last time you weep?" said the Limpkin to the birds. Then she continued, "O my brothers and sisters, beware of the hardness of the heart, for it can lead you to the Fire. So protect your heart from becoming hard and all that which may cause it to harden, and beware of turning away from the admonition of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala."
"Verily, weeping is a mercy which Allâh puts in the hearts of His servants. And maybe, you wil ask, 'Where is the path towards weeping out of fear of Allâh?' Recorted by al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Three types of people will find the sweetness of imân; the one to whom Allâh and His Messenger (ﷺ) are more beloved than anything else; the one who loves another person purely for the sake of Allâh; and the one who hates to return to disbelief after Allâh has rescued him from it, just as he would hate to be thrown into the fire". And weeping is included in this sweetness." So, have taqwa, dilligently working hard to achieve it, and being sincere in it.

The second path which the weep comes from, is knowledge. Allah said in Surah Al-Isra[17]:107, "Say, "Believe in it or do not believe. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it - when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration." And our beloved Prohet (ﷺ) said in hadith hasan recorded by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhî and Ibn Mâjah, ""I can see what you do not see, and I can hear what you do not hear. Indeed the sky groans (the large no.s of angels in the sky make it heavy so that it groans) and it has a right to do so. There is not an area equal to that of four fingers, except that an angel is prostrating to Allâh therein. By Allâh! If you knew what I know you would laugh little and weep much, and you would not enjoy your wives in bed. But rather you would come out onto the hills, supplicating and praying fervently to Allâh."

The third path is the remembrance of death. There is no doubt that death ends the delights and pleasures of this life, just as the Prophet (ﷺ) has told us, "Increase in your remembrance of the destroyer of all pleasures: ie death. For verily one who remembers it when enduring the hardships of life, it widens for him (ie he no longer feels overburdened with the hardships he is experiencing). Whenever one remembers it at times of opulence, it will cause him to feel restricted and burdened (ie he will not be too involved with this life and will start to reflect on the serious and heavy matters awaiting him)." (an-Nasâ'î, at-Tirmidhî - hasan ghareeb, Ibn Mâjah) The pleasures are what prevent a tear to be shed, nor any sadness and grief to be felt in the heart. So increase in your remembracnce of death, in an attempt to feel the terrors and horrors that will follow it, fearing an evil destination, so that you may succeed with weeping out of fear of Allâh. Indeed this is easy for the one whom Allâh wishes to make it easy for. On the authority of Ibn 'Umar (ra) who said "I was with the Messenger of Allâh (saw) when a man from the Ansar came up to the Prophet (ﷺ) and greeted him with the salâm and then said, "O Messenger of Allâh, which of the believers are the best?" He replied "Those who are the best in character". Then he asked "Which of the believers are the most intelligent?" He (saw) replied: "Those who remember death the most and those who are best prepared for what comes after it (death). These are the intelligent ones.""
Contemplation and reflection upon death makes one fear the terrors and horrors which follow, beginning with the terrors of the grave and the barzakh (transitional period in the grave prior to the Day of Judgement). Do not think that death is far off, since the Prophet (ﷺ) has warned us from thinking in this way. Visiting the graves is one of a way in order to remember death and contemplate over the horrors which follow death. Reported by Al Hâkim, a narration by Anas bin Mâlik, radiallahuanhu, who said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I used to forbid you from visiting the graves, but now you should visit them, for indeed the hearts are softened, the eyes are made to shed tears, and it is a remembrance of the hereafter".

The fourth path is to make the Hereafter is your main concern. Recorded by Ibn Mâjah, on the authority of 'Abdullah who related that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever makes the Hereafter his sole concern, then Allâh will be sufficient for him concerning his affiars and needs in the world, and whoevers concerns (in the world) are divided amongst the affairs of the world, then Allâh would have no care in which path he is destroyed". Recorded by Ibn Hibban, Abdur Rahmân ibn 'Uthmân ibn 'Affan, radiallahuanhu, reported from his father, that The Prophet(ﷺ) said, "Whoever sets this world as his goal, Allâh divides his affairs for him, He will place poverty between his eyes, and nothing will come to him from the world except what Allâh has written for him. Whoever sets the Hereafter as his goal, Allâh gathers his affairs for him, gives him richness of heart and the world will come to him grudgingly and submissively"
Indeed the love of this world is a reason behind the hardening of the heart and it diverts one away from the way of Allâh. Verily abstention and renunciation of this world causes the heart to soften, increases its khushû' and causes the eyes to weep tearfully.
So beware of becoming too much at ease with the world. You must renounce this world and consider it insignificant as much as you can in this way. Contemplate the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) when renouncing the world, ponder over his difficult and tough lifestyle with regards to his food, drink, clothing and furniture, etc. 

Hasten, O brothers and sisters, towards living like the stranger or the wayfarer in your conduct, manners, behaviour, food, drink , housing and in anything else you are able to do so. We should observe and await the arrival of our original abode (paradise). Therefore we should not expect to live until morning if we are alive in the evening and likewise we should not expect to live until the evening if we are alive in the morning. Thus we should not put off repentance, returning back to Allâh and carrying out the rights which are upon us, or even performing a good deed.
We should be conducting ourselves (in our daily lives) as if we can see the scenes of the Day of Resurrection with our own eyes. We should take from our health for our illness and assign our health towards accomplishing acts of obedience as well as to make the most of our lives so that we can be saved from the terrors that follow death. Does the stranger who is away from his country, family, children, kinsfolk and relatives strive in order to build a castle in a foreign land?! Or does the wayfarer live in an isolated cul-de-sac?!
And you - may Allâh have mercy upon you - are a stranger in this world, far away from the home of Paradise, far away from your spouse and children there. And this is only if you are from the People of Paradise. Then how is it if you have no home in Paradise, nor a family nor children, but you have the punishment; an unseen evil waiting for you?!
So beware of leading a life of ease and comfort as Allâh's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Beware of leading a life of ease and comfort for verily the real slaves of Allâh are not those who live in ease and comfort" (Ahmad, Abû Nu'aym).

Contemplating over the Qur'ân is one of the strongest ways of reaching the state of weeping. It is necessary for one to take particular interest over the tafsîr of the Qur'ân, in continously seek help from the scholars and the people of tafsîr as much as one can. Read the Qur'ân as if it was revealed to you, as some of the scholars have said. An example of this has been established by 'Aisha, radiallahuanha, when she said: "A man sat in front of the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) and said: "O Messenger of Allâh, verily I have slaves, they lie to me, are disloyal to me and disobey me. When I came to know about this I scold them and beat them. So tell me how have I been with them?" The Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) replied: "What they were disloyal to you about, what they disobeyed you in, and what they lied to you about is measured, and the punishment which you inflicted upon them is also measured. If your punishment was equal to their sins, then the scale of balance is equal, it is not for you and nor is it against you. If your punishment to them was not to the extent of their sins (ie less than they deserved) then that is against you". The man then fell back and began to weep and scream. The Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) said: "Haven't you read the verse in the Book of Allâh: "and we shall set up balances on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything..." (21:47) The man replied; "By Allâh, O Messenger of Allâh, I do not see anything better for me and them than they leave me, I call you to witness that all of them are free". (Sunan at-Tirmidhî)

Being concered with listening to the humble and effective recitation of the Qur'ân and reading more of the heart softening books is the next paths the weep comes. Verily this has a great effect in driving away the Shaytân, softening the heart and shedding tears. It has been reported that a man complained to Hasan about the hardness of his heart. So he said:"Bring it closer to the remembrance of Allâh", and he also said: "The gatherings of dhikr give life to knowledge and bring about khushoo' in the heart. The dead heart is brought to life with the remembrance of Allâh, just as the dead earth is brought to life with rain".
There is no doubt that seeking forgiveness from Allâh has a great effect in purifying and polishing the heart. As well as increasing the soul in strength and firmness. The more truthful a person is in seeking forgiveness, the more khushû' one feels, and the more one's heart softens.
To increase in seeking Allâh's forgiveness - just as it was the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ)- it is necessary to take account of oneself and remembers one's sins. Allâh has ordered us to take account of ourselves, performing righteous actions and prepare for the Day of Gathering. It is reported that 'Umar ibn al Khattâb, radiallahuanhu said "Bring yourselves to account before you are brought to account, and weigh your deeds before they are weighed". (at-Tirmidhî)

The next path is perfecting prayer. It was repotred by Abû Ayyud who said "A man came to the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) and said "teach me in the briefest words". He (ﷺ) replied, "When you stand in prayer, pray as if you are bidding farewell (to this world) and do not utter words for which you will have to seek an excuse, and do not wish for that which the people have". (Ibn Majah, Ahmad, Abû Nu'aym in al-Hilyah; hadith hasan)
What an excellent prayer is the prayer of one who prays as if he is leaving the world and its beauties, and in which one remembers death, thereby softening the heart and causing the eyes to weep.

So know that making yourself weep earns less of a reward than actually weeping. However it is the way towards weeping, that is because the one who makes himself weep, is among those who strive hard and fight their souls, and take account of themselves, and endeavour to attain the pleasure of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. Whoever strives to make his soul weep, then Allâh will guide this person to sincere weeping and give him success in achieving it. On the authority of Anas (ra) who related that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O people weep, for you cannot weep then make yourself weep. Indeed the inhabitants of the hellfire will weep until their tears pour down their cheeks as if they were streams until the tears are used up and then blood will pour down, and the eyes will be covered with ulcers"
So reflect over the way the Prophet (ﷺ) order us to weep or make ourselves weep. He (ﷺ) also explained the weeping of the inhabitants of hellfire, ie the tears will pour down their cheeks and faces as if streams until they tears are used up after which blood will pour forth and cause the eyes to be wounded with ulcers.
What else can you want after this, O slave of Allâh, in order for you to weep! It is a deep and serious admonition, this admonition is enough to cause you to make tawbah return to Allâh and weep. Indeed, dzikr parfumes your life. Make supplications in whisper, by the will of Allah, all wounds heal, the wounded and broken heart recovers, and the sick and ill becomes full of strength again. And Allah knows best."

"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely." - [QS.8:2]

Bahasa

Reference :
- Shaykh Husayn Al Awaayishah, Weaping From the Fear of Allah, Al-Hidaayah.