Muhammad Bin Ibrahim At Tuwejri in his book titled “Fiqh Ul Quloob” (“Understanding of the Hearts”) beautifully presents Allah’s (swt) numerous and wonderful creations. The objective is to draw attention from concrete realities of this world and lead to the spiritual and abstract reality, and, hence, for man to find his role and purpose of life.
The Diversity in Creation
It is Allah’s (swt) absolute wisdom and knowledge that determines how to create different things. For example, most stars are stationary, whereas planets are swimming in their defined orbits. Some stars are small in size, while others are big. Some appear closer, while others twinkle afar. Some are a bunch forming a constellation, while others shine in solitude. The stars are different in their colour, age, and volume.
“And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason.” (An-Nahl 16:12)
The Path Directors
Stars lead the living beings to their various destinations in the pitch darkness of nights. Migratory birds, who are non-intellectual beings, find their way through Allah’s (swt) stars and chart their route. Disbelievers, who lack divine knowledge, use these stars for astrology. Believers, who are equipped with Allah’s (swt) recognition, know that these stars assist them in discovering and gauging the wonders of astronomy. Travellers are led to various destinations in the air, land, and sea, as these stars shine like lit up street boards for them.
“And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know.” (Al-Anam 6:97)
The Followers and Leaders
A unique understanding of roles can also be learnt through the formation of stars. Those that shine in clusters are like a family and are followers. While those standing alone and shining brightly are in a leadership role guiding others. Leaders in this world can take an insight from this that the position of leadership requires sacrifice, which sometimes comes in the form of working harder, contributing more time single-handedly, while others enjoy themselves at home with family or in an organization with colleagues. However, these lonely stars have high rewards with Allah (swt) for their unparalleled deeds. Hence, they should not feel self-pity or rebellion against those who do not contribute equally.
“And landmarks. And by the stars they are [also] guided.” (An-Nahl 16:16)
The Misguided Ones
Abu Qatadah mentioned Allah’s (swt) statement: “And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars.” (Al-Mulk 67:5) and said: “The creation of these stars is for three purposes, that is, as decoration of the (nearest) heaven, as missiles to hit the devils, and as signs to guide the travellers. So, if anybody tries to find a different interpretation, he is mistaken and just wastes his efforts and troubles himself with what is beyond his limited knowledge.”
In many religions with roots in polytheism, stars are objects of fascination. Life destinies are charted out of them. Personalities of people are defined through them. The unseen future is tried to be deciphered. But Allah (swt) negates all such behaviours, as they lead to the worship of the creation, instead of the Creator.
“And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze.” (Al-Mulk 67:5)
The Perfection of Creation
The age of this world is approximately 5 billion years. Allah (swt) has set it in perfect order to honour humankind. Stars are scattered across the vast skies apparent to our eyes. But it is difficult to measure their distance. Their colours and numbers are different at the time of sunrise and sunset. They shine differently in a cloudy horizon and in a clear sky. This beauty captures the heart and makes the mind wonder. This must instantly renew one’s faith. The Quran asks a rhetorical question: Can this scene not be witnessed by people who are oblivious to Allah (swt) as their Lord?
“Have they not looked at the heaven above them – how We structured it and adorned it and [how] it has no rifts?” (Qaf 50:6)
The Blind Hearts
The stars have been ordained by Allah (swt), as to when to be still and when to set in motion, for how long to live and when to die. They listen to Allah (swt), obey Him, and submit to Him completely. They never overtake each other or collide with one another. Allah’s (swt) world is full of signs of His greatness. This can only be understood through a conscious intellect, functional eyes, and a sensitive heart. He has facilitated us through prophets, His divine scriptures, inside our Nafs to recognize Him.
“…For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.” (Al-Hajj 22:46)
The Averse
Only the Zalim refuse Allah’s (swt) existence. When man turns away from His signs and does not fear Allah (swt), he must realize that he is being led by Shaitan. His heart and mind have become dysfunctional. Man should seek refuge with Allah (swt) from Shaitan.
This world is actively designed for guiding us towards our Lord. We need to train ourselves to observe it. That would enable us to honour the perfect majesty of our Master. And our real discovery will be to increase in Iman and live every moment of ours with our Creator.
This clarity of thought and language comes through the Quran. However, there are many Arabs (or those who understand the Arabic language), who remain unmoved by the divine book simply because their hearts do not heed to the signs of Allah’s (swt) world.
“And how many a sign within the heavens and earth do they pass over while they, therefrom, are turning away.” (Yusuf 12:105)
Ya Muqallibal Quloobi, Thabbit Qalbi Ala Deenik. Ameen.
Adapted from “Fiqh-ul-Quloob”.
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