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 the 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 Weather Drivers
“And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.” (Al-Furqan 25:62)
Ever wondered why Allah (swt) created four seasons? Autumn is like a barrier for animals, plants and even humans from the extreme heat of summer to the bitter cold of winter. It balances the weather as the air becomes clear and cold and toxins are killed. It allows some animals to go into hibernation and others to migrate to warmer pastures. Spring plays the same role when seasons change from cold to heat. Allah’s (swt) sun and moon drive these changes in weather and seasons. It is a great opportunity for humankind to glorify their Lord (swt) and thank Him for His remarkable setup.
The Assigned Roles
“And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed). That is the Decree of the All Mighty, the All Knowing. And the moon We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old dried curved date stalk. It is not for the sun to overtake the moon nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.” (Ya-Sin 36:38-40)
One of the greatest lessons people can extract from the sun and the moon are their absolute submission to Allah (swt) in dispensing their specific roles. They do not fight over each other’s rights. Their roles and responsibilities are unique, without any conflict with each other. They are true to their assigned role and perform diligently, even though they will be destructed on the Day of Judgement.
The Growth Plan
“Allah causes the night and day to succeed each other. Truly in this is indeed a lesson for those who have insight.” (Al Noor 24:44)
All praise is for Allah (swt), Who lit up the universe with the sun (a bright star). And there is wisdom in the sun rising from different points to benefit life on earth. The sun rays fall evenly all across the planet at intervals. Had the sun shone in one spot, it would have burnt the life there, and moisture and cold would have occurred in other areas of the world retarding growth. Apparently, the sun and the moon have opposite roles that complement each other. Both obey the Creator. There are great opportunities for reflection for men of understanding.
The Time for Rest and Work
“Say (Oh Muhammad (sa)): ‘Tell Me if Allah made the night continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection which ilah (a God) besides Allah could bring you light? Will you not then hear?’ Say (Oh Muhammad (sa)): ‘Tell Me if Allah made the day continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection which ilah (a God) besides Allah could bring you night wherein you rest? Will you not then see?’” (Al-Qasas 28:71-72)
Allah (swt) organizes the benefits of the entire planet by dividing the day and night into halves. He shows care for His creation by offering them rest at night. The night is not pitch dark – it is illuminated mildly with a beaming moon and glowing stars. The moonlight is not dissolvable and, hence, travellers find their way with the help of it, and nocturnal animals are able to hunt for prey. In the yester years scholars like Imam Bukhari used to write by the light of the moon.
Most importantly, the deniers of the Creator must be asked that if Allah (swt) suspends this alternation of night and day, who can arrange it for us? If we will not be able to undo our tiredness, we will not be operational for the next day.
The Worship
“And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate yourselves not to the sun, nor to the moon, but prostrate yourselves to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him.” (Fussilat 41:37)
The sun and the moon are two incredible creations of Allah (swt) as signs of His grandeur. They neither pause nor weaken in their individual orbits and comply to their Creator’s orders obediently. They are unique in their benefits to humankind.
Humans are also unique, and every Momin’s path is set just like the sun and the moon. But humans are given a choice, due to which massive corruption occurs sometimes. The creation starts worshipping other creations. Man does not join in worship with the sun and the moon. Hence his Sajdah (prostration) by choice to Allah (swt) is very precious to the Creator.
The End and the Beginning
“So I swear by the Lord of all the (365) points of sunrise and sunset in the east and the west that surely We are Able to replace them by (others) better than them and We are not to be outrun.” (Al-Marij 70:40-41)
One sun can light up the entire city but many bulbs put together cannot illuminate the place at night. Similarly, it is Allah’s (swt) supreme calculation, might and wisdom to make the sun rise and set from a different point every day in the east and the west. This beginning and ending of the day also signifies that one day our life in this world will also end and then we will begin our eternal life in the Akhirah.
The Noor
“… And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light.” (An-Noor 24:40)
If Allah (swt) doesn’t grant light (guidance) to someone’s heart, he is helpless. No amount of knowledge, information or experience will benefit him. The one, who has been blessed by Allah’s (swt) mercy and granted His Noor, must try to increase it by obeying Allah (swt) and marching forward in His way. We can only imagine that if the lights of the sun and the moon are so breathtaking, how will the Noor of Allah’s (swt) Arsh be?
Ya Muqallibal quloobi, thabbit qalbi alaa deenik. Ameen
Adapted from Fiqh-ul-Quloob.
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