Walking down the street and passing by fruit and vegetable shops, a person who does not study and understand the Holy Qur’an only sees fruits and vegetables whose prices are spiraling out of control. However, a person who studies and understands the Qur’an sees the work of the greatest Architect and Designer – Allah (SWT) – who creates such diverse tasting, nutritious fruits and vegetables from the same basic elements, such as water and sunlight. This increases the person’s gratitude and love towards Allah (SWT). One of our most important aims should be to keep on cultivating and increasing our level of love and gratitude towards our beloved Creator and Sustainer – Allah (SWT).
During a heavy downpour, a person who does not study and understand the Holy Qur’an only sees a nuisance which prevents her/him from smooth commute. However, a person who studies and understands the Qur’an sees the amazing work and power of the Governor of all existence – Allah (SWT) – who drives the clouds using winds causing it to rain and thereby bringing forth from the earth plants and vegetables upon which ultimately we all rely. Thus meditating on the simple phenomenon of rain can help us realise our total and utter dependence on the mercy of Allah (SWT) causing us to become more humble and submissive towards Him.
The society moulds us to see this world in terms of worldly benefits – wealth, power, status, etc. However, as Muslims we must strive to look at this universe through the lens of the Holy Qur’an. Then, we shall see a universe that testifies to the existence and infinite power of an Almighty Creator – Allah (SWT). We shall see a world which is temporary, transient and non-permanent like all other things in this universe. Thus, our yearning for our eternal next home close to our Loving Creator – Allah (SWT) – may be increased.
The writer is a Lecturer at the School of Business and Economics, North South University
