From the earliest of times until today, books have been written about coming to know Allah and a great deal has been said by scholars and non-scholars. Each one chooses a way in order to come to understand this issue but from among all of the ways, there are two ways which can help us to come nearer to this great Creator of the universe:
– First, an inward way (the closest way)
– Second, an outward way (the clearest way)
The Inward Way
With the first way, we get in touch with our deep inner self and we hear the cry of monotheism from within the depths of ourselves.
Let us think about the following:
1. Scholars say that every human being who thinks, from whatever class or race one be, if left alone, receives no special training, not even hears the words of people who worship Allah nor the words of materialists, that person will naturally become aware of a force or power which is above nature and which rules all of the worlds. In the corners of one’s heart and spirit, one will sense a very subtle sound, which is full of kindness and, at the same time, clear and firm, which calls one towards the great Source of the universe and the power that we call Allah. This is that very pure, divinely-created human nature of people.
2. It is possible that one becomes occupied with the commotion in the material world and one’s daily life and the lights and attractions of life and one may temporarily neglect to hear this sound, but when one finds oneself facing problems and difficulties, whenever a natural catastrophe like a flood or an earthquake or a hurricane comes, yes, at this time, when one is curtailed from all means of material life, and when one finds no place of refuge, this inner sound gains strength.
One senses that within one’s self, a power is calling one, a power which is superior to all forces, a secret force and all difficulties and problems seem simple before it. It is rare to find a person who in such difficulties does not automatically turn to Allah. It is this issue which shows how close we are to Him and how close He is to us. He is in our spirit and our very soul. Of course, the cry of instinct (nature) is always within a person, but at times like this, it finds greater force.
3. Our history shows that even the powerful rulers who, at the time of peace and calm, refuse to even mention the Name of Allah when the bases of their power begin to shake and they see that they are about to lose all of their power, they turn to Allah and they hear the voice of their Divinely-created nature.
History tells us that when Pharaoh saw that he was drowning in the waves of the sea, he said, “I confess that there is no god but the great Allah of Moses. “This cry came from his soul. Not only Pharaoh, but all people who are in a state or condition like he was, cry out the same thing he did.
4. If you study the real reasons for this, you will agree that light shines from there which calls you to Allah. Perhaps there have been times when you have met with difficulties and problems and all of the usual ways of solving problems do not work. At that moment, most certainly, you have seen that there is a force in the world which can easily solve it.
At this moment, hope mixed with love fills your spirit and soul and it removes the clouds of darkness from your soul. Yea. This is the closest way that a person can take to Allah.
Only one question:
We know that this question may arise for some of you. Does this possibility not exist that based upon what we have been taught by our environment, our father and mother, at sensitive moments, we begin to think that we should ask Allah for help?
We know you are right and correct in asking this question, but we have a very interesting answer which we give in the next lesson. The Holy Qur’an says:
“Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their devotion sincerely (and exclusively) to Him; but when He has delivered them safely to (dry) land, behold, they give a Share (of their worship to others)!” (1)
The Outward Way
With the second way, we explore the expansive created world, and we see the signs of the Creator in all creatures and in the heart of every atom.
With a quick glance at the world that we live in, we realize that the world is not in chaos and disorder. Rather, all phenomena are in motion moving towards a clear and determined direction. The facilities of the world are like a great army which has been divided into well-organized units which move in a determined direction.
The following points will clarify any ambiguities:
1. In order to come into being and to remain, every living creature must be a part of a series of laws and special conditions. For instance, for a tree to be, water and suitable soil and a specific temperature are necessary for us to plant seeds and nourish them and for each seed to become green and grow.
If these conditions do not exist, there is no possibility for growth and the choosing of these conditions and proving the necessary preliminaries requires intellect and knowledge.
2. Every creature has a special effect which is exclusive to it. Water and fire each have their own particularities which do not separate from them and they constantly follow permanent laws.
3. All of the members (organs) of living creatures work and are coordinated with each other. As an example, this very human body, which is itself a world, all works together consciously and unconsciously in special coordination. For instance, if danger arises, all are mobilized for defence. This relationship and cooperation is another sign of order in the universe.
4. One look at the world scene makes it clear that not only are all organs of one body of one living creature in coordination with each other, but all the various creatures of the world are also in special coordination with each other. For instance, for the nourishment of living creatures, the sun shines, clouds bring rain and the earth and resources of the earth also help. This all shows the existence of one clear system in the universe.
NOTES:
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1. The Quran 29:65
