“They ask thee concerning the Spirit. Say: ‘The Spirit is by command of my Lord. Of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you.’” (Qur’an 17:85)
“There is traffic and trade in the invisible realms.” ~Rumi
How can I write about the Spirit when only a little knowledge of it has been communicated to us human mortals? That would be presumptuous, indeed. . .
“They ask thee concerning the Spirit. Say: ‘The Spirit is by command of my Lord. Of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you.’” (Qur’an 17:85)
“We have shown you the dust and concealed the wind.” (Rumi)
There are countless veils between us and God, but no veils between Him and us. The veils we experience between us and God are often created from misperceptions formed during our childhood that result in a distorted vision of reality. . .
“They ask thee concerning the Spirit. Say: ‘The Spirit is by command of my Lord. Of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you.’” (Qur’an 17:85)
“We have shown you the dust and concealed the wind.” (Rumi)
Our knowledge of the invisible world is wrapped in mystery. In the East it is said that using the mind to gauge the mysterious realms is like using a bamboo stick to measure the depth of the Ocean. . .
“Do not attribute purity to yourselves; He knows best who is most pious.” (Qu’ran 53:32)
“Pure is the one who has purified oneself of the notion of one’s own purity.” (Sufi saying)
My favorite illustration of the true meaning of purity is about Moses and the Shepherd, as told by the great Sufi poet, Jalaluddin Rumi. . .
“Do not attribute purity to yourselves; He knows best who is most pious.” (Qu’ran 53:32)
“Spend in charity for your own good. He who remains safe from his own greed will prosper.” (Qur’an 64:16)
Aside from giving charity when the need arises, Muslims that are financially capable are asked to donate at least 2.5 percent annually of their net worth, known as zakat, to the poor, as a means of preventing widespread poverty. Aside from being an obligatory donation, the word zakat is often translated as “that which purifies”…
“Do not attribute purity to yourselves; He knows best who is most pious.” (Qu’ran 53:32)
“Pure is the one who has purified oneself of the notion of one’s own purity.” (Sufi saying)
The 13th century sage Saadi Shirazi writes of an incident that impacted him deeply. As a child, he participated in all-night vigils with his father who was a Sufi teacher with a following. . .
“Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourself, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both…and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” ~Qur’an 4:135
“But if you are patient in adversity and conscious of Him- truly this is something upon which to set one’s heart.” (Qur’an 3:186)
The patience shown by the moon to the dark night is what keeps it radiant; the patience shown by the rose to the thorn is what keeps it fragrant.” (Rumi)
Early in his ministry the Prophet Muhammad was in deep despair. After a burst of divine revelations from the realm of Mystery in 610 CE in a phenomenal event called the Night of Power, no new revelations were forthcoming. . .
“Assuredly the creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of humankind. Yet most people understand not.” (Qur’an 17:37)
“The earth is like your mother; honor her and protect her.“ ~Hadith
Although Allah makes it clear in the Qur’an that humankind is a very high station in His creation, and that we were created to be his “viceregents on Earth,” (Qur’an 6:165), He also makes it clear in many other verses that all the creatures and natural features of the earth were created with the purpose of honoring and glorifying their Creator. . .
