FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE
There is a tree beside my house. I call it the 'Spiritual Tree'. I derive spiritual inspiration from it. A tree is an evergrowing being that was initially a seed possessing the potential of becoming a full-grown tree. A seed takes food from the universe around it and then grows into a tree. The same is true with spirituality, the desire for which is intrinsic to, and an integral part of, the very nature of every human being. To realize this spirituality, man must derive spiritual food from the universe around him. A tree converts carbon-dioxide into oxygen; a spiritual person is one who can take positive lessons from negative situations. From this perspective, a tree is an embodiment of a spiritual personality. —Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
SILENCE AND GOD-REALIZATION
THE Prophet of Islam usually observed silence. Many teachings have been recorded on this subject. For example, he said: “Hold fast to silence.” (Sunan al-Darimi)
“A believer is one who either speaks good or remains silent.” (Sahih alBukhari)
“Anyone who observed silence saved himself.” (Musnad Ahmad)
“My silence should be contemplation.” (Musnad al-Shihab al-Qudhai)
Observing silence means not only to remain quiet but also to contemplate. When a believer remains silent, he will ponder on his Lord. This is marifah or the discovery and realization of God. Silence is the door to marifah. True silence leads man to true marifah.
Silence gives man the opportunity to save himself from distractions. It brings greater clarity to his experiences and observations. He transforms ordinary occurences into meaningful facts. He travels from the outer world to the inner world. He establishes his contact with God and His angels at the psychological level. All these factors strengthen man’s God-realization. Contemplation is the source of God-realization and without silence, the process of contemplation is not at all possible.
Silence brings a person close to God. It provides the opportunity for him to achieve God-realization from the entire universe and this journey continues non-stop.