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

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GOD’S BOUNTIES

IN the Chapter titled Al-Rahman in the Quran the phrase ‘Which of your Lord’s wonders would you deny?’ appears several times. The Arabic word “ālā'” that appears in this verse is generally translated as ‘bounties’. It does not signify ordinary bounties, but, rather, wondrous bounties.

This chapter of the Quran mentions many of God’s bounties, and after that it repeatedly says, “Which of your Lord’s wonders would you deny?” By ‘deny’ is meant to ignore or to not acknowledge.

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Man has been given intelligence in order to see, reflect on and acknowledge the wondrous bounties of God and then fully surrender to the One who has brought them all into being

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Most of us blatantly ignore the innumerable wondrous bounties that God has blessed us with. At every moment we see, encounter or experience these bounties, yet we never acknowledge, think about or reflect on them. We simply take them for granted. That is why we do not give them any importance. We simply do not respond as we should.

This is the greatest possible crime on our part. Man has been given intelligence in order to see, reflect on and acknowledge these wondrous bounties of God and then fully surrender to the One who has brought them all into being. Man will be taken to task for this in the Hereafter.

Those who use their reason and lead a life of acknowledgement of God’s blessings will be given a high reward for this in the Hereafter. A life of faith is another name for a life where one has truly realized God. Such a person discovers the wondrous bounties of God and leads a life in constant acknowledgment and gratitude.