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
QUALITATIVE OR QUANTITATIVE ISLAM
MANY Muslim groups and organizations have mushroomed in the present age. Several differences can be found between them, but one thing is common to all. That is, in one way or another every one of them has given a quantitative interpretation of Islam. In place of a qualitative interpretation of the divine religion, a quantitative interpretation has created misguidance and caused a great loss in the name of religion.
In a qualitative interpretation of Islam man is always dissatisfied with his religiosity. This is because piety and fear of God are personal matters of the heart. They cannot be quantified and measured. But in the form-based interpretation religiosity becomes a quantified and measurable object. This results in fearlessness in man. Having quantified his deeds, he feels that he has complied with what was expected of him and therefore becomes complacent. Spirit-based or qualitative thinking creates a fear of God whereas form-based or quantitative thinking creates a false sense of conviction and makes man fearless of God.
The Companions of the Prophet always remained in a state of fear that their deeds were not good enough and strived to do better and more. This was because, to them religion was an internal matter of the heart that could not be measured or described in mathematical terms. Present day Muslims, on the other hand, do not fear God due to their form-based mind set and assume that as long as they are complying with the required number of rituals they have done their duty; therefore, their affairs are in perfect order.
Spirit based or qualitative thinking creates a fear of God whereas form-based quantitative thinking creates a false sense of conviction making man fearless of God.
There are many interpretations of religion that are based on its external manifestations such as a political interpretation, an interpretation based on social issues, an interpretation based on intercession, an interpretation based on being the ‘khair ummat’ (best of the communities) etc.
All of the aforementioned are form-based interpretations of religion. The most important part of religion is its inner content. Therefore all such interpretations of religion which are based on form and external rituals will be undoubtedly invalid. Following such ritualistic forms of religion is an innovation and cannot be considered as following the religion sent by God and professed by the Prophet.