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
WHEN TRUTH IS REVEALED
SOME people have not, in their hearts, bowed to God. Their outward prostration is mere pretence. In the next world, they will be asked to bow down before the Lord but they will not be able to do so. (QURAN, 68: 42)
Prostration is not just a ritual and time-bound physical action; it is to surrender oneself to sublime reality. It is to make oneself follow truth in one’s entire life. This verse of the Quran does not just refer to prostration in a limited sense; it indicates a truth which pertains to the whole of one’s life.
In this world, people—both at individual and collective level—do not in their hearts bow to the reality; they do not adopt the path of truth. Yet, in their outward demeanor they pretend to be on the side of truth; they speak words which make it seem they are in the right and not harming or exploiting others.
But such deceit is possible only here, in this world of trial. In the next world, everything will change. Fake notes can be passed on the streets, but banks will not accept them. So too, in the next world it will not be possible to make lies appear true, and injustice appear like justice.
In the next world, words will refuse to take on false meanings. No one will be able to call injustice ‘justice’ or disguise falsehood as truth. The difference between the outward and the inward will disappear. One will only be able to express what is in one’s heart. People will appear exactly as they were in relation to reality, rather than in the manner which they used to contrive in front of others.
In the next world, words will refuse to take on false meanings.
No one will be able to call injustice justice or disguise falsehood as truth.
If people can convince others, then they are sure that they have been proved right. But, in fact, true righteousness is only what God proclaims as righteousness. Falsehood will be exposed. This abovequoted verse, then, refers not only to hypocritical prostration, it also gives an indication of the outcome facing both individuals and nations in the Hereafter. o
Focusing on the Goal
Man has to be so engrossed in his work that everything else pales into
insignificance beside it. Unless everything else loses its interest for him,
he cannot climb to any great heights of success.