The light of the worlds

 

The light of the worlds

 

It is not hidden from the men of insight that when the sun is about to illuminate the world, then before it rises, an atmosphere of gaiety is created.  Wherever you see, it is joy and delight.  The sight an expansive desert makes one’s heart also expansive.  Tall mountains also start appealing to one.  The rush and sweep of the wind persuades every branch and leaf into ecstasy.  A cool breeze revivifies the mind and soul.  The gloom which the night had set in on the senses is again illuminated by the illumination of the surroundings.  The songs of the birds make the hearts bloom like flowers.  The antics of the animals dispel one’s anger and anxiety.

 

All these are effects of that illumination which has a certain connection with the physical sun.  Now consider it that if the dawning of the physical sun spreads such joy and cheer all around, then how much joy should be spread when the spiritual sun rises.  The Fount of the world, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) says: 

 

I have been created from the Noor of Allah Most High and everything else if from My Noor.

 

This is the same radiance which is suggested in the following verse of the Holy Quran:

 

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.  Surah Noor (24:35)

 

It is the same radiance in:

 

. There has indeed come to you a light from Allah…Surah Maaida (5:15)

 

It is the same sacred radiance that when it entered Prophet Adam (May peace be upon him), the angels prostrated to him.

 

To be continued…

 

[Excerpted from Maqasid Ul Islam, Vol. 1]