RELIANCE AND TRUST IN ALLAH (S.W.T.)

Tawakkul means entrusting all the matters to the Master and relying upon His Trusteeship. Another definition will be   “Tawaakul upon Allah means the severance by the servant of all hopes and expectations from the creatures and attaching them to Allah.” Tawakkul depends upon a person’s knowledge and firm belief in Allah’s Mastership and the quality of the authority of the Sacred Essence over all affairs of the universe. Even if one has tawwakul on Allah, still one should make every effort and endeavor to the best of one’s ability and then rely on His Justice, Help, and Beneficence. Tawakkul in Allah guarantees success in this world and hereafter, no matter how difficult the task is and how harsh the conditions one is going through and how powerful the enemies are. Tawakkul used in Glorious Qur’an 38 times.

Surah al-Talaq Ayah 3: “Allah is Sufficient for the needs of whoever trusts Him.”

Surah al-Maidah Ayah 23: “Have trust in Allah if you are true believer.”

Surah al-Muzammil Ayah 9: “He is the only Lord, so choose Him as your Guardian.”

Surah al-Furqan Ayah 58: “Also trust in the Living One who never dies and glorify Him with His praise.”

Surah Ibrahim Ayah 11: “The faithful should trust in Allah alone.”

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 81: “Therefore, leave them alone and put your trust in Allah; He is sufficient for you as your Gaurdian.”

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “I asked Jibra’il, ‘What is tawakkul?’ He replied, ‘Recognizing the truth that a creature can neither harm nor benefit, and not to have your eyes on the wealth of others. When a servant of Allah acquires these traits, he will act only for Allah and will not have any hope in other than Him. This is the truth and boundary of tawakkul.”

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Tawwakul means you should bind the camel with a rope and then you say that you have trust in Allah (s.w.t.) that He will protect ouyr camel. You should not have confidence in the rope alone, because many a camel has been stolen with rope. And, likewise, you should not neglect the rope, because binding with therope is a part of tawakkul.”

The highest standard of tawakkul was set when the Infallible Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) asked some idle persons as to who they were? “We are those who put their trust in Allah.” Came the reply. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked: “How is your confidence in Allah?” They said: “We eat when we get food, and we have patience when we do not get it.” Imam Ali (a.s.) retorted; “Yes, that is the very nature of dog. “ Stunned, they asked him to explain the true meaning of tawakkul. Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “When we get we give to others; when we do not get, we thank Allah.”

The Infallible Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said in “Munaja’t Sha’baniyya: “My Lord, grant me complete severance of my relations with everything else and total submission to you.”

The Infallible Imam Aliar-Reza (a.s.) said: “Faith has four pillars: Tawakkul on All Mighty Allah, be pleased with His Decree, surrender to Allah’s order, completely entrusting one’s affairs to Allah.” (Ar-Rayshahri, Mizan-al-Hikmah 22499)

Sources used:

40 Hadith by Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini, 180 questions and answers about Islam by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

Justice of God by Allama Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, Faith and Reason by Ayatollah Mahdi Hadavi Tehrani

Islamic business ethics by Allama Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, Merits of the Soul: Trust in God (Tawakkul), WIKIPEDIA

THE SCIENTIFIC MIRACLES OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Science is not against religion. On the contrary, it supplements religion. Numerous scientific instances will be found if one searches in the deep ocean of the Glorious Qur’an.

Some of the examples are given below:

1.       Finger-tips of human being: In Surah al-Qiyamah, Ayah 1 to 5 which reads: “I swear by the Day of Resurrection, and by the self-accusing soul (Nafse-Lawwamah) (that you will be certainly resurrected). Do men think that We shall never be able to assemble their bones? We certainly have the Power to restore them, even (the very tips of) their fingers. In fact, people want to commit sins and send them ahead (without repentance).”

In Arabic the word “Banan” is used both for fingers and also for “finger-tips” It is said that no two persons in the world have similar lines on the fingers. Latest science of analyzing the finger prints of people, especially the criminals, has been successful in correct identification of individuals. In 1880, finger printing became the scientific method of identification, after the research done by Sir Francis Golt.

2.       Cure of cholesterol: The Chinese scientists who were searching for the control of cholesterol disease found that a protein called metalothyne produced in the brain is vital for the control of cholesterol. They found that the best source of that protein could be found in a combination of fig and olive. The ratio of fig to olives was found to be one to seven. Surprisingly, the Arabic word for fig (Teen) is found only once in the Glorious Qur’an while olive in Arabic (Zaitun) is found seven times!  

3.       Benefits of dates: When Hazrat Mariyam was pregnant with Prophet Ei’sa, she went near a Pam tree, a voice was generated near her feet saying: “Do not be sad. Your Lord has caused a stream to run at your feet. Shake the trunk of a palm tree, it will provide you with fresh ripe dates. Eat, drink and rejoice…” (Surah Mariyam Ayah 24 to 26). Dates are very nutritious for the women after delivery. It has a superior type of sugar in abundance. Dates have 13 nutrients including 5 types of vitamins. It has calcium which strengthens bones, phosphorus which is essential for brain, nerves and potassium.

4.       Human embryo: Surah Mursallat Ayah 20 and 21: “Did we not create you from an insignificant drop of fluid and place it in a secure place.” The embryo is placed in a secured place; secured from light, sound. It is protected by the bones and ligaments which becomes thicker and longer by the passage of time.

5.       Revelation to honey-bees: Surah al-Nahal Ayah 68 and 69: “Your Lord inspired the bees, “Make hives in the mountains, in the trees, and in the trellises, then eat of every fruit and follow the path of your Lord submissively. From out of their bellies comes a drink of color in which there is a cure for the human being.” This Divine revelation is addressed to the female bee because male bee’s only function is to inseminate the queen bee. The female bee produces honey, cleans and maintains the hive.

6.       Gravitational force of earth: Surah al-Mursalaat Ayah 25: “Did We not make the earth a receptacle?” The Arabic word “Kifatan” translated as “Receptacle” means “Living things gathered or collected together” Sir Isaac Newton, when published his book in 1687 A.D., while discussing Gravity, used the Latin word “Attraere” which means “To attract, bring together”. Due to gravity, men, animals, plants etc. is attracted towards the center of the earth and do not float in space.

7.       Radar System: Surah al-Saba Ayah 10: “We gave Dawood great favor from Us: ‘O mountains and birds! Echo with him in his praise! And We made iron malleable for him.” The term “Awwibee” translated as “Echoing” may represent the modern Radar System which works on the theory of reflection of electro-magnetic waves. Radar is a technology to locate an object, stationary or moving, its speed and direction. It works on the theory of echo of electro-magnetic waves. It is similar to the echo of sound waves. The term “Alanna” means “Soft”. Soft Magnetic Iron is the best medium for the electro-magnetic transmission.

Source used:

                              The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                              Speeches of Sayyid Ammar Naqshwani

INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD TAQI AL-JAWAD (A.S.)

Imam Muhammad bin Ali, al-Taqi-al-Jawad was born on 10^th Rajab 195 in Madinah. His parents were Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) and Sayyida Khaizarun. He became the Imam at the age of 8.

The caliph Mamun invited the young Imam to Baghdad to get him married to his daughter for his political aims. This infuriated his Abbasid clan. To substantiate his choice, Mamun arranged a meeting between the Imam and the leading scholars headed by Yahya bin Aktham, the Chief Justice. It was a grand occasion with 900 other scholars present.

Yahya asked:

                     What is the compensation (kaffarah) for a person in Ehraam who hunted and

                      Killed his prey?

Imam replied that there were many more details required before he could answer the question:

1.      Did the Muhrim (one in Ehraam) hunt in the Haram or outside?

2.      Did the Muhrim know the Sharia or not?

3.      Did he hunt intentionally or not?

4.      Did he hunt the first time or was this one of many times?

5.      Was he free or a slave?

6.       Was his prey a bird or an animal?

7.      Was it big or small?

8.      Had he hunted by day or night time?

9.      Was he adult (baligh) or not?

10.  Was he repentant or not?

11.  Was his Ehraam for Hajj or umra?

Yahya was stunned, speechless and looked down and started sweating.

Mamun requested the Imam to answer the question himself. The Imam replied: “If he had killed the animal outside the sacred ground and it was winged and large, an atonement of a sheep would have been necessary for him. If he had struck it down in the sanctuary, the penalty would have been will be doubled. If he killed a young bird outside the sacred ground then the atonement of a lamb which has been weaned off milk would have been required of him. If he had killed it in the sanctuary, then he would have been required to sacrifice a lamb and the value of the young bird. As for wild animals, if it was a wild donkey, he would have been required to sacrifice a cow. If it was an ostrich, the sacrifice of a camel would be necessary. If it had been a deer, then a sheep would have been necessary. If he had killed any of those in the sanctuary, the penalty would have been doubled. Mamoun said to the Imam: “You have done well Abu Jaffer and God has adorned you”

Mamoun asked the Imam to ask any question from Yahya bin Akhtam.

The Imam (a.s.) asked the Chief Justice:

“Can you describe the situation when a man looked at a woman at dawn when it was forbidden (haram) to do so; but then at sunrise it was permissible (halal) for him to look at her? Then at noon hour, it became haram for him to look at that woman; but in the afternoon, it became permissible for him to look at her? Then at sunset it became haram for him to look at that woman; but at night, it became halal for him to look at her? Then at midnight, it became haram for him to look at her; but at dawn, it became halal for him”

Yahya bin Akhtam said: “By Allah! I do not know the answer to this question. We would, however, benefit from your answer”

The Imam (a.s.) explained the answer as follows:

“At dawn, the woman was a slave of someone else; however, by sunrise, the man had already bought her for himself so it became halal for him to look at her.

“At noon, he made her free, so she became haram for him; but by afternoon, he had married her, so she became halal for him”

“At sunset, he did zihar by which one’s wife becomes haram for a person; but by night time, he paid the penalty for Zihar, and so she became halal for him again.

“At midnight, he divorced her; but by next morning he revoked his divorce, so she became halal for him”

After Mamoun married his daughter Umme Fadhl to the Imam, he refused to stay in the royal palace, hence he moved to simple house with his wife. After one year, when Mamoun realized that the Imam was not comfortable in Baghdad, he allowed the couple to move to Madinah.

In order to uphold the imperialistic and luxurious ways of life, these monarchs wanted to do away with these Godly saints who demonstrated righteousness, compassion, faith, piety, fraternity, and justice as the main teachings of Islam. Yazid’s demand of allegiance from Imam Hussain (a.s.), or Mamoun’s appointment of Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) as heir apparent were two different aspects of the same wicked desire.

Contentment: The Imam used to live a simple and austere life wearing ordinary clothes. One day someone told him that since he sat besides the king, it did not befit him to wear such simple clothes. The Imam said: “If my value had been due to my clothes, it would have befitted me to wear expensive clothes, when it is not so, why should I give up simplicity. My present dress is concealing my body and it is comfortable, then why should I give up for fashionable ones. We Ahlul Bayt are content on whatever we get and we do not allow greed to approach us.”

Hospitality: The Imam was very hospitable. Once, a guest arrived at his place in the middle of the night. The Imam asked him if he would like to have dinner. The man replied that although he was hungry but would not bother the Imam at such odd hour and that he would sleep hungry. The Imam said: “Guests do not sleep hungry at our place”

The Imam went inside and with the help of a servant, prepared the food and personally brought to the guest. Seeing this man started crying and on inquiry from the Imam, said: “I am crying at the thought that how the world did not recognize such Godly people”

Patience: The Abbasid clan did not approve of the marriage of Umme Fadhl with the Imam (a.s.) hence they continued to poison her ears. And Umme Fadhl herself was of a haughty nature and these instigations increased the gulf between the couple. She made the Imam’s life miserable, but the Imam exercised utmost restraint and patience.

Forgiveness: The relatives of the Imam (a.s.) were against him because of inheritance. Some of the allegations were that the Imam’s complexion differed from Imam Reza (a.s.) and they refused to accept that he was Imam Reza’s son. The Imam heard such taunting remarks but said nothing. One day, some money of Khums arrived and he distributed it to every one including one who was most inimical to the Imam. When people pointed out, the Imam said that he has left the affair to Allah. On hearing this, the person felt ashamed and fell on Imam’s feet and asked forgiveness. The Imam had forgiven him.

References:

Fourteen Masoomeen       by Muhammadi Trust, London

Akhlaq-e-A’imma            by Sayyid Zafar Hasan Amrohi

The Infallibles                  by workshop@dir.com.Co.UK

DIVINELY GRANTED LOVE FOR IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Surah al-mariyam Ayah 96: “Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, soon the Beneficent Allah will grant love for them.”

Some of the explainers of the Glorious Qur’an reported that this Ayah was revealed favoring the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), while some other thought that it was revealed favoring all believers (Momineen) etc. If deep thought is given then we conclude that “believe” and “virtuous deeds” carry an extra ordinary power of attraction towards people. The light of believe in the Unity of Allah and belief after accepting the invitation from the Messengers generates spiritual excellence in one’s heart and perception which in turn results superior character exhibited in speech and thoughts, highest human values, piety, purity, truth, trust, bravery and sacrifice. Such rare qualities when found in one person, they will magnetically attract every one, friends and foes.

It is human nature that even sinful people are happy with the pious ones. It has been observed that when such pious person departs from this world, many eyes are tearful for them although they may not be financially strong. It is a reward by the All-Mighty Allah given to such people even in this world.

It is quite possible that the love for such pious true believers are included in the general coverage but the real addressee of this Ayah was the Commander of the Faithful (Imam-al-Muttaqeen), the Gateway of knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (a.s.)

Both Shia and Sunni narrators have reported that this Ayah was revealed in praise of Imam-al Muttaqeen, Imam Ali (a.s.). For example,  Allama Zamakhshari in “Kashshaaf”, Sibte Ibn Aljauzi in “Tazkirah”, Kanji Sha’fei and Qartabi in their famous exegesis, Muhib-ud-din Tabri in Zakha’ir-ul-Uqba, Neshapuri  in his famous exegesis, Ibne Sabbagh Maliki in Fusu-ul-Muhimma, Suyuti in Dur-al-Manshur, Haishami in Sawaiq-al-Muhriqah, and Alusi in Ruh-al-Ma’ani .

Tha’labi in his exegesis reports from Bra’ bin Azib that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) said to Imam Ali (a.s.): “O Ali, pray to Allah” “O Allah have a covenant for me with You, grant love for me in the hearts of the believers”. At this juncture, the above-mentioned Ayah was revealed.

In various Islamic books, this meaning was reported by the famous reporter of exegesis, Ibne Abbas said: “this Ayah was revealed in praise of (Imam) Ali Ibne Abi Talib which means that Allah will fill the hearts of the believers (Momineen) with the “Love” for him (Imam Ali).

Muhammad Ibne Hanafiyyah had said in “Sawa’iq” as: “We will never find a believer (Momin) who does not have the “Love” for (Imam) Ali and his Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) had himself said according to reliable and trusted traditions: “If I hit my sword on a believer (Momin)’s nose so that he may develop enmity towards me, he will never become an enemy. If I give all the wealth of this world to a hypocrite (Munafiq) to acquire my friendship, still he will never become my friend. It is because the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) had said with certainty: “O Ali! No believer (Momin) will have enmity with you and no hypocrite will love you.”

Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) had narrated a tradition from his grandfather the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) used to pray loudly so that everyone would hear it: “O Allah! Bestow Ali’s love in the hearts of the believers (Momineen) and similarly place Ali’s glory and fear in the hearts of the hypocrites (Munafiq)

Sources used:

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an (English) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an (Urdu) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

Enlightening Commentary of the Glorious Qur’an

IS THE BELIEVER AND THE TRANSGRESSOR EQUAL?

Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 18: “Is he then a believer like him who is a transgressor? They are not equal.”

In this Ayah, the Qur’anic word fasiq-transgressor has been mentioned versus mumin-believer, and this is an evidence of the fact that the Arabic word ‘fasiq’ has a vast scope of meaning which encompasses both infidelity and other sins. Fasiq or transgressor is the one who violates Islamic Laws.

A group of great commentators concerning this Ayah have cited that one day Walid bin Utbah bin Mo’eeth, who was a step-brother of the third caliph Osman, by way of priding over the Commander of the Faitful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “O Ali, you are only a boy and the strength of my youth is superior to you, I am more than you in the sharpness of the tongue, my lance is sharper than yours and in the army I am more steadfast than you.” The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) in reply to the infidel, said: “Be quiet O rebellious one! (O evil-doer) You are no comparison to me.”

Imam Ali (a.s.) was referring to the fact that he was the same person that at the time he was collecting alms from the tribe of Bani al-Mustaliq, when he accused them of being against Islam and Allah rejected him and called him an evil-doer in Surah al-Hujurat Ayah 6: “O you who believe! If an evil- doer comes to you with important news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance (out of haste and making decision), and after wards you become regretful for what you have done.” The back-ground of this Ayah was that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) had sent Walid to collect alms-tax from the tribe of Banu Mustaliq. The people of Banu Mustaliq when heard that a representative of the Messenger of Allah was coming, they intended to welcome him. Upon seeing them, Walid was afraid and thought that they were about to kill him. He returned to Madinah and informed the Messenger that they failed to pay the alms-tax and intended to take his life. The Messenger became sad. Before the Messenger would take any action, Banu Mustaliq representatives came to the Messenger and explained in detail as to what had transpired and paid the alms-tax.

The third caliph Usman ibn Iffan, had appointed Walid bin Utbah as the governor of Kufa. Once at the morning prayer, he was so much drunk that instead of two ‘Rak’ats’ (units) of the morning prayer, he offered four ‘Rak’ats and turning to those in the ranks behind him, said: “I am happy now. Tell me, if you want I shall increase the ‘Rak’ats’. (In Islam, morning prayers are only two rakats!). At yet another time, while leading the prayers, Walid threw-up and the smell of wine spread in the mosque. When the matter was reported to the caliph Osman, he consulted the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), he suggested to punish the transgressor of the Law of God with eighty stripes. Remembering the event, Walid bin Utbah never paid allegiance to Imam Ali (a.s.) even when Imam Ali (a.s.) accepted the Khilafat after Osman.

The famous poet of Islam, Hassan bin Thabit, compiled the following verses:

1.       Anzalal kitabal Aziza Fi Aliyn Wa Fi Walide Qirana

2.       Fatabawwal Walidu Min Zaka Faseqan Wa Aliyun Mubawwa Imina

3.       Laisa Man Kana Mo’menan Arafallahu Kaman Kana Faseqan Khawwana

4.       Saufa Yujzial Walidu Hazanan Wa Naran Wa Aliyun La Shakka Yujziya Janana

5.       Fa Aliyun Ladal Arshe Azzan Wa Walidun Yalqa Hunaka Hawana

English Translation:

1.       Divine revelation was descended about (Imam) Ali and Walid simultaneously.

2.       Walid was mentioned by his transgression while Imam Ali (a.s.) was mentioned for belief and faith.

3.       A man who is believer and pious cannot be like a transgressor.

4.       Walid will soon be punished by Fire and verily (Imam ) Ali will be rewarded the highest place in Paradise.

5.       (Imam ) Ali will have respectable place near the Divine Throne (Arsh) and Walid will meet disgrace. 

Sources used:

The Translation of the Glorious Qur’an (Urdu) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

The Translation of the Glorious Qur’an (English) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M.Pooya Yazdi

Enlightening Commentary of the Light of Qur’an

IMAM ALI (A.S.), THE ONLY MUSLIM WHO ACTED UPON THE COMMANDMENT OF AYAH 12 OF SURAH AL-MUJADILAH

The Gateway of knowledge and Wisdom, the Lion of Allah, the Conqueror of Khyber, Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the only man in the Islamic history, who acted upon the Ayah 12 of the Surah al-Mujadilah which said: “O you who believe! When you intend to hold confidential talks with the Messenger, spend something in charity before your private counsel. That will be better and purer for you. But if you fail to afford it, then indeed, Allah is oft-Forgiving, Most Gracious.”

Tabrisi in “Majma al-Bayan” and other famous exegetes (Mufassirin) had reported that some wealthy persons used to surround the Messenger of Allah and engage in confidential talks. It caused a waste of Messenger’s time, upsetting the poor and indigents, while the rich wanted to show-off and exhibit their closeness to the Messenger. Allah revealed this Ayah requiring the persons who planned to engage in private talks with the Messenger to give charity before starting their talk. The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first and the only person who acted upon it. Other people ceased to talk in privacy and did not pay any charity.

Tabrisi had reported by the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) himself, who said: “There is an Ayah in the Glorious Qur’an on which no body before me had acted upon and no body after me will ever act upon. I had a dinar with me and I converted it into ten dirham. Whenever I wanted to talk to the Messenger confidentially, I would give one dirham in charity.” Similar narration was reported by Shokani stated by Abdul Razzaq, Ibn al-Manzar, Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Marduya.

Abdullah Ibn Umar, the son of the second caliph Umar ibn Khattab, narrated in Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan: “Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had three special merits; if I would have only one of them it would have been better than the red-haired camels (Arabs use this proverb for very valuable things); his first merit was that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) married his daughter Hazrat Fatima to him (Imam Ali), the second merit was the awarding the Islamic Standard to him (Imam Ali) on the eve of the Battle of Khyber, and the third was the revelation of the"Ayah of Najwa” which only he (Imam Ali) acted upon.”

The commandment of giving charity before speaking confidentially with the Messenger was revoked shortly. Ayah 13 of the Surah al-Mujadilah refers: “Are you afraid of spending in charity before your private consultation? If then you do it not and Allah has forgiven you, then establish prayers and pay alms-tax and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.”

The duration of this Commandment was reportedly ten days.

The objective of this Commandment was to establish the sincerity of the so called wealthy Muslims who exhibited love and affection with the Messenger of Allah but withdrew when they had to spend some money.  Moreover, unless it is very essential, the time of important personalities should not be wasted. Same is the lesson for future generations.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Enlightening Commentaries into the Light of the Glorious Qur’an

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Nassir Makarem Shirazi 

EYES, THE MIRACULOUS GIFT OF THE CREATOR

Eyes and its derivatives had been used 34 times in the Glorious Qur’an. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an, Surah al-Teen Ayah 4: “Laqad Khalaqnal Insaana Fi Ahsane Taqweem” “We have created the human being in the best form” Surah al-Balad Ayah 8: “Alam Najallahu Ainain.” “Did We not give him two eyes.” Surah al-Nahl Ayah 78: “When Allah brought you out of your mother’s wombs, you knew nothing. He gave you ears, eyes, and hearts so that perhaps you would give Him thanks.” Surah al-Kahaf Ayah 100-101: “We will fully expose the view of Hell on that Day to the unbelievers, whose eyes had been veiled against Our Qur’an and who were not able to hear (its recitations).”

Allah expressly advising mankind to look at varying situations:

1.       Surah al-Tariq Ayahs 5 to 7: “Now let man but think from what he is created! He is created from a drop emitted proceeding from between the back bone and the ribs.”

2.       Surah al-Abasa Ayah 24: “Then let man look at his food (and how We provide it)”

3.       Surah al-Nahl Ayah 36: “So We assuredly sent amongst every people a Messenger, (with the command), “Serve Allah and eschew Evil”: of the people were some whom Allah guided and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So, travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth)”

4.       Surah al-Ankaboot Ayah 20: “Say: travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has Power over all things.”

The Infallible Imam Ali ibnal Husayn, Zayn-al-Abedin (a.s.) in his “Treatise of Rights” in Sahifa-e-Kamilah says: “And the right of your sight is that you lower it before everything which is unlawful to you. And that you abandon using it except in situations in which you can take heed in such a way that you gain insight or acquire knowledge by it. Indeed the sight is the gateway to reflection and learning.”

The Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) said: “There is nothing on which you look in which there is no advice for you.” The Gateway of Knowledge and Wisdom, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “How many lessons are there to learn, and how few are those who learn them.”  

The study of eyes and the vision system is extremely important as it is deeply involved with not only religion but also other faculties of sciences like, psychology, physics, biology and philosophy. Human head is the most important part of the body wherein the crucial body parts are located e.g. brain, eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Eyes are the main source of communication with outside world.

Although, we say that eyes see the objects but in reality, it is the brain which sees the world. When the beams of light after falling on the object we are seeing enters the eye and pass through the cornea, pupil and the lenses and it is recorded upside down on the retina (the screen). The light sensitive receptor cells convert the light into electrical signals which are sent to the brain. These electrical impulses provide information about the size, color and distance. There are millions of neurons in the brain which is responsible for the process of seeing.

The tears in the eyes play a vital role in the health and operating efficiency of the vision. Tears carry bacteria-fighting compounds, carry nutrients to the eyes and carry away the waste from eyes, keep the eyes moist, provide a smooth refracting surface to the eyes. Tears produced by the “lacrimal glands”.

The process of vision is similar to that of a modern camera but the human eyes are far more superior to the camera.

From the Jurisprudential point of view, Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini (r.a.) said that the compensation of loss of both eyes is the same as the compensation of the person.

Apart from the physical aspect of eyes, there is an intellectual side also to it. Like the Thinker of Pakistan, Allamah Doctor Muhammad Iqbal said: “Khirad Ne Kah Bhi Diya La Ilah To Kiya Hasil * Dil O Nigah Musalman Nahin To Kutch Bhi Nahin” He might have meant to say that even if one is convinced logically about Allah and the Message of Islam, it is not sufficient as the real test of faith is that it (faith) should penetrate one’s heart, perception and the soul.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Sahifa-e-Kamilah translated by Allamah Ghodratullah Mashayekhi