Islam Rediscovered
14. Spirituality in Islam
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was suggesting that he himself should have a
predictable character. When he observes that the
various parts of the Universe function with absolute
harmony, he realises that, in like manner, he should
live in complete harmony with society; without
hatred for or malice towards anyone. When he sees
the events of the universe always proceeding
towards a meaningful result, he realises that man’s
life, too, must have a meaningful end. Thus he
exclaims: “O our Lord! You have not created (all)
this without purpose. Glory be to You! Give us
salvation from the torment of Hellfire!” (3:191).
In brief, the universe is a manifestation of the
Attributes of Almighty God. Hence, it is a source of
spiritual nourishment for those who want to lead a
divine life on earth. For them, the whole universe
becomes a great means of their reaching spiritual
perfection. This spiritual development continues
incessantly throughout their earthly life. As the
ultimate result of this life-long developmental
process, they attain that degree of spirituality which
the Qur’an calls the
‘Rabbani soul.’
It is such as these
who, in the life Hereafter, will be told by their most
