The Nature and Excellence of Contemplation
In Islam, contemplation (tafakkur) is among the most exalted forms of worship, revitalizing the heart and strengthening faith. Reflecting upon creation to perceive the grandeur of the Creator, the immense order within the universe, and the truth of this transient world imparts profound Divine wisdom. Allah rewards a servant’s contemplation by bestowing knowledge – both of this world and the Hereafter. Contemplating one’s own limitations, the inevitability of death, and the Day of Reckoning deters from sin and leads to sincere repentance.
From Physical Sight to Heart Insight (Basirat)
The physical eye (basar) only perceives the outward appearance of things, while the spiritual eye – basirat – reads the Divine secrets and truths hidden behind them. The intelligent person observes with the light of reason, while one possessing insight does so with the light of basirat. A person whose basirat is clouded only sees superficial causes; they cannot perceive the true originator (the Creator of those causes). However, a believer whose heart-eye is opened witnesses the mercy and instructive wisdom of Allah even in worldly difficulties.
The Ultimate Reality Beyond Causes
Those devoted to contemplation realize that no event within the universe is coincidental, and every movement is dependent upon Allah’s absolute will. This truth is eloquently summarized by Imam Ghazali’s parable of the ant: “If an ant sees letters written on paper, it would say, ‘Someone wrote these with a pen,’ but it does not look up to see the finger holding the pen, the hand, the will, or the One who created them. Most people also only see the nearest cause.” However, a contemplative individual possessing basirat perceives the Absolute Power behind the veil, surrendering their entire being to His will and attaining boundless peace and the truth of Divine unity (tawhid).