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 ever-growing 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

DEPRIVED OF PARADISE

THE Quran says that the believers should discover Paradise in such depth that they obtain an introduction to Paradise in this very world itself (47: 6).

According to the Quran, the world of Paradise is similar to this present world. This means that people of faith should recognize Paradise by seeing and observing this world. For them, Paradise will become a discovered realm while in this very world. When someone discovers Paradise like this, then, very naturally, he will become desirous of Paradise to the greatest possible extent.

If you keep this fact in mind and analyze present-day Muslims, you will discover that the Muslims of the whole world live in a psyche of hatred and complaint. This psyche is so widespread that it is found among every single class of Muslims, equally among educated and uneducated Muslims.

This negative mind-set of Muslims appears to be against others. But in terms of practical results, it is against Muslims themselves. It destroys the positive thinking among Muslims that is indispensable for living in remembrance of Paradise.

Human beings have been created in such a way that they cannot harbour within them both enmity and friendship at the same time (33: 4). A person who lives with a psyche of constant complaint will be bereft of a psyche of gratitude. Someone who lives with a sense of deprivation cannot at the same time feel like as if he has achieved something.

According to the Quran, the world of Paradise is similar to this present world. This means that people of faith should recognize Paradise by seeing and observing this world.

The present psyche of Muslims is against the Creation Plan of God. God wants that people should have a glimpse of Paradise while in this very world, so that they can think of the real Paradise and seek it. But the present mentality of Muslims is a barrier to the development of such a character. One who thinks negatively will live in hatred and frustration. And a person whose mind is filled with hatred and frustration cannot live in the thoughts of a great blessing like Paradise.