Ain Al-Hayat, The Essence of Life.pdf - Higher Intellect | Content ...

Holy Quran and a hamael ( a miniature compilation of the Holy Book). Being
alone with the Holy Prophet (a.s.), he took courage in his hands to ask him,“ O
Lord of the Universe! Kindly give me such advice that it is advantageous to me
in both the worlds.”
The Prophet (a.s.) looked at him intently and said, “ Abu Dharr! For us you are a
member of our family! In my eyes you are a chosen creation of Allah. Listen, and
listen with care, remember and act on my advice. “ O Abu Dharr! Worship Allah
as if you are seeing Him! And if you cannot see Him, then definitely He sees
you!’”
This tradition of the Prophet (a.s.) is the comprehensive utterance of the Prophet
(a.s.) that might require volumes to explain and elucidate. We are trying to dwell
on the subject briefly in the steps dealt with in the following chapter. My humble
effort may not measure up to the comprehension of the eloquence of the Great
Personality, but it is my duty to make an effort. Insha Allah!
CHAPTER 2
THE STEPS
STEP 1
THE MEANING OF THE SIGHTING OF THE EXALTED
CREATOR
In the tradition sighted at the end of the previous chapter there has been stress on
the sighting of the Exalted Creator. We must know that the sighting is of two
types, namely, 1) sighting with the eyes and 2) sighting with the heart. In the view
of the devout persons sighting through the heart is more important than sighting
with the eyes. It must be your experience that many a time the eye can make a
mistake about the object sighted. For example from a fast moving carriage one
gets the illusion that the trees are fast running in the opposite direction. This, as
you know, is contrary to the fact. But, in the case of sighting through the heart
there will not be any element of error.
Someone asked Hazrat Ali (a.s.) if he has sighted Allah whom he worshipped. He
replied,” If I had not seen Him, I would never have worshipped Him. But I have
not seen Allah with these eyes because they have no such faculty. I have
witnessed Allah with the eyes of my heart and the firmness of my Faith in Him.”