The excellence of pondering over Allah's signs in the universe
The excellence of pondering over Allah's signs in the universe
Verily, the signs of Allah in the universe never manifest themselves clear except to those who posses pious hearts that constantly remember their Lord. This is because these hearts are introduced and connected with the marvelous universe through the Qur'an. This kind of connection exhorts the human heart to ponder over the visible book of Allah (i.e. the universe). The Qur'an establishes the connection between knowledge and the people who posses insight. Therefore, it is stated in the Qur'an that the ones who find guidance in the signs of universe are a certain category of people as in the words of Allah:
"Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allâh (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire".
[Qur'an 3:190-191]
The people mentioned in the above verse are the ones who really benefit from the signs of the universe. This is because they do not restrict their thinking to the apparent scenes or views they see but they extend this by thinking in the Maker and the Might through which He created this. They perfectly utilize their senses [sight, hearing, and intellect] to reach this conclusion along with the help of the Qur'anic verses that enable such senses acquire this knowledge which is the best ever. Allah Almighty says about His signs in the universe:
"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge. And among His Signs is the sleepthat you take by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen. And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand".
[Qur'an 30:12-24]
The signs of Allah are only revealed to those who have intellect which leads to knowing the truth [Allah]. However, the disbelievers do not put what they see in the universe beyond the realm of watching—i.e. they do not think about the Maker and the Creator. They even do not realize the wisdom behind this creation as in the words of Allah:
"They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world".
[Qur'an 30:7]
Therefore, such category of people does not heed or benefit from the signs of Allah in the universe since they do not put it to the Qur'anic perspective:
"Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth," but neither Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) nor warners benefit those who believe not"
[Qur'an 10:101]
Hence, the Qur'an denies and condemns the act of the disbelievers who renounce pondering over the sigs of Allah:
"Do they not look in the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all things that Allâh has created, and that it may be that the end of their lives is near. In what message after this will they then believe?"
[Qur'an 7: 185]