What is importance of contemplation in Islam?
Both the Book of Allah, glory unto Him, and the sayings of the Blessed Prophet –upon him blessings and peace- emphatically command and encourage investigating, contemplating and deriving lessons from one’s surroundings. In just two verses from among hundreds of others mentioned in the Holy Quran in this regard, the Almighty states:
“Do they not reflect within themselves: Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them two but with truth, and (for) an appointed term? And most surely most of the people are deniers of the meeting of their Lord.” (ar-Rum, 8)
“Say: I exhort you only to one thing, that rise up for Allah’s sake in twos and singly, then ponder: there is no madness in your companion; he is only a warner to you before a severe chastisement.” (as-Saba’, 46)
In the above, humans are enjoined to serve the Almighty, both individually and communally, and contemplate and focus on reality.[1] Those who do this are promised salvation even if this be the only command they adhere to.
[1] Opinions held by society or the majority can tend to exert their influence on personal opinion, Relief from this influence and finding a pathway to the truth lies in requesting the guidance of the experts of that path and spending time alone with the heart so as to enter the domain of contemplation. Each person must therefore voice his own opinion and critically assess the accuracy of general opinion.
Source: Osman Nuri Topbaş, Contemplation in Islam, Erkam Public.
The Role Of The Heart
