Thoughts lead the way for the human self. It is the influence of thought that the self is always subjected to. And, when I speak of thought in this manner, what I mean is every thought, be it sound or unsound.
Of course, looking at the issue from the angle of the consequences each of the two thoughts sound and unsound come along with it, it is imperative to state clearly not the presentation here focuses on sound thoughts.
This is being done against the background that sound thoughts lead to consequences of peace, tranquility and comfort, and unsound thoughts lead to pain, worry and discomfort.
In the preceding lines, some ‘doing’ thoughts are being put forth to help the self develop the right mental composure to address issues in life.
Knowing Allah, the Almighty
In the Quran, Allah, the Almighty, has indicated that His servants should know Him through two means, namely observation of his creatures and due ponderance over His revelation (word).
A typical example of this first type is recorded in Quran chapter 2 verse 164 and Quran chapter 3 verse 190:
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the (great) ships which sail through the sea which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every kind of moving creature, and (His) directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and earth are signs for a people who use reason." Quran 2:164.
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for those of understanding". Quran 3:190.
The Quran abounds with verses of this nature which call on man to observe and examine deeply the creation of Allah, the Almighty. It is, indeed, an exercise that will help one know the Power of Allah, the Almighty, and strengthen his faith in Him as a consequence.
In respect of the second type which is utilisation of due ponderance to know Allah, the Almighty, the Quran clearly states:
"Then do they not reflect upon the Quran if it had been from (any) other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction" Quran 4:92.
"Then have they not reflected over the word (i. e. the Quran. .......) Quran 23:68.
"(This is) a blessed book which we have revealed to you, (O Muhammad), that they might reflect upon its verse and that those of understanding would be reminded." Quran 38:29.
Similarly, such admonitions are many in the Quran. Yes, take the trouble to look at the segments of the universe which can easily be observed by you.
They indicate actions and the actions point to a doer whose activities do not only indicate His existence by His Might, Knowledge, Wisdom and Supreme Organisation. That is the inescapable truth.
Additionally, due ponderance over His word reveals clearly also His Wisdom and Knowledge; a clear manifestation of His being the First and Last.
It is in the light of the above that the Quran says:
"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. ....." Quran 41:53.
Why was Adam the last creature?
The first thing created by Almighty Allah was the pen. The answer to the above thought provoking question finds expression in the following points:
• Allah, the Almighty, had to prepare where Adam would settle before his creation. It was more like preparing a room before bringing in the one who would stay in it. Therefore, the world had to be prepared before Adam's creation because he was going to settle in it.
• The creation of the heavens, the earth, the sun, the moon, the sea......etc. were all to serve him. It therefore made unlimited sense that they had to be created before him.
• Every builder starts with a sound foundation and completes it with the best design.
• Allah, the Almighty, started creation with the creation of the pen and had to end it with the creation of Adam. The pen represents the tool of knowledge, and man is the one who is supposed to learn and possess knowledge.
It was against this background that Adam was made superior to the angels through possession of knowledge as recorded in Quran chapter two (al-baqarah).
The Writer is a Theologian/Educationist.
