These metaphysical laws are clearly laid out for those with eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that reflect. They are profound, though often wrapped in a veil of simplicity. They are constant and consistent, and there is no escaping them: “So no change will you find in Allah’s Sunnah, and no turning off will you find in Allah’s Sunnah.” (35:43)
“Say: all is from Allah…” (The Holy Qur’an 4:78)
The world, with all its creatures, lives, moves, and breathes in one wonderful, magnificent motion after another. Every sight, every scent, every sound, every colour and every taste reflects His Absolute Beauty. Every rule, law and decree flows forth from His abundant Wisdom and all-encompassing Knowledge. Every thought and emotion, and every journey of the imagination are the greatest testaments to His Innovation and Might.
The world is nothing but manifestations of His attributes – a series of mirrors reflecting, each more brilliantly than the last, a set of perfections, limitless and absolute. The key to discovering the secrets of this world is to understand these perfections and the effects that emanate from them, in a “Book, the Verses whereof are perfected and then explained in detail from One, Who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).” (11:1)
The physical world exists by a set of laws, discoverable to mankind in a gradual manner over centuries. The metaphysical world too exists by a set of laws, above and beyond their physical counterparts, discoverable to mankind through revelation centuries old. These laws – or divine practices (Sunan) – are effects of His Perfections and reflections of His attributes. Just as discovering and utilising physical laws makes material life simpler and easier, discovering and utilising metaphysical laws makes spiritual, emotional and social life easier.
These metaphysical laws are clearly laid out for those with eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that reflect. They are profound, though often wrapped in a veil of simplicity. They are constant and consistent, and there is no escaping them: “So no change will you find in Allah’s Sunnah, and no turning off will you find in Allah’s Sunnah.” (35:43)
In this series, we will aim to discuss some of these divine laws, their application to us, and their significance for us. It will become clear that they are at times a source of eternal hope, at times a promise of recompense that wards off evil intent, and always manifestations of beauty – relentless beauty which gives birth to love.
To learn the ways of God is to see before our eyes more and more of His splendid Beauty, until we awaken to the certainty that: “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” (24:35) and that the “the world shone by the Light of its Lord” (39:69).
Ali Asimali completed a Diploma of Islamic Studies at the Imam Hussain School of Theology in Sydney. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Islamic Sciences while working as a medical doctor.
