THE UNIVERSE—A SOURCE OF DIVINE INSPIRATION

~ 8 ~ divine industry. He is able to convert physical events into spiritual lessons. He extracts spiritual nourishment from material things. The distinguishing feature of the wise people described in the Qur’an is that, they continuously derive such sustenance from their environment, thus maintaining their intellectual and spiritual well-being. This is elaborated upon in the Qur’an as follows: “In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the succession of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding; those that remember God when standing, sitting, and lying down, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth (saying): ‘Lord, You have not created these in vain. Glory be to You! Save us from the torment of the fire, Lord.” (3:191) A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE It was Thursday morning, 17th June 1999. I was in Manchester, England, staying in the house of an Arab Brother Alaref Ahmad. While I was sitting in my room on the upper floor, I heard a gentle knock