Cosmic Unity

Cosmic Unity

1986 2 February 12 Cosmic Unity (377) One of the major discoveries of cosmic research has been that the whole universe revolves around one central point. The atom, for instance, has its nucleus, which provides the focal point around which the entire atomic structure revolves. As for the solar system, it has its centre in the sun; all the stars and planets revolve around that centre. The same is true of the constellation in which our solar system lies; its million of stars revolve around one centre, as does the entire universe of which our constellation in just a tiny part.

Scientists hold that there will come a time when the cosmic centre will start drawing to itself all the things that revolve around it. The universe in all its vastness will start returning to its centre, until finally all the objects from every far-flung corner of space will be contained in the tiny confines of the central mass. In the same way as scattered nails attach themselves to a magnet, so the entire universe will be attached to its centre. It will be just as the Quran says: “As We produced the first creation, so will We reproduce it” (21: 104).

In this way the crux of monotheistic religion is displayed in practical form by the cosmos. The universe is manifestly telling us that we should lead our lives in such a way that everything in it revolves around a central, focal point, which can only be God. Our thoughts and emotions, our struggles in life, should all revolve around Him.

If one directs one’s life towards some focal point other than God, whether it be one’s own self or something in the outside world, the universe in all its meaningfulness refutes one’s stance. The very structure of the universe shows that only one Being can be the pivot of man’s existence, and that Being is God. By itself being oriented towards a single centre, the universe is telling us something: it is telling us that this is the way that our lives should be oriented.

A man who had incurred the displeasure of Caliph Umar was brought before him. The Caliph said to him, “I am angry with you, but because I go in fear of God, I shall not strike you.”