THE BEGINNING OF REALIZATION

THE BEGINNING OF REALIZATION Our Helplessness The Quran states: “We have created man into a life of toil and trial. Does he think then that no one has power over him?” (90: 4-5) T HE present world is so designed that man must inevitably undergo hardships. No one is exempt from this general law. This fact shows how helpless man is. In this world, it is only the Creator who is Almighty, All-Powerful. This contradistinction is final. No one is exempted from it, that is, [God is All-Powerful, and man is totally powerless]. The Quran states: “Every human being is bound to taste death” (3: 185). It is a fact that whoever is born into this world has to die after a limited period of time. The incidence of death bespeaks man’s helplessness. This event proves that helplessness is man’s lot in life. None but the Creator has true power. In the light of these facts, one can realize that human beings are in a position of total helplessness, while the Creator is omnipotent. This discovery is the beginning of realization. For one who makes this discovery, the journey towards the path of realization has been well and truly initiated. Subsequently, all other things, which are desirable in the divine way will become part of his life. This realization is like an intellectual revolution in that it colours man’s entire life in the hue of God. (2: 138) o The incidence of death bespeaks man’s helplessness. This event proves that helplessness is man’s lot in life. Right Planning Awareness of the times along with right planning leads to success. One should be aware of the times one lives in, which will help in doing the right kind of planning. Awareness and right planning will give one success in one's endeavours. Fighting against one's circumstances is reaction, which leads to no positive result at all.