DISCOVERING GOD EVERYWHERE JOURNEY TOWARDS GOD-REALIZATION

Such questions take a person from creation to the Creator. This way of looking at things may be called tawassum—the ability to discover deeper realities through outward signs. The Quran speaks of signs for “those who discern.” (15: 75) A person possessing this quality does not stop at appearances. He travels intellectually from the visible to the invisible. Consider the example of a cow. It eats ordinary grass, yet within its body this simple material passes through an amazingly complex biological process and emerges as milk. The Quran itself draws attention to this phenomenon: “We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies... pure milk, pleasant for those who drink it.” (16: 66) For most people, milk is simply an article of food. For a thoughtful person, it is also an introduction to the Creator. The same principle applies to every event of life. A spiritually awakened person possesses the ability to convert material experiences into spiritual nourishment. Just as the cow converts grass into milk, he converts everyday happenings into lessons of divine wisdom. When others see only nature, he sees the Creator. When others see only an event, he discovers a lesson. When others become preoccupied with a problem, he asks what message the situation contains for him. This is the beginning of ma‘rifah, or realization of God. Ma‘rifah is not simply possessing information about God. It is a living discovery of God. A person may know many theological arguments and yet remain spiritually unmoved. Another person may look at a flower opening in the morning and suddenly become overwhelmed by the realization of the wisdom and beauty of its Creator.