The Absolute Being

Question: What must we do to attain closeness to Allah the Almighty?

Answer: Observing flowing water deeply impacts a person because the subconscious recognizes water as essential for sustaining life. Gentle and cool breezes bring joy because they instinctively remind us that such air fulfills the basic need for oxygen. Wearing elegant attire instills a sense of delight, as the mind associate’s beauty with the ability to influence others and serve as a source of inner happiness. The sight of young children, whether human or animal, evokes a state of ecstasy. This arises because the memory of one's own childhood is preserved in the mind. In essence, an elder, upon seeing a child, is drawn back to the innocence of their own early years. Children, being inherently joyful, trigger a similar state in anyone, whether sixty, twenty-five, or twenty years old, reconnecting them to that pure joy. Conversely, a person does not feel the same when observing a barren tree, stripped of leaves, blossoms, fruits, or vitality. Such a sight lacks the resonance and emotional connection that lively and vibrant experiences evoke. Just as one is captivated by trees in spring, the reason is simple: no one wishes to see themselves in a state of decline. No one desires their lineage to cease flourishing on earth, nor their homes to remain devoid of joy. Illness is unwelcome, and a withered tree resembles the image of infirmity. When we encounter water that is bitter or scalding, it does not evoke the same emotions as cool, sweet, and pure water. The reason is clear: no one wishes to drink bitter water or bathe in excessively hot water. Moving beyond this, we observe a profound revelation of nature: water, as a matter, conforms to the form it is poured into. This unveils a universal law: while matter is singular, forms are countless. When water flows through the veins and fibers of a banana tree, it takes the form of a banana. In the mold of a pomegranate, it becomes a pomegranate. In the mold of a mango, it turns into a mango. When poured into the human framework, it manifests as a human being. In goats, cows, or buffaloes, the same water adopts their respective forms. This divine craftsmanship is astounding: one matter, yet billions of forms, each distinct in shape, texture, and color. While the water nourishing a tree's roots is of a single hue, the fruits it produces display a spectrum of colors—some singular, some manifold, yet all emerging from the same source. The water poured into a pomegranate tree is clear, yet when the fruit is opened, we witness a marvelous attribute of Allah the Almighty. The seeds are arranged with such beauty that the mind is left in awe. They appear in diverse colors—red, black, white, yellow. This reveals another law: within the mold itself, Allah the Almighty has imbued the knowledge of how to transform clear water into meaning, color, and flavor. The implication is evident: just as humans possess consciousness, the pomegranate, too, has been endowed with the awareness of how to shape, flavor, and color the water coursing within it. This reflection returns us to the verse:

"We offered Our trust to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it."

Allah the Almighty affirms that the heavens, earth, and mountains possess intellect and awareness. Such is their level of comprehension that they understood the gravity of the trust Allah intended to bestow upon them and recognized their inability to bear its responsibility. The heavens, earth, and mountains pleaded before Allah the Almighty, declaring their inability to bear the trust. They expressed that if they accepted it, their very existence would shatter into fragments. Their acknowledgment of their incapacity to bear this responsibility is a clear testament to their awareness and comprehension. The earth, in essence, functions as a mother's womb. Just as a child born from a mother gains awareness through an innate system designed for consciousness, so too does a tree emerging from the earth’s womb possess awareness. But where does this consciousness originate? Who crafted it and gave it form? It is evident before us: the One who created the earth, water, and molds endowed them with awareness to shape, color, and form the creations nurtured within them. It is the Absolute Being who has bestowed this awareness. To acquaint ourselves with this Absolute Being, we must accept that it is He alone who sustains us and the entire universe. The manifestations of His thought appear in countless forms, continually unveiling His essence. When we embrace the certainty that there is but one Absolute Being, a natural yearning arises within us to witness Him, to draw closer to Him, and to adopt actions that bring Him nearer. Closeness demands aligning ourselves with the qualities of the One we seek. If one desires friendship with a person devoted to prayer, performing prayers alongside them nurtures that bond. Similarly, proximity to a person who drinks is achieved through drinking together, and closeness to a chess enthusiast arises by sharing their interest in chess. In the same way, attaining closeness to the Absolute Being requires adopting the qualities and attributes that reflect His essence. Friendship with a cinema enthusiast is effortlessly cultivated by joining them in watching films. Similarly, closeness with anyone is strengthened by adopting their habits and traits. When one mirrors these habits to such a degree that no distinction remains, the two become inseparable, as though one soul inhabiting two bodies. Reflecting on the Absolute Being who created this universe, one discovers a singular truth: Allah the Almighty serves His creation, desiring for them a life of comfort, peace, and happiness. When a person dedicates their life to serving Allah’s creation selflessly—without seeking reward, recognition, or personal gain—they align their purpose with the work of Allah. The greater the devotion to this service, the nearer one draws to Allah the Almighty. For, in serving creation, the individual reflects the very actions of the Creator. When Allah observes His devotee adopting a life that mirrors His own beloved acts, He favors that individual, drawing them into His divine closeness. As Huzoor (P.B.U.H.) stated: Allah becomes pleased with His devotee and lifts them up into His embrace.