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A painter once conceived the idea of creating
an image that epitomizes virtue. Consequently, he traversed cities and villages
for years in search of an appropriate subject. Eventually, he encountered a
remarkably beautiful child, whose fair complexion, large, modest eyes,
well-proportioned and supple body, broad and luminous forehead, as well as
delicate and graceful hands and feet, immediately captivated him. Overcome with
elation, he exclaimed, "I have found it, the image of virtue!" He
then proceeded to hang the child's portrait in his studio, with the inscription
"The Image of Virtue" beneath it.
After some time, the artist thought it would be
equally valuable to create an image of vice. Thus, he embarked on another
journey, traversing the world. He observed millions of faces over a span of
twenty years, some exceedingly depraved, but none fulfilled his quest. Finally,
one day, he encountered an extraordinary countenance. Upon seeing it, his heart
was immediately filled with feelings of profound disgust and contempt. He
exulted, "I have found it, the image of vice!" Consequently, this portrait
was also added to the collection in his studio. Art enthusiasts regularly
visited his gallery. One day, a man entered, stood before the two images, and,
after a moment of astonishment, tears began to fall from his eyes. He then
remarked to the artist, "These two images represent me."
The Qur'an affirms: "Every atom of virtue
and vice is weighed."
Additionally, the Qur'an states: "Do you
know what the 'Illiyyun' (the abode of the virtuous) is? And do you know what
the 'Sijjin' (the abode of the vicious) is? It is a written book (a
film)." Every action that a person performs, as well as every movement in
life, is meticulously recorded. This implies that every individual’s actions
are simultaneously being captured as a type of cinematic record. Allah Almighty
states:
"We will not only recompense the virtuous
in full for their deeds, but we will also bestow upon them more than they
deserve. Their faces will be protected from disgrace and darkness, and they
will be granted eternal residence in the gardens of Paradise. In contrast, we
will punish the vicious according to their deeds, humiliating their faces, and
no one will be able to rescue them from Our overwhelming grasp. Their faces
will become so dark that it will appear as if a piece of the darkest night had
been affixed to them. They will remain in Hell for eternity." (Yunus
26-27)
Reflecting upon these verses, it becomes
evident that the virtuous and vicious deeds of a person leave discernible marks
upon their face. In essence, a person’s actions create visible expressions upon
their face, with virtuous deeds resulting in radiance, while vicious actions
lead to darkness.
Psychologists recognize that every human being
is composed of divine light, and these waves of light continuously emanate
imperceptibly from a person’s being. There are certain faces that, upon seeing,
evoke feelings of joy, drawing us towards the individual behind that face.
Conversely, some faces emanate waves that induce a sense of discomfort,
compelling us to distance ourselves from them as quickly as possible.
Those whose hearts are illuminated with Allah’s
divine light, and whose minds are filled with sincerity, selflessness, love,
purity, and a commitment to serving humanity, tend to have faces that are
radiant, innocent, and pure. These faces possess an inherent magnetism,
attracting others towards them. Conversely, individuals burdened by guilt and
anxiety often display facial expressions characterized by harshness, dryness,
dissonance, and unpleasantness, which prompt others to instinctively retreat.
Now, let us reflect on our own image.
After completing all tasks for the day and
prior to retiring for the night, stand before the mirror. Close your eyes for a
few moments and contemplate the entirety of your life's actions as a record
within you, envisioning the unfolding of this internal "film" or
record. Once you open your eyes, direct a thorough gaze upon the mirror. If
your face is luminous, radiating divine light, innocence, and if the contours
of your face convey an aura of serenity with the gentle traces of a smile, then
you are, without a doubt, the embodiment of virtue. Conversely, if your face
appears sorrowful, devoid of vitality, marked by expressions of contempt,
arrogance, and if you find your own reflection unappealing, then you are the
representation of vice. Remember:
The law of nature dictates that every
individual’s actions continuously produce a film, and each person’s face serves
as the screen for this cinematic record. The film created by the angelic
recorders plays perpetually on the human face. Have you not observed a
distressed individual, whose face clearly mirrors the turmoil and suffering
within? Surely, you have witnessed individuals whose presence brings joy,
peace, and contentment to those around them.
Allah Almighty declares in Surah Aal-e-Imran:
"A day will come when some faces will be
radiant, while others will be darkened. Those whose faces are darkened will be
told: 'Did you turn away from Allah after you had submitted? Now, taste the
punishment.' As for those whose faces are radiant, they will remain in Allah’s
mercy forever." (Aal-e-Imran 106-107)
Tajalliyat-The Divine Manifestation
KHWAJA SHAMS-UD-DEEN AZEEMI
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MERCIFUL, THE BENEVOLENT
Dedicated to those scientists, who are inching towards the cognizance of the facts, spotlighted by Allah Almighty, in the wake of their intelligent observation for the top vertex of scientific achievement, which is not other than the "Disastrous end of the Universe". And this is probably during 15th century of Lunar calendar.
