Intermediate
Reflection
Surah: Aal Imran (190)
In the Creation of the Heavens and Earth and Alternation of Night and Day Are Signs — Contemplating the Universe Is Worship
إِنَّ فِي خَلۡقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَأٓيَٰتٍ
— آل عمران الآية 190
Verse: "In the creation of the heavens and earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding." (3:190) — "Those of understanding" — possessors of pure intellect: the mind freed from desire. The signs are present for everyone — but are read only by a clear mind. The sun shines on all but only the sighted see by it. Then verse 191: "Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and on their sides, and contemplate the creation of the heavens and earth." Contemplation and remembrance together — knowledge generates remembrance and remembrance deepens knowledge. "Our Lord You did not create this in vain" — the conclusion of contemplation: creation does not lead to emptiness. Every sign in the universe leads to Allah. Lesson: a session of contemplating the sky at night or plants and the sea is worship for which those of understanding are rewarded.
Source: Ibn Kathir (2/152); Al-Sadi; Al-Tabari
Test Yourself
Why are cosmic signs specifically for "those of understanding" and not all people?
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