Reflections

Indeed, the Fātir-i Hakīm gathers the principles governing the universe in the most beautiful form within all things and displays them as though they arose from the creatures’ own particular needs and inclinations.

In other words, while all creatures in the universe pursue their individual satisfaction and fulfil their needs, they simultaneously act in accordance with the laws of Allah that preserve the order of the universe, without being aware that they are contributing to that universal order.

For example, as soon as a mosquito comes into the world, it leaves its nest, flies straight toward the human face without hesitation, strikes with its proboscis, draws forth the water of life, and begins to drink. In evading the blows directed against it, it displays the skill of an experienced warrior.

Who taught this tiny, inexperienced, newborn creature the arts of attack and retreat, and the knowledge of piercing and drawing blood? Where did it acquire such knowledge?

If I were in the place of that mosquito, I would have to admit that I could learn such tactics of attack, skills of evasion, and knowledge of piercing and drawing blood only after extensive instruction and long experience.

Consider also the animals that fulfil their duties through inspiration, such as bees, spiders, and nightingales, which build their nests in wondrous ways; and by analogy, consider plants as well.

You will see that the Jawwād-i Mutlaq has given every living being a programme, written with the ink of satisfaction and need, in which the processes of the awāmir-i takwīniyyah and the duties and services belonging to that particular creature have been recorded.

Consider how the Hakīm-i Dhul-Jalāl has taken from the principles governing the order of the universe the portion that concerns the duty of the bee and stored it as a programme in the tiny treasury within its head.

The key to that treasury is the particular satisfaction intended for the industrious bee. With it, the bee opens the treasury, reads its programme, understands its duty, and acts accordingly. In this way, it manifests the meaning of the verse:

وَ اَوْحٰى رَبُّكَ اِلَى النَّحْلِ

If you have fully understood this Eighth Note, you may grasp a mystery and a truth contained in each of the following verses:

وَسِعَتْ رَحْمَتُهُ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ

وَ اِنْ مِنْ شَىْءٍ اِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهٖ

اِنَّمَٓا اَمْرُهُٓ اِذَٓا اَرَادَ شَيْئًا اَنْ يَقُولَ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ

فَسُبْحَانَ الَّذٖى بِيَدِهٖ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَاِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ