God and His Messenger Know Best

Editor

"The example of guidance and knowledge with which God has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rain water and God benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends God's religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge) which God has revealed through me (the Prophets and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take God's guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)" [Al-Bukhari, “Knowledge”, 20.]

The Companions of Prophet Muhammad, the very first addressees of the Qur’an and the Sunna (the Prophet's way of life, sayings, and confirmations) in Islamic history, refrained from immediately answering questions that were posed to them by the second most primary source of religion, the Prophet Muhammad. Though, upon immediate assessment, this situation might bring to mind the issue of whether they entertained any idea with regards to the answer, when the text of similar authenticated Prophetic Traditions are examined, it is not to difficult to see that their reluctance lies in their manners. The first words of the inhabitants of this blessed era, raised with the erudition of the verse “O you who believe! Do not be forward in the Presence of God and His Messenger,” have turned into a collective statement of reverence.

The earth most certainly has an opinion too, but it keeps to itself its finite gaze. It knows that the first drop granting it discernment will come from the heavens.

“God and his Messenger know best…”

Rain presents its drops to each earth with the same generosity. In order to absorb it, it must remain silent, even if it knows.

Modest bowing of the head pleases knowledge, such that it ever so joyfully nurtures the rose in the heart of silence.

The earth most certainly has an opinion too, but it keeps to itself its finite gaze. It knows that the first drop granting it discernment will come from the heavens.

 “Do you know what … is?”

“God and His Messenger know best.”

The rain presents its drops to each earth with the same grace. In order to become a lake, one must hold back their desires.

Conscious kneelings are pleasing to wisdom; it expounds its particulars in the powerless perception of its addressee.

And the earth too surely has a word to say, but abashed, it holds to itself its delicate views. It knows that the first drop granting it insight will come from the heavens.

 “Do you know…?”

“God and His Messenger know best.”

The rain presents its drops to every soil with the same justice. To lose the blessing, it is enough that one ‘see’ as a disbeliever.

The Owner of the skies, clouds, earth and those created from the earth, Glorified be He, is pleased with gratitude and declaration of His being free of all defect, but loves not ungratefulness and lack of appreciation. He forever hides from the thankless earth – which cannot hold his tongue, knows not itself, and has no foresight – the reality of His Essence.

Not even once having absorbed the rain or having given it the highest regard, it cannot quite see the celestial realm and knows not that it will fall into the deepest pits of sorrow.

One must invite the questions and answers overflowing within to silence and, what is more, welcome the cloud, so that the Angel who brings down the rain on its wing, may bring knowledge and tranquility along with it.

God’s Messenger was sitting at the Prophet’s Mosque surrounded by his Companions when three people approached him. Two of them turned towards the Prophet and the third person left. One of the two who remained found a space in the crowd and seated himself there. The other sat behind the congregation. And the third person left. When the Prophet finished his speech, he said the following (about them):

"Shall I tell you about these three persons? One of them be-took himself to God, so God took him into His grace and mercy and accommodated him, the second felt shy from God, so God sheltered Him in His mercy (and did not punish him), while the third turned his face from God and went away, so God turned His face from him likewise." (Bukhari, ‘Ilm, 8)

When the Qur’an and the Sunna speak, one should recall the earth onto which rain falls. One must be envious of the fertile and fruitful one and thus expand their heart.

One must invite the questions and answers overflowing within to silence and, what is more, welcome the cloud, so that the Angel who brings down the rain on its wing, may bring knowledge and tranquility along with it.

One must either receive and absorb the drops of mercy, or show reverence...