Man is apt to forget the contrasts
In nature and life, and all that they mean
In his spiritual growth. Perchance his mind
Is so absorbed in what he sees,
That he doubts the vast Realities
He does not see. The Present makes
Him Blind to the Past and to the Future.
Fooled by glory, he fears not a fall;
And baulked in disaster, he gives up Hope
And sometimes faith. Let him study
Nature and History, and restore his Faith:
Realising the Sure Event, the Hereafter,
Let him find his fullest fulfilment
In the service and the good-pleasure of God!
(A.Y. Ali, 1946)
"By the Break of Day" (Qur'an 89)
Four striking contrasts are mentioned , to show God's Power and justice, and appeal to "those who understand". The first is the glory of the Break of Day. It just succeeds the deepest dark of the night, when the first ray of light break through. Few people except those actually in personal touch with nature can feel its compelling power. In respect both of beauty and terror, of hope and inspiration, of suddenness and continuing increase of light and joy, this 'holy time' of night may well stand as the type of spiritual awakening from darkness to Faith, from Death to Resurrection.
Four striking contrasts are mentioned , to show God's Power and justice, and appeal to "those who understand". The first is the glory of the Break of Day. It just succeeds the deepest dark of the night, when the first ray of light break through. Few people except those actually in personal touch with nature can feel its compelling power. In respect both of beauty and terror, of hope and inspiration, of suddenness and continuing increase of light and joy, this 'holy time' of night may well stand as the type of spiritual awakening from darkness to Faith, from Death to Resurrection.
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