ভূমিকা

“Contemplation invites (man) towards good (deed) and its performance.” [^2] Short Expalantion Reflecting over one’s own state and that of the other people leads to the manifestation of the good, expiation of sins and illumination of the heart. It draws a person’s attention towards his Hereafter and brings about an increase in his or her (good) deeds.

Contemplation is a quality and an act of worship, the like of which there is none - just as the Noble Prophet (S) has said: “An hour of contemplation is superior to an entire year’s worship.” Only he, upon whose heart Allah has cast His glance and illuminated it with the light of His cognizance, can reach the station of contemplation, whereupon he then begins to perceive the world with a vision of comprehension and understanding, and never becomes heedless of Allah.[^3] Rabi’ah Rabi’ah Ibn Ka’b reports: “Once, the Noble Prophet (S) said to me: “O’ Rabi’ah!

You have been serving me for seven years and therefore, will you not ask for something from me in order that I grant it to you?” “O’ Prophet of Allah! Grant me some time in order that I may reflect over the matter,” I requested. The next day, when I had arrived in his presence, the Prophet (S) said: “O’ Rabi’ah! Speak out your wish.” “Pray to Allah that He makes me enter Paradise along with you!” I said.

Hearing this request, he inquired, “Who is it that has taught you to seek this from me?” “No one has taught it to me. I considered that if I sought great wealth, it would eventually get exhausted; if I sought a long life and numerous children, the ultimate eventuality would be death; hence, as a result of this contemplation, I eventually opted for this request,” I replied.