The Divine Gift Of Speech & Its Role In The Human Progress
The Qur’an tells us that Allah “taught man articulate speech or bayan”. Word bayan means to uncover or to express clearly, referring to the human ability to convey their thoughts, emotions, and knowledge through words. This gift of communication is essential for the human civilization enabling us to share our ideas, to collaborate, and build societies.
From Islamic & scientific perspective, speech is not just a simple act of sound production it is a profound ability that reflects both divine wisdom and the complexity of the human’s mind. Speech involves multiple systems in the body working together in which brain plays a central role, with areas like Broca & Wernicke processing the language and the meaning.
The lungs, vocal cords, tongue, and the mouth coordinate to produce the sounds, which are shaped into words. But speech is much more than just sounds it is the ability to associate these sounds with certain meanings. When we use the words to describe something like an object or idea they bring images & concepts in listener’s mind, even if that thing isn’t present.
In modern science, language is considered as one of key traits that set humans apart from other species. While animals communicate through sounds and signals, human language is far more complex. We can talk about the past and future, discuss things we cannot see, and can convey emotions & philosophical ideas. This is an unique ability humans have.
Scientists today explain that the languages have developed naturally over time as the people found their own ways to express their thoughts, shaped by their environment and their cultural needs. For example, if we see the vocabulary of people living in the deserts, it differs from those living in the coastal areas because their daily experiences are different.
Linguists call this process language evolution, and it aligns with the Qur’anic idea that the people were inspired to create the languages through their innate nature or fitra. This also explains why languages differ across regions reflecting the spiritual, the social, and major difference between the shift of environmental conditions of different communities existing.
“And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors” – (Ar-Rum : 22)
Regardless of interpretation, message is clear : The articulate speech is a divine gift that shapes human nature and it also enables us to fulfill our purpose on this Earth !
Day Dreaming: An Act Of Satan
“Avoid wishing and daydreaming; it destroys the beauty of Allah’s Favours to you.”~ Imam Jafar Sadiq (a)
We often find ourselves lost in dreams about a life that could be, wishing for more, or imagining a different reality. Imam Sadiq (a) warns that this constant day dreaming can make us lose sight of the beauty of Allah’s blessings that surround us daily. Imagine the peace & fulfillment we’d feel if we cherished what’s in front of us. Pause, reflect, & see how much Allah has already given.
“Keep away from day-dreaming, for it removes the gladness with what you had been thinking of, and you would belittle Allah’s gifts that are in your presence.”~ Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a)
Daydreaming often takes us away from the present, clouding our joy & making us overlook what we have. When we’re consumed with what we don’t have, we risk blessings that are right before us. Imam (a) reminds us: don’t allow endless wishes to steal happiness of today. True gladness comes from recognizing & appreciating our current blessings, however small they may seem.
“Daydreaming is an act of undue concern, frequently a trap of Satan, bringing regret and restlessness.”~ Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a)
Endless wishing often leads to disappointment, regret, and inner turmoil. Imam al-Baqir (a) explains that Satan uses these unattainable desires to entangle us, leaving us with a restless heart. When we become consumed with “what could be,” we sacrifice our peace and allow regret to fill the gaps. Instead, let’s trust in Allah’s wisdom, content with the reality He has placed us in. True peace comes not from wishing, but from accepting.
“The one who daydreams weakens his strength, losing energy for actions that truly matter.”~ Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a)
Every time we allow ourselves to be pulled into fantasies, we lose a bit of our energy and focus. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a) reminds us that our strength lies in being present, investing in actions that actually impact our lives. Daydreaming robs us of the energy we need to pursue meaningful goals, drawing us into a cycle of inaction. By choosing to focus on what’s real, we strengthen our spirit and empower ourselves to move forward with purpose.
In a world that often pushes us to constantly want more, let’s remember the power of gratitude. When we cherish our current blessings, we get to experience a depth of peace that daydreaming could never offer. Life’s beauty lies in appreciating what we have today, gifted to us by Allah.
Instead of getting lost in the possibilities, let’s find joy in the certainty of now!
The Concept Of Meditation In Islam
Islamic meditation can begin in simple moments: sitting quietly in reflection after Fajr, strolling through nature, or even pausing during the day to breathe and remember Allah. These moments offer chance for us to reflect on His names, witness His signs in creation, and reconnect with His presence in our lives.
And as we read in Dua Kumayl : “And by your names, which have filled the foundations of all things”. A flower, for example, reflects Al-Jameel (The Beautiful) in its own limited way, displaying beauty, and Ar-Razzaq (The Provider) by offering nectar to the bees.
The creation with the greatest potential to reflect Allah’s names is the human being, with the Prophet (saw) as the ultimate example, perfectly embodying these qualities as Rahmatul Lil Aalameen i.e, a mercy to all worlds. The 99 beautiful names of Allah aren’t just something we learn; each name invites us to shape our thoughts, our actions, and our character in its numerous reflections.
By drawing closer to Allah, we too can increase our capacity to reflect on his bounties & then His light in this world, and we can become vessels of His mercy, wisdom, and compassion. Allah the lord of the two worlds says in the Holy Qur’an : “And to Allah belong the best of names, so invoke Him by them.” Each of Allah’s names holds immense wisdom and serves as a guide-post for the living with a purpose.
When we try to reflect on the name Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), it will remind us to soften our hearts, to forgive others, and to choose kindness over judgment & vengeance. Allah’s boundless mercy reaches us in numerous ways and He forgives our repeated mistakes & provides for us our rizq, and guides us back to the right path when we are astray.
Another beautiful name to reflect upon is As-Sattar, the One who conceals our faults and flaws. This name reflects on Allah’s compassionate mercy, as He gently shields our mistakes from the scrutiny of others. When we pour our hearts out to Allah, acknowledging our imperfections, we find peace in His promise to conceal and forgive us.
This invites us to extend the same softness to those around us, & by encouraging mindfulness and kindness instead of judgment. It means turning away from gossip, resisting the urge to criticize, and giving others the space to grow.
By choosing to look beyond the surface, we see others as Allah sees us with compassion and patience. Each time if we covered one another’s fault, we embody Allah’s mercy in this finite world and we hold up a mirror to our souls, whose reflection reveals to us our strengths & weakness.
It is narrated in Tafsir Ayyashi that Imam Sadiq (a) when asked about Allah’s zikr in Qur’an he said the following :By Prophet Muhammad (saw) the hearts comes at peace, and Muhammad (saw) is the zikr of Allah & Allah’s veil !
Decoding the Prohibition of Music in Islam: An In-Depth Analysis
When we talk about music, we are actually referring to the complete body of work that one is listening to, that includes the sounds (instruments) and the lyrics.Music can be considered as an art concerned with the combination of vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or emotional expression, usually cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and harmony in most Western music.
Both simple folk songs and complex electronic compositions are related. Both are humanely engineered; Both are conceptual and auditory, and these factors have been present in music in all styles and all periods of history, all over the world.
Mental diseases are influenced by the central nervous system, which is responsible for generating heat and generating secondary and central nerves. Overstimulation of the nervous system can lead to feelings of lethargy, sleepiness, thoughtlessness, forgetfulness, grief, sadness, fainting, unconsciousness & in extreme cases, even death.
Music creates vibrations within the body, which are carried by the nervous system. These vibrations can cause indigestion, irregular heartbeats, and a range of physical disorders. Continuous exposure can lead to permanent ill health & can lead to death of ear follicles leading to permanent deafness.
” So avoid the uncleanliness of idols and avoid false statement “(Al-Hajj : Verse 30)
The term “false statement” in the hadiths of Ahlulbayt has been interpreted to refer to music. When asked about the prohibition of music in the Quran, the Ahlulbayt consistently cited a specific verse, explaining that the prohibition of “false statement” in the verse refers to singing (music).
” They shall not hear therein vain or sinful discourse “(Al-Waqi’ah : Verse 25)
The term “vain or sinful discourse” is also mentioned in the hadiths of Ahlulbayt as a reference to condemn music.
To overcome the sin of music, start by sincerely repenting to Allah and recognizing its harmful impact on your spiritual state. Gradually reduce your exposure by replacing music with Qur’an recitation, duas, and other beneficial activities to uplift your soul.If controlling this habit is difficult at first, you can listen to vocal tracks without beats or vain talk, but only in extreme cases.
This will help ease the transition as you work toward fully abandoning music.With time, and a focus on seeking Allah’s pleasure, you will be able to leave this sin completely, purifying your heart and strengthening your connection with Him.
In conclusion, listening to or producing entertaining music, regardless of context, is considered haram in Islam. There is no solid basis for the permissibility of music in Islam; learning should come from the Book of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet and his holy progeny. Engaging in acts of worship that cultivate a deeper connection with Allah is paramount. Such commitment not only fortifies our faith but also aligns our lives with true principles of Islam.
” Surely Allah loves those who always turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves ”(Al Baqarah : Verse 222)
