In this part, we continue our readings of “The Twentieth Letter” that shows us the source of happiness from the phrases “He has no partner” and “His is the dominion”.
“He has no partner”
Throughout history, it can be easily discerned that so as to receive what we desire, we have to go through many stages and people. For example, in order for a person in Africa to receive aid from the United Nation, that person will not go directly to the office of UN but have to encounter many officials who represent the UN. If the African man is lucky, these officials will meet his satisfaction; nonetheless, they can also make it more difficult or unjust for the African man in receiving his provision. The whole process of going through different officials, therefore, can be painstaking and exhaustive. That is why the phrase “He has no partner” brings happiness to the soul. It announces that God has no official, and a person’s prayers will be listened, attended and answered directly by God. This reality gives the soul freedom and relief because we do not have to fear and satisfy any person other than Allah.
“His is the dominion”
The phrase declares the Ownership of Allah over the universe and confirms to humans that they have no control and property. Our bodies are not ours; the environment is not ours, and even our sanity also does not belong to us. Therefore, the phrase “His is the dominion” tells us to completely trust and rely on Allah, the only Owner of the universe, the One who makes humans significant and worthy. We should not feel intimidated by the grief and misery of the world but rather enjoy what was happening as though we were watching a wonderful movie directed by Allah. All we can do is to pray that we will be amongst the right people who are loved by Allah.
2 Comments
Beautiful! I am quoting below from the 20th letter. ” the purest joy for human spirit and the sheerest delight for man’s heart is the rapture of the spirit contained within the love of God” . How wonderfully said.
Hence look no further for true happiness . It amazes me at times though how people strive to gain happiness and end up doing all the wrong things. It has always been there from the start of creation.
Niroshi, true that. We humans are so easily distracted, and the noises of this world can divert us from the right path to true happiness (family, wealth, fame etc.)
The reading from the Risale I Nur helps me to re-focus and purify my thoughts. I still get distracted, but posts and discussions like this remind me of God and what pure happiness means.
I particularly like the aspect that there is no middleman between us and God. The search for God is from within and personal. It is us who should take the step to find Him and focus our life on Him alone.