REMEMBRANCE
AND REFLECTION
Abu Sulayman al-Darani (d. 215 AH), a notable Sufi scholar of the 3rd century AH, once said: “When I leave my house, there is nothing my eyes fall upon except that I see in it a blessing from God upon me, and a lesson for reflection.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 2, p. 184)
Hasan al-Basri (21–110 AH), an influential early Islamic scholar, jurist, and hadith expert from the generation following the companions, said: “Reflecting for one moment is better than standing in prayer for the entire night.” (Hilyat al-Awliya by Abu Nu‘aym, Vol. 6, p. 271)
Sufyan ibn Uyaynah (107–198 AH), a prominent hadith scholar and jurist, said:
“Reflection is a light that enters the heart.” He would often recite this verse:
“When a person possesses the habit of reflection, then in everything there is a lesson for him.” (Hilyat al-Awliya by Abu Nu‘aym, Vol. 7, p. 306)
It is reported in one narration that Prophet Jesus, son of Mary, said: “Blessed is the one whose speech is remembrance of God, whose silence is reflection, and whose gaze is a source of insight.” (Tarikh Dimashq by Ibn ‘Asakir, Vol. 68, p. 43)
The true essence of religion lies in contemplation and reflection. These are not merely outward rituals or routine acts; they are living, conscious processes that arise from a deep awareness of God. This is the practice through which a person develops modesty and comes to appreciate looking upon others with well-wishing.
When the reality of God is unveiled to someone—with all its majesty and perfection—a new light dawns in their mind. Their soul is awakened by divine radiance. Such a person is transformed—inwardly and outwardly. Whether they speak or remain silent, look or listen, walk or pause—everything becomes filled with divine light. For them, the whole world becomes a banquet of spiritual sustenance spread out by the Lord.
This is the kind of person who truly deserves to be called a believer in God. They are the ones whose inner life is rich with remembrance and whose outer life is shaped by reflection. They live with presence, humility, and constant awareness of the higher reality.
