One of the greatest questions that forces us to reflect is:
“What is the true reality of a human being?”
According to the Holy Qur’an, there are two types of knowledge granted to mankind. In the same way, the human being is made up of two elements.
We have two forms of existence:
Animal Existence (Wujood-e-Haywani)
Spiritual Existence (Wujood-e-Roohani)
Just as these two forms of existence are distinct, each has its own independent intellect. The intellect of our animal existence is what we commonly know as the brain—and this kind of intellect is also present in animals, though in varying degrees. In humans, it is the highest evolved form of that same intellect.
Interestingly, the Qur’an never uses the word ‘aql (intellect) as a noun; instead, it uses it as a verb—a subtle but meaningful point worth pondering.
The intellect of our spiritual existence is called the heart (qalb). The heart is connected to the soul, and in humans, Allah has breathed into us His divine spirit (rooh-e-rabbani). This is the unique gift that sets mankind apart from all other creation.
One unique human instinct is this:
A human being always seeks someone or something to make the object of their love, pursuit, or ultimate desire.
To attain this object of desire, a person will strive, work hard, endure struggles, and even bear loss of life or wealth. This desired object could be a person, a possession, a wish, an idea, a dream, power, homeland, or something else entirely.
But the truth is—this instinct belongs to our spiritual existence, and its ultimate target is Allah.
Our true Beloved, our true Purpose, our true Goal is Allah alone.
He alone is the One worthy of enduring hardship for, of bearing hunger for, of sacrificing wealth and life for.
We must place the love of Allah above all other loves.
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