وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ ۖ وَلَلدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ ۗ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

“Wa mā al-ḥayātu al-dunyā illā lahwun wa laʿibun. Wa lal-dāru al-ākhiratu khayrun lil-ladhīna yattaqūn. Afalā taʿqilūn.”

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason? (Qur’an 7:32)

The revelation of the Qur’an during Laylatul Qadr highlights the constraints of human time. This night, exceeding the worth of a thousand months, cannot be pinned down to a specific date, showcasing a spiritual depth beyond human quantification. It’s a reminder of the divine moments that escape our full understanding, calling on Muslims to pursue this night with faith and devotion. This occasion underlines the eternal relevance of the Qur’an, prompting believers to contemplate the purpose of life and the fleeting nature of worldly existence.

Our time is too short. We cannot precisely mark the Qur’an’s momentous revelation on a calendar. As we understand, it was revealed during Laylatul Qadr, which falls on one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. This event encompasses profound spirituality and scientific depth.

Islam, while accessible in its presentation, harbours a depth that extends far beyond its outward form. This is akin to the metaphor of an iceberg, where what is visible to us is only a small fraction of its entirety. Beneath the surface lies a profound complexity. In Shaa Allah (God willing), we will explore how Marifa, which pertains to the unseen spiritual aspects, complements the Sharia, the outward legal framework of Islam. This analogy illuminates the comprehensive nature of Islam, encompassing both the visible practices and the deeper spiritual understanding.

Marifa, or Islamic spirituality, transcends the common domain, dwelling in a realm of exclusivity, akin to being behind closed doors on cloud nine. If you are solely versed in Sharia and this concept seems unfamiliar, you are not alone. This is the unseen spiritual and mathematical foundation beneath the pages of Sharia. Grasping it requires a learning curve; without specific training, its depths remain obscured.

A smartphone offers a pertinent analogy. We utilise its functions, like messaging on WhatsApp, without needing to be tech experts. Almost anyone can use a smartphone. Yet, the technology underlying these functions involves complex mathematics, the domain of iOS or Android developers who engineer the sophisticated backend operations we enjoy, oblivious to the intricate mathematics involved. As technology evolves, the underlying math is increasingly obscured, enhancing user experience. This evolution has given rise to UX Design, focusing solely on simplifying technology for the user.

Islam has been presented in a simplified form. However, the visible exterior is just the tip of the iceberg; a vast complexity runs beneath. The world may seem vast, yet it pales in comparison to the immense paradise that lies beyond. Doesn’t Islam teach us that our earthly existence is merely a journey towards a far superior hereafter?